Grant rules as voter‑access levers

Federal spending rules can be rewritten to block nonprofits from doing voter registration and related outreach, effectively turning routine grant administration into a tool for limiting who gets practical help to participate in elections. The OMB proposal — led by Russell Vought — and related agency letters (Education Dept. work‑study guidance) show how budget and regulatory mechanics, not just laws, can restrict outreach to disabled, elderly, and other hard‑to‑reach voters. — If adopted, such administrative changes could reduce turnout among historically marginalized groups and normalize using spending rules to shape electoral participation, shifting how democracy is contested.