Your Guide to Becoming a VDR
Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDRs) are trained volunteers who are entrusted to assist citizens in registering to vote. Ideally, getting people registered means more people are voting. Everyone participating in our democracy makes it a stronger democracy. This guide is designed to explain what a VDR is, their responsibilities and how to become one.
What is a Volunteer Deputy Registrar?
A VDR is a volunteer who is trained and authorized to register eligible voters in their county of appointment
Key responsibilities of a VDR:
Providing voter registration applications.
Assisting (with limitations) individuals in completing their applications.
Delivering completed applications to the voter registrar's office.
Why Volunteer as a Deputy Registrar?
Last year, VDRs in Travis County registered thousands of people to vote. As a VDR, you can register folks while sitting at a coffee shop or organize a registration event of any size. It’s up to you how you reach folks. This community engagement can increase voter turnout.
Personally, it is rewarding to be a VDR. You make a tangible difference in the democratic process, and you can reach communities that may be overlooked. There can be community building by asking a local shop or organization if you can register people at their store or next event.
Requirements to Become a VDR in Texas
If you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and Texas resident, you’re likely eligible to take the training.
The following are other requirements:
not have been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be
totally mentally incapacitated; or
partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote;
never have been convicted of failing to deliver a voter registration application to a voter registrar;
not have been finally convicted of a felony, or, if convicted, must have:
fully discharged the sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court; or
been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disability to vote;
not have been finally convicted of identity theft under Section 32.51 of the Penal Code;
If you are eligible to be a VDR, you should contact the voter registrar in your county. They will provide you with information about how training will be offered and completed. It’s offered online in many counties.
Once you complete training and are sworn in, the voter registrar will issue you a certificate of appointment. Basically, you’ll be assigned a number that you’ll use each time you register someone so that the state can tell who registered that person.
Being a VDR can be personally rewarding as well as being a valuable resource to the community. Setting up in a variety of places to register people gives you a better perspective of who is living in your city or county. This community engagement is rewarding and empowering. Though registering to vote does not guarantee that a person will actually vote, it may increase their likelihood of voting. Our democracy is strengthened by a large voter turnout.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer Deputy Registrar? Contact your county voter registrar today and start making a difference!
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