ATLANTA — Voter registration at citizenship ceremonies across metro Atlanta has declined significantly this year, with fewer than 500 new citizens registering to vote compared to more than 14,000 two years ago.
The decline follows a Trump administration policy that prevented nonprofit organizations from registering voters at most citizenship ceremonies.
The administration cited concerns about maintaining a nonpartisan environment during the ceremonies as the reason for the restrictions.
However, a federal judge has since blocked the policy, allowing volunteer organizations to resume voter registration efforts at the ceremonies.
Volunteers are expected to return to citizenship ceremonies next month.
The development comes as early voting continues across Georgia ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. President Donald Trump is also scheduled to hold a campaign rally in Dalton on Friday.