Elections board to begin third party registration training

Beginning on July 2, 2014, the Department of Elections and local general registrars will begin conducting voter registration drive training mandated by § 24.2-416.6.

The law requires individuals or groups requesting twenty-five (25) or more voter registration applications from the Department of Elections or local voter registration offices to register and receive State Board of Elections-certified training for conducting voter registration drives.

The training will cover topics including best practices for completion of the voter registration application, maintaining the integrity of the voter registration process, prohibited activities, important deadlines for submission of completed applications, and laws protecting the privacy of applicants as well as information including the restoration of felon voting rights. While many groups and individuals completed the training last year, the Department requires certifications be renewed annually to ensure these groups and individuals are up-to-date on any changes to laws, regulations, and policies.

Secretary Don Palmer said, “The voter registration process is key to the conduct of our elections in the Commonwealth. The State Board of Elections is pleased with the attendance we had last year and are looking forward to providing this important training again. It is our belief that additional training for those handling voter registration forms will continue to improve the secure and timely handling of voter registration forms and deter potential improper behavior.”

The Department of Elections will be hosting in-person training at its offices at 1100 Bank St. Richmond, VA 23219. To register for one of the scheduled trainings listed below, please e-mail Garry Ellis at [email protected].

Individuals and groups can also obtain training materials in local voter registration offices. Online training available via SBE’s website is expected to be available in the coming weeks.

The State Board of Elections encourages all groups involved in the voter registration process to participate in these training opportunities, including our interactive online training. Additional information is available at the Department of Elections’ website: www.sbe.virginia.gov beginning July 1.