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.
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
- Primary documents and sources are linked for verification.
- The report exposes a voter registration crisis within the Democratic Party, highlighting targeted efforts by nonpartisan groups to influence likely Democratic voters.
- VPC and CVI's strategies in Virginia raise concerns about voter privacy and the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the fall elections.
- The involvement of known Democratic operatives in voter registration efforts may impact perceptions of nonpartisan organizations and their credibility.
What’s next
- Virginia's Department of Elections will monitor VPC-CVI's mailings for compliance with voter registration laws.
- Upcoming elections in Virginia will be closely watched for the effects of these voter registration tactics on turnout and voter confusion.