A recent report by The New York Times highlighted a significant voter registration crisis within the Democratic Party, revealing that organizations claiming nonpartisanship have been targeting likely Democratic voters. The report noted that these groups have historically relied on a network of nonprofits to register Black, Latino, and younger voters, with the assumption that most new registrants would vote Democratic.
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New records obtained by The Federalist indicate that the Voter Participation Center (VPC) and the Center for Voter Information (CVI) are continuing this strategy in Virginia ahead of the fall elections. Early voting in Virginia began on September 19, making these efforts particularly timely.
VPC, described as a left-of-center organization, has been conducting direct-mail campaigns aimed at demographics such as unmarried women, minorities, and millennials. Both VPC and CVI are led by CEO Tom Lopach, a known Democratic operative.
Communication records reveal that VPC's Executive Vice President, Lionel Dripps, contacted Virginia's Department of Elections on June 2, 2025, to inform them about a voter registration mailing scheduled for late August. Dripps requested updated voter registration forms to ensure compliance with new deadlines.
In follow-up communications, Dripps specified that the mailers would target newly eligible voters and those who had moved. The mailings, which include a QR code for online registration, are designed to facilitate voter registration through VPC and Rock the Vote, another left-leaning organization.
Dripps also inquired about any voter registration communications that the Department of Elections might be sending out, indicating a desire to coordinate efforts. The department's External Affairs Manager, Andrea Gaines, confirmed the accuracy of VPC-CVI's mailings but cautioned against pre-filling voter registration applications due to past confusion among voters.
This concern echoes frustrations expressed by officials in other states, including Maryland, where Attorney General Anthony Brown issued a cease-and-desist order against VPC-CVI for sending misleading letters to voters. Such actions have raised alarms about voter privacy and the integrity of the electoral process.
As Virginia prepares for its upcoming elections, the tactics employed by these organizations may continue to draw scrutiny, particularly as they navigate the fine line between voter outreach and potential voter confusion.
Why it matters
- The report reveals a targeted effort by nonpartisan groups to register likely Democratic voters, raising concerns about voter manipulation.
- VPC and CVI's strategies in Virginia highlight the ongoing challenges of voter registration and potential misinformation ahead of elections.
- The involvement of known Democratic operatives in voter registration efforts raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
What’s next
- Virginia's Department of Elections will monitor VPC-CVI's mailings for compliance as early voting continues.
- Investigations into VPC-CVI's practices may escalate following concerns from officials in multiple states.
- Voter registration deadlines are approaching, prompting increased scrutiny of outreach tactics.
