Texas Counties Deliver

Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR)

What is a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR)?

A Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) is an official authorized to register voters in the State of Texas.

Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) are:

  • Appointed by the county’s Voter Registrar
  • Trusted to help increase voter registration in their community
  • Trained to follow Texas election laws when accepting voter registration applications

Being a VDR is an important way to help others participate in democracy!

Qualifications

To be appointed as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar, a person must:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • be a United States citizen;
  • 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; and
  • be a resident of the State of Texas.

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How to be a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR)

  1. Contact the Caldwell County Elections Department.
    • You’ll receive information on how training will be offered and completed.
  2. Complete the required training and exam.
    • After satisfactory completion, you will be officially appointed as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar.
  3. Receive your appointment and materials.
    • You’ll be issued:
      • A Certificate of Appointment, and
      • Either a receipt book or voter registration applications with tear-off receipts.
  4. Follow county-specific procedures.
    • You will be informed of:
      • Local procedures for processing voter registration applications, and
      • The fact that only state law or the Secretary of State can set requirements for voter registration.
  5. Important Reminder:
    • You may NOT accept a voter registration application from another person until you have completed training approved by the Secretary of State.

 

  • Option 1: In-Person Training

    Location:
    Caldwell County Elections Department
    1403 Blackjack St., Lockhart, TX 78644

    Training Details:

    • Class Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes
    • Class Size: Limited to 10 participants
    • Registration Required: At least 24 hours in advance

    How to Register:

    • Email: caldwellec@co.caldwell.tx.us
    • Call: (512) 668-4347

    Important Reminders:

    • You cannot accept voter registration applications until you have received your Certificate of Appointment.
    • No classes will be held during Early Voting or on Election Day.

    Option 2: Online Training

    We offer online training for Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) certification.

    Step 1: Review the Training
    View the complete Texas Volunteer Deputy Registrar Training (click the link to begin).

    Step 2: Schedule Your Exam
    After reviewing the training, call our office at (512) 668-4347 to schedule your exam date and time.

    Step 3: Certification
    Once you complete and pass the exam:

    • You will receive your VDR materials
    • You will be issued your Certificate of Appointment

    Already a VDR in Another County?

    If you have already completed Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) training in another Texas county and wish to receive reciprocity in Caldwell County:

    Step 1: Call to Make an Appointment
    Contact our office at (512) 668-4347 to schedule a time. This helps us ensure someone is available to assist you.

    Step 2: Bring Your Certificate
    At your appointment, bring your Certificate of Appointment from the county where you were originally trained. This document is required to confirm your status and complete your appointment in Caldwell County.

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