A county agency shall provide voter registration cards to every individual eligible to vote who applies for a public assistance program at the time application is made. The agency shall also make voter registration cards available to a public assistance recipient upon the recipient’s request or at the time of the recipient’s eligibility redetermination. The county agency shall assist applicants and recipients in completing the voter registration cards, as needed. Applicants must be informed that completion of the cards is optional. Completed forms shall be collected by agency employees and submitted to proper election officials.