Sherry Peterson
Voter Registration Chairman
Voter registration and encouraging the vote are both extremely important, particularly in preparation for the upcoming election in the fall of 2008. With this in mind the Voter Registration Committee has developed a basic plan for local clubs to use as a guide when planning their Voter Registration events. We have also developed an award opportunity to encourage local clubs to get out and conduct the events. Thank you to my committee for their support; Terri Landon, Guadalupe Co. RW, Judy Perkins, Tri-County RW, and Sandra White, Bayou RW.
We look forward to hearing from you with input and ideas you may have for voter registration. Local Club Presidents please send me the name of your club Voter Registration Chair, along with their phone number, address and email so I may stay in touch with them throughout the year. Thanks.
VOTER REGISTRATION
AWARD CRITERIA
2008-2009
1. Application must be submitted on time – 9/12/09.
2. Clubs will be categorized by size – small, medium or large.
3. Total events held by the club must be at least 2, and the club must name a Voter Registration Chair.
4. Clubs with the largest number of voters registered will win in their category.
5. Ties will be broken by totaling the following numbers:
o number of people changing their current voter registration card, i.e. address changes, etc…
o number of people provided with voter information
o number of events held by the club
o number of Deputy Voter Registrars in the club
The club with the largest numbers in these criteria will break the tie and be awarded.
6. Each club winning in their category will be recognized and awarded at the 2009 TFRW convention.
VOTER REGISTRATION
“SHARING THE OPPORTUNITY”
THE OPPORTUNITY
Any United States citizen may vote provided they are
· a resident of the county
· at least 18 years of age on Election Day
· registered to vote
· not a convicted felon (unless a person’s sentence is completed, including any probation or parole)
· not declared mentally disabled by a court of law
The freedom afforded us in this country to go to the polls and have a voice (a vote) in who our leaders will be, and laws that will be passed, is absolutely an opportunity. This should not be taken for granted, nor should it be ignored. No one should be left out for any reason if they meet the qualifications described above. Many people do not realize how much their votes impact the successes of our country and our leadership. This opportunity is a huge responsibility for all citizens.
SHARING THE OPPORTUNITY
As committed Republican Women we must share the opportunity to vote. We need to make ourselves available in our communities to assist in registering to vote, educating the public on the vote (elections, equipment, etc.), and where to vote. Sometimes reminding and encouraging people to vote is all that is needed, but that is equally important in today’s busy society.
GETTING STARTED
Each Republican Women’s Club should appoint a Voter Registration Chairman.
Deputize club members-to be able to register voters you must be a Deputy Voter Registrar. Anyone can issue voter registration cards, but only the voter registrar of your county and volunteer deputy registrars can accept completed applications. The process is easy. Simply contact your local voter registrar and have them conduct voter registration education and training, and deputize your members. A good idea is to have it before or after a regularly scheduled meeting. Announce it beforehand and encourage members to participate.
VOTER REGISTRATION EVENTS
First, plan dates and times for voter registration events, and attempt to schedule them in a timely manner according to the election timelines.
Secondly, sign up deputized members to assure the dates and times will be covered.
Book locations* to hold the event.
Suggestions for locations;
· Civic groups in your community
· Businesses (grocery stores, local marts, hospitals, fitness centers, etc…)
· Churches
· High schools for graduating seniors
· Local festivals, rodeos, games, etc…
· Assisted Living Centers (may be able to assist residents, visitors, and staff)
· Naturalization Ceremonies for new citizens
*When approaching the person in charge of the location, make sure they are aware that this is a non-partisan event.
SETTING UP THE VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT
Set up your work/display table in an area where it will be visible to lots of people, if allowed to do so by the person in charge of the location.
Place Register to Vote signs inside, outside, or near the location.
The registration area should be pleasant, professional, and organized in appearance.
Have voter information available to the public, such as; the dates of early voting, upcoming election dates and the location of the polls.
Smile and welcome people as they pass by or approach the table to register or seek information.
Register voters according to the guidelines provided in the Voter Registration Handbook which was provided by the Voter Registrar to all deputized registrars in the training sessions.
Deputy Voter Registrars should have their Certification of Deputation on display during the event.
EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS
Keep a record of those who register to vote, those who make a change to their voter registration (address or name change), and those who were provided with information.
The Voter Registration Chair for your club should present this information to the members of the club.
By keeping this type of information on record the club will know where to focus their efforts the next time.
CLUB AWARDS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
Voter registration is included as award points for the TFRW John Goodwin Tower Award of Excellence.
Clubs with the most activity based on their membership numbers will be awarded a cash award (to be determined).
· small club-less than 50 members
· medium sized club- 50 to 100 members
· large club-greater than 100 members
*Club application for cash award to be submitted by
September 12, 2009 to:
Sherry Peterson, Voter Registration Chairman
Email to sriskman@aol.com
TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN
2008 – 2009 VOTER REGISTRATION AWARD FORM
NAME OF CLUB: ____________________________________________________________
CLUB PRESIDENT: ___________________________________________________________
CLUB VOTER REGISTRATION CHAIRMAN: ______________________________________
1. Number of Deputy Voter Registrars in club _____
2. Number of voter registration events held (Should be at least 2 in a 2 year time period) _____
3. Number of voters of registered at planned events _________
Include the following, if possible:
4. Number of persons changing their current voter registration card i.e. address, name,
etc… _____
5. Number of persons provided with information i.e. mail-in registration, voting locations/dates etc… _____
6. Number of voters registered by members individually (not at a planned event) _____
TOTAL #3 AND #6 __________
Submitted by-
Name: ________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________
Submit by September 12, 2009 to:
Sherry Peterson, Voter Registration Chair
sriskman@aol.com