Voter Registration Agencies
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 requires states to provide voter registration opportunities through state agencies that provide public assistance and services. The intent of this requirement is to increase voter registration opportunities, encourage voter participation, and to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The State of Texas passed legislation to address the above requirements and to ensure compliance with the federal law. Chapter 20 of the Texas Election Code (TEC) outlines the programmatic requirements and specifically designates the following state agencies as voter registration agencies:
- Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC);
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC);
- Department of Public Safety (DPS);
- Each public library, including any branch or other service outlet; and
- Any other agency or program as determined by the Secretary of State that primarily provides public assistance or services to persons with disabilities.
As the chief election official for the State of Texas, the Secretary of State is responsible for the coordination of all voter registration activities, including those of state agencies designated as voter registration agencies, to ensure compliance with both state and federal law. As such, it is the role of this office to work collaboratively with all designated state agencies by providing educational resources, stakeholder training, program oversight, and voter registration materials to assist with implementation planning and the provision of voter registration opportunities.
We encourage all agencies to utilize the resources below in developing voter registration programs. For additional information related to implementing these requirements or on voter registration in Texas, please contact our office at (800)252-8683 or at Elections.
