Biden Administration’s Efforts to Boost Voter Registration
The Biden administration reportedly utilized the Department of Energy’s (DOE) initiatives to promote voter registrations during mid-2022. The department’s Weather Assistance Program (WAP), which aims to reduce energy expenses for low-income households, has been a key focus. According to sources, the administration has been guiding participants of this program toward participating in elections.
In preparation for the midterm elections, the DOE introduced the “Energized To Vote” campaign, specifically targeting low-income households that qualify for the energy assistance initiatives. A memorandum from September 2021 mentions that the DOE’s strategy is to engage individuals involved with the weatherization program, potentially decreasing barriers for disabled voters at polling locations. Notably, they aimed to register first-time voters, college students, voters with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
Back in March 2021, President Biden signed an order requesting federal agencies to assist in boosting voter registration. This directive effectively reversed a previous order from Donald Trump’s administration in early 2025. Following Biden’s executive measure, the DOE has directed voter information resources to around 35,000 households participating in the Energy Welfare Program.
The WAP was created during Jimmy Carter’s presidency in 1976 to provide energy-efficient services to impoverished American households, particularly targeting those at or below 200% of the poverty line. Other federal agencies in the Biden administration have similarly encouraged voter registration and turnout, with USDA partnering with progressive policy organizations to enhance voter participation.
Looking ahead to 2024, there has been speculation that Democrats may not fare as well as predicted in future elections. Historically, voters who did not participate in earlier elections leaned toward Democratic candidates, but some analyses indicate a potentially different trend this time around, especially if voter turnout increases in favor of Trump.
Though federal laws prohibit agencies from promoting partisan voting, Biden’s actions have drawn criticism. Several attorney generals have condemned the administration’s approach, arguing that it could transform the federal bureaucracy into a tool for voter registration. Republican Congress members have echoed these concerns, suggesting that such measures threaten electoral integrity and public confidence in the process.
The DOE has not commented on these developments as of yet.
