Volunteer Deputy Registrar

Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDRs) assist citizens register to vote, answering questions how to properly complete and submit the registration applications. Fort Bend County greatly appreciates the time and effort our VDRs contribute.

All VDRs must complete a certification exam every new two-year term, to reflect knowledge of any changes to law or procedure.

FOR INDIVIDUALS ALREADY CERTIFIED AS A VDR FROM A COUNTY OTHER THAN FORT BEND.

If you're already certified as a VDR for the current two-year 2023-2024 term in any of the other 253 Texas Counties, all you need do is present that County's certificate and your valid Texas ID here at the main office where we'll photocopy the other county's certificate for our records and have you fill out our application form to immediately be reciprocated as a Fort Bend VDR. No appointment for VDR reciprocation is necessary, although a courtesy call to the office (281-341-8670) well be appreciated if more than two VDRs will visit our office together.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT ALREADY CERTIFIED AS A VDR IN FORT BEND.

If you wish to become a VDR in Fort Bend County, you have two options available to you:

1. Attend a scheduled group in-person review class, (locations and dates are shown below) OR
2.  Review the Texas Secretary of State Volunteer Deputy Guide on your own and complete an in-person exam at the Elections Administration main office.

WHICHEVER OPTION THE INDIVIDUAL CHOOSES, THE FOLLOWING STEPS APPLY:

• To begin the process, complete the application found here .(File includes fillable form fields). 
• Print, sign, and return the form to VDR@fortbendcountytx.gov.  You may also fax to 281-341-4418, or mail to Fort Bend County Elections, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469.
• After receipt of your application, you will be sent the latest version of the Texas Secretary of State Voluntary Deputy guide (pdf) by email, to the address provided to us in your application.
• Following your review of the training guide, please email VDR@fortbendcountytx.gov or call (281-341-8670) indicating your desire to attend a group in-person review, or to schedule an appointment for the exam. A Texas identification must be provided at the time the certification exam is administered, whichever listed option is followed.

1. For Group In-Person review classes, include in your email, your full name, telephone contact number, preferred training class and any prior VDR class you have had with Fort Bend County or any other Texas county VDR certification for the current term (2023-2024). You must reserve a seat in order to attend any VDR class. Absolutely no walk-ins are allowed. Persons arriving late may be turned away. 
2. For the Self Review and in-person appointment to attempt the exam, the appointments are held at the Elections Office, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A-400, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

• All VDR applicants must satisfactorily complete a Texas Secretary of State-approved, written 20-question exam, to confirm your knowledge of the Voter Registration process and the responsibility of Volunteer Deputy Registrars.  Satisfactory completion of the exam is attaining a minimum of 18 correct answers and only two attempts to pass the exam are allowed per training session or office appointment.
• For scheduled group in-person review classes, the exam is administered immediately following the instructor-led review.

1. For in-person exams administered following applicant self-reviews, we offer twelve 30-minute appointment slots per day, with a maximum of two people per time slot.  Slots are available between 8:30 am-11:30 am and 1pm-4:30pm; each Monday-Friday workday.
2. Following successful completion of the certification exam, VDR Registration materials will be issued to the VDR.

• Lastly, the Election Office will mail the VDR Certificate to address provided by the applicant.

SCHEDULED GROUP IN-PERSON REVIEW CLASS LOCATIONS AND DATES.

Fort Bend County is now offering quarterly in-person review classes for Voluntary Deputy Registrars. The classes will consist of an instructor-led review of the Texas Secretary of State Volunteer Deputy Guide, held at the following locations and dates.

To register for an in-person training course, contact Kevin Askam  at VDR@fortbendcountytx.gov to reserve a seat, or 281/341-8670.  

For more information, view the Texas Secretary of State's website Texas Volunteer Deputy Registrar Guide.  You are also welcome to download an Adobe pdf of the Training Guide for your own retention.