The Texas GOP is trying to suppress our right to vote, and we need your help fighting back. It’s no secret that Texas is shifting more blue each day. That’s why Texas Republicans have prioritized voter suppression, pushing extreme, anti-democracy legislation that puts up barriers to the ballot box using Trump’s Big Lie as an excuse.
Texas is already one of the hardest states in the nation to vote in. Thankfully, Senate Bill 7, the GOP’s priority anti-democracy legislation, was killed by Texas House Democrats when they courageously left the House chamber and broke quorum. Texas Democrats have also been meeting with Vice President Harris, House Speaker Pelosi, and a number of senators to push for voting rights legislation on the federal level. But they can’t continue the battle alone, and we need Texans on the ground fighting for democracy in communities across the state.
One of the most impactful ways you can protect our democracy at home is by becoming a Volunteer Deputy Registrar. Currently, Texas has over 3 million unregistered voters, many of whom are young, Texans of color. According to the Texas Democratic Party, 70% of those Texans are likely to vote Democrat, but only if they’re registered first. The intimidating voter registration process is itself a tool to suppress our vote — GOP leaders make it as difficult as possible to keep Texans from voting them out. But VDRs simplify that process, helping voters take the first step toward casting their ballot.
Volunteer Deputy Registrars are certified to register voters throughout their county, making their work crucial to strengthening our democracy and turning our state blue.
The process to become a VDR can vary from county to county, but the basics are the same across the state. Generally, it will involve a brief training, which some counties offer virtually, and you’ll remain certified until the end of 2022.
Becoming a VDR means you can distribute and accept voter registration applications, making the process easier for unregistered voters. Essentially, this involves giving a form to a voter, helping them fill it out, and returning that form to your county’s election office. It’s a simple and easy process, but make sure you are fully committed to your duties as a VDR, because failing to return voter application forms is a criminal penalty.
If you become a VDR, you’ll be on the frontlines of our democracy, where we need people the most. You’ll be able to combat voter suppression by directly increasing the number of eligible voters in Texas while the Texas GOP is trying to do the opposite.
Here is more info on becoming a VDR in the ten biggest counties in Texas:
Harris County is offering virtual VDR trainings on Zoom nearly every day through the month of June. You can also request a VDR training for your organization or group.
In Dallas, you can sign up for a virtual or in-person training, and then take your certification test at the Dallas County Elections office. You can also self-study materials in lieu of a training. If you’re registered as a VDR in another county, all you need to do is show the office your certification to get registered in Dallas.
To get registered, you will first need to review training materials and examination questions from the Texas Secretary of State. You can then book an appointment to complete your exam at the Tarrant County Elections Administration Office, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Bexar County is holding in-person VDR trainings one day per month. You must call to register, and each training is 30 minutes immediately followed by deputization.
Travis County offers hour-long, online VDR trainings. They also have an outreach team available each weekday to help answer questions.
Contact the VDR office to schedule a brief in-person training and examination. Collin County also offers periodic virtual VDR training labs.
You can register for an in-person VDR training class, offered once or twice per month. You will then need to complete an application for appointment and submit it to the Hidalgo County Elections office before your class.
El Paso County offers walk-in, in-person trainings each weekday from 8am to 4pm. The County is also offering virtual and private trainings for local groups, organizations, and businesses.
After you complete the online training class, bring your certificate to the voter registrar to get deputized and receive your supplies.
Complete the application on their website, and follow the instructions to submit it to the Fort Bend County Elections office. You will then be able to take an online training, complete the short exam, and receive your certification.
For all other Texas counties, the best way to find out how to become a VDR is to search online for your county’s Volunteer Deputy Registrar training page. If you can’t locate the information, contact your county’s elections office or voter registration department to request a training. Finally, you can reach out to the Texas Secretary of State for more information.
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