Training classes for statewide voter registrars

[dragonlady]

If you would like to become authorized to register voters anywhere in Wisconsin, check with the website of the Government Accountability Board to find when a class may be held in your area.
http://gab.wi.gov/clerks/education-training/srd

Classes are already scheduled in Madison, Appleton, and Green Bay in June. The GAB will also be posting a survey online to help them develop a schedule for more classes.

[sybylla]

1. Thanks for reminding me.

I continued my SRD certification from 2008, but on the condition that I take the class. I won't be able to go until July, though.

[LiberalFighter]

2. Why is there a need for classes?

I've been able to register voters here in Indiana since 1988. At one time one had to be sworn in as a deputy registrar and there were restrictions on the number of deputy registrars. They gave me less than 5 minutes run through on the form and a card with the oath that we were required to give all those filling out the form. They provided the numbered forms which were printed on heavy stock and we were responsible for all forms allotted to us. At the end of the registration period we were required to return all forms. Even those not filled out or were not completed. Residents had to be registered either by a deputy register or go to the county election board/county clerk's office to be registered. Only one location per county.

I believe after Motor Voter went into effect that deputy registrars were no longer needed. Anyone was allowed to register voters. They no longer needed to sign on the form as a witness or give an oath. Forms can now be copied and are not numbered. Residents can download their own form and mail it in or go to various public locations such as libraries, welfare, etc to register. Any resident can get the forms and go out in public to register voters. Still don't need to attend any class to be authorize to register voters.

I remember when I first registered to vote in Wisconsin riding my bicycle down to the fire station to register.


I'm sure Wisconsin residents are a lot more intelligent than these Hoosiers I have to mingle with in Indiana. Yet, Wisconsin only allows those taking a class to register voters?

[dragonlady]

3. It's not an entirely simple process

I've seen the results when even trained registrars turn in forms that have messy or missing information, sometimes even signatures!. (Those were not GAB trainees.) The class is to explain all the details involved and to impress on the registrars that they are submitting a legal document that must be correct. Also that they are part of the process to make voting more accessible, which in a democracy is a good thing. The GAB feels that the registrar program is another way to make it easier for voters to get registered and ease the burden on poll workers who would otherwise register people on election day. And although registrars must act in a nonpartisan way, realize that registrars of our political persuasion can go to where our potential voters are, explaining the election process and helping them register.

[LiberalFighter]

4. Here in Indiana a trained person is not needed to register voters.

Which also results in more individuals able to register residents to vote.

Also, 2 hours for the training session seems awfully long. I've looked at the form and don't think it should take that long.