Voter Education, Registration and Mobilization (VERM)

Fair and free elections represent a crucial pillar of our democracy. As one of the world's leading democracies, the United States should work to keep voting free, fair, and accessible. As such, PODER is working to ensure that every eligible resident, regardless of race, identity, or background, has an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. 

PODER’s Voter Education Registration and Mobilization (VERM) Program has a long history of providing community voter education and engagement in Montopolis and East Austin. PODER staff, volunteers, and partners become deputized to register voters, work the election polls, and serve as deputies and clerks. PODER’s Young Scholars for Justice have also been a part of this initiative - voting rights, education, and civic engagement are foundational to the youth program. The YSJ has hosted forums for election candidates and participated in door-to-door campaigning to promote civic engagement in their community. VERM functions year-round via tabling at community events, hosting voter education workshops, and hosting a Voter Registration Marathon, in which we strive to register as many last-minute voters as possible prior to a major election/voter registration deadline.

“PODER is committed to keeping our community empowered by their vote. “Tu voto es tu voz,”  says PODER executive director Susana Almanza.