Everyone who is eligible to vote can cast a ballot and have their opinion counted. The first step is to have everyone register to vote.  Since not everyone knows how to register, you can assist those who are eligible to register to vote by becoming a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR).

Check your county’s voter website (scroll down page for county list) for information on volunteer deputy registrar (VDR) training.   Since each county website is different, you may have to hunt a bit for “vdr” or “registrar” but will find it can be as easy as attending a one to two-hour training in person or online.  In some counties (Harris), the training is via ZOOM.

You may serve up to two years.  All terms expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. Then you reapply and train again for another term.

All volunteer deputy registrars can participate in voter registration events and hold registration events through October 11 for individuals desiring to vote in the fall 2022 midterm elections. Registrations are allowed up to 30 days before an election. Those whose registrations are received after the deadline can vote in future elections.

Once you are a volunteer deputy registrar you can register voters at a library, a college or anywhere you wish:  a local coffee shop, place of worship, or your gym.  In particular, check with your local high school. All high school principals in Texas are supposed to have in place a plan to register their seniors to vote.  You may be able to help your principals and school districts meet that requirement by registering students during their senior level social studies, government or economics class.

Georgia Kimmel

WHCB Public Policy Chair

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