What is a Voter Registration Drive (VRD)? A VRD is a group of two or more persons who distribute and collect voter registration applications in Colorado.
Do VRDs have to register with the State? Yes. Any group of two or more persons distributing and collecting voter registration applications in the State of Colorado must register with the Secretary of State.
If a group only wants to pass out applications but doesn't wish to collect them back, are they required to register as a VRD? No. A group is only required to register as a VRD if it is both distributing and collecting applications.
Why does my organization have to register to conduct a Voter Registration Drive? Colorado law requires that VRDs register with the Secretary of State's office and complete a training course on applicable laws before beginning voter registration activities.
How can I find out if the person who asked for my registration information is part of a legitimate VRD? The Secretary of State's website contains a list of approved VRDs: Voter Registration Drives
How do I file a complaint against a VRD? Fill out the form located on the Secretary of State's website: VRD Complaint Form
For Voter Registration Drives
How do I register with the Secretary of State? The VRD Organizer must complete online training and a test. Once the Organizer scores 100% on the test, the Organizer will complete the Statement of Intent and Training Acknowledgement forms and submit them to the Elections Division. The training, test, and forms are available on the Secretary of State's website: Voter Registration Drives
I filled out and returned the VRD Statement of Intent. Is that all I have to do? No. The VRD Organizer must complete online training to ensure that all circulators receive the same training provided by the Secretary of State prior to circulating any voter registration forms. The purpose of this training is to ensure that VRD organizers and circulators understand the importance and proper methods of handling voter registration applications.
The VRD Statement of Intent asks for a VRD Organizer. Who is that? A VRD Organizer is a person who organizes a Voter Registration Drive in the State of Colorado.
The VRD Statement of Intent asks for a VRD Agent. Who is that? The Agent is the VRD Organizer's representative in the State of Colorado and must be a resident of Colorado. The VRD Agent and Organizer may be the same person.
When and where is training held? The VRD training is accessible online. If internet access is not available, the VRD is encouraged to contact the Elections Division to schedule a conference room and review the training at the Secretary of State's office.
What does training cost? There is no cost to receive training.
What does training entail? The online training will ensure that you understand how the VRD process works, how circulators may and may not be paid for their work, and will confirm that you are aware of all the penalties that may result from VRD violations. You will not receive any VRD applications nor will you be assigned a VRD number until you complete this training.
As the VRD Organizer, am I required to train all circulators every year? Yes. The Organizer is required to provide training to all of the VRD's circulators each year. Additionally, the organizer must collect and maintain signed attestations from each circulator. The Training Acknowledgement form provided by the Secretary of State may be used, or the organizer may create a form that complies with the requirements outlined in Secretary of State Election Rule 44.2.2.
What is a VRD number? A unique number will be assigned to each VRD upon verification that the organization meets all the requirements to conduct a VRD. Your organization is not authorized to commence Voter Registration Drive activities prior to receiving a VRD number. Once the VRD number is issued, the name of your organization and your organization's contact person will be posted on the Secretary of State's online list of approved VRDs.
How long does a VRD number stay in effect? A VRD number is valid until December 31st of the calendar year in which it was approved. VRDs must complete training each year in order to be issued a new VRD number.
How do I get voter registration applications? The Secretary of State provides special applications to VRDs, which can be ordered from the VRD page of our web site. There is no cost to receive applications. Please keep in mind that due to limited space we only keep a small supply of applications at the Secretary of State’s office. Large orders must be submitted to our printer and can take up to 7 days to receive. Please plan your application orders accordingly.
Can I just photocopy the forms like I used to? You may not copy or reproduce the form in any way.
Can a VRD distribute and collect the standard voter registration application? The Secretary of State provides special applications to VRDs. However, the standard voter registration application may be given to voters who are not comfortable filling out a VRD application and would rather take an application home to fill out and turn in to the county clerk on their own.
Can a VRD distribute and collect the National Voter Registration Form I've seen on sites like Rock the Vote? VRDs are strongly encouraged to use the Colorado Voter Registration Drive Application, which contains a duplicate copy for the voter. However, a VRD is allowed to use the National Voter Registration Form if it chooses.The VRD must still register with the Colorado Secretary of State's office and complete VRD online training. In addition, VRDs remain subject to the penalty provisions of Section 1-2-703, C.R.S., regardless of which application they choose to offer.
What if the voter does not know or does not specify on the Voter Registration Drive application the county where he/she resides? VRDs are required by law to deliver voter registration applications to the clerk and recorder of the county in which the elector resides. Consequently, the VRD is responsible for determining the county of residence of the elector, based on the elector’s address, prior to forwarding the application to a county clerk.
Am I required to let the Secretary of State know if some of the information provided on the original Statement of Intent form is no longer accurate? Yes. Any changes to the Statement of Intent form must be filed in writing with the Secretary of State within 3 business days of the change.
For Election Officials
Am I required to accept voter registration applications from a VRD if their applications are turned in after the deadline? Yes. You are required to accept all applications. Please inform the VRD of the rules concerning VRDs and provide them with the Secretary of State’s contact information. You may also file a complaint against an organization that is not complying with VRD requirements.
Am I required to accept applications from an organization that is not registered as a VRD? Yes. You are required to accept all applications. Please inform the VRD of the rules concerning VRDs and provide them with the Secretary of State’s contact information. You may also file a complaint against an organization that is not complying with VRD requirements.
Am I required to accept applications that are incomplete or for another county? Yes. You are required to accept all applications. Please inform the VRD of the rules concerning VRDs and provide them with the Secretary of State’s contact information. You may also file a complaint against an organization that is not complying with VRD requirements.
Am I required to accept mail-in ballot request applications submitted by a VRD? Yes. Colorado law does not prohibit VRDs from distributing and collecting mail-in ballot applications.
Can I give out VRD forms to anyone who requests them? No. VRD forms should be given to approved VRDs only. The Secretary of State’s website contains an updated list of approved VRDs.
Am I required to keep VRD forms in stock? Counties should ensure that they have an adequate supply of VRD forms available at all times. If a county unexpectedly runs out of forms, they may refer the VRD organizer or agent to the Secretary of State’s office. Counties may request additional forms on the Secretary of State’s webpage in the Clerk’s Corner.
Where can I verify whether an organization is an approved VRD? This list is available on the Clerk’s Corner under the heading “Other Tools and Resources”.
