HELP US REGISTER MORE SOUTH ASIANS

Why South Asians Need Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDRs)

In Texas, voter registration is not automatic. Many members of our South Asian community face unique barriers to getting registered—language challenges, misinformation, or a lack of awareness about deadlines and requirements. That’s why we need you to step up and become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR)!How do I become a VDR?

What is a VDR and What Do They Do?

A Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) is someone certified to help register voters in Texas. As a VDR, you’ll be empowered to:

• Engage with South Asians in your local community.

• Assist in filling out voter registration forms correctly.

• Submit the forms directly to your county’s elections office

1. Become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar in your county

   • Requires a quick training and test from your county, see links below to gets started with certification in your county. Most counties offer online training at the moment.

   • Each county requires a certification ( Simply click on the link for the county you reside in to register for the 1 hour training. Once certified, show your certification to election offices of neighboring counties to increase the territory you are able to empower.)

     Your certification in Texas must be renewed every odd-numbered year (ex: 2023, 2025, 2027, etc.)

     Bexar County Denton County Montgomery County

     Brazoria County Ft. Bend County Tarrant County

     Collin County Galveston County Travis County

     Dallas County Harris County Williamson County
     
     

     Why is This Important for South Asians?

     1. Our Numbers Don’t Match Our Influence
        South Asians are one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas, yet our voter registration and turnout rates don’t reflect our potential. By registering voters, you can directly strengthen our collective voice.

     2. Representation Matters
        Local school boards, city councils, and state legislatures make decisions that deeply affect our families—our children’s education, healthcare access, immigration policies, and safety. Yet, these boards often don’t reflect our values or needs. We need more South Asians voting to ensure fair representation.

     3. Language and Cultural Barriers
        Many in our community face challenges understanding English-only voter registration forms or navigating misinformation about voting rights. A culturally informed VDR can provide the support and trust needed to overcome these obstacles.

     4. Combatting Misinformation
        From voter eligibility confusion to misinformation about election laws, our community often falls prey to tactics designed to suppress our voices. VDRs can dispel myths and make sure every eligible voter knows their rights.

     Sign u now for Dallas Denton and Tarrant county

     Here South Asian events — SAAVETX EF

Why South Asian Voters Can Transform Texas—Starting with may 2025 Local Elections

VISIT OUR CIVIC CENTER TO VOTE

Every election counts—but municipal elections are where change begins. This year, South Asians in Texas have the power to shape the future of our schools, neighborhoods, and cities. We just need to show up.

What are we voting on?

In 2025, Texans will cast ballots for school board, city council, mayors, and more. These local races control the decisions that affect our kids’ education, public safety, transportation, affordable housing, and everyday quality of life.

Yet while South Asians in Texas have one of the highest turnout rates in presidential elections, our participation in municipal elections lags behind.

This isn’t just a missed opportunity.
It’s a missed source of power.

The Facts:

• Many local races in Texas are decided by fewer than 100 votes.

• South Asians in Texas make up over 320,000 registered AAPI voters—a significant and growing force. 70% turned out in 2024

• Our turnout for municipal elections is less than 10%

• If we turned out in our full strength, we could decide outcomes across Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.

• In cities with tight races, a single neighborhood of engaged South Asian voters can swing an election.

🎓 Why School Board Elections Matter Now More Than Ever

Local school boards are making these decisions right now, and if we don’t vote, others will choose for us.

Our public schools are under attack. State leaders continue to push voucher programs that divert public money from our classrooms to private schools—hurting the very institutions many South Asian families chose Texas for.

We need elected officials who:

• Protect public school funding

• Support inclusive curriculum

• Celebrate the diversity of our children and cultures

• Stand against book bans and censorship in the classroom

🛠️ How to Take Action—Easily

Click on our website and use our Civic Center:

We know local ballots can feel overwhelming, which is why we created the Civic Center:
A new, easy-to-use digital tool built for South Asian voters in Texas.

Just enter your name and address, and you’ll receive: ✅ A personalized ballot with candidates in your district
✅ Insight into where each candidate stands on key issues
✅ Access to candidates who responded to our South Asian voter survey
✅ Tools to make your voting plan, including reminders and polling locations
✅ Encouragement to reach out directly to candidates and ask where they stand on education, safety, housing, and inclusion

We believe that informed voting is empowered voting. Civic Center makes it easier than ever.

🗳️ Our Vote is Our Power

We came to Texas for opportunity—great schools, strong communities, and a better future for our families. Let’s protect that vision by voting in every election, not just the big ones.

We have the numbers.
We have the values.
Now, let’s show up and make our voices heard.

The future of our communities depends on it.

Board Member Sanjiv Sinha

Sanjiv Sinha is a veteran in the technology industry. He has global experience and has held leadership roles selling both software products and services.

He currently consults with small software companies looking to grow. He works with his clients on their go-to-market strategy, sales enablement and positioning.

He believes strongly in giving back and has been involved with a number of volunteer organizations and not-for-profits over the years. He has held positions on non-profit boards and believes his corporate experience helps him tremendously in helping build repeatable and scalable processes at non-profits.

Sanjiv has an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. He is married and has two grown daughters. He lives with his wife in Allen, TX, USA. He is an avid skier and hiker and enjoys singing and playing bass guitar in a band.

More on Sanjiv at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivsinha1/

Borad member Shashi Bhatia

Shashi Bhatia – Business analyst at a Big Four accounting organization. Over 9 years of IT experience as a BA and QA Analyst for different projects in ecommerce, Retail, Healthcare, Financial/Banking, Credit Card Processing, and Tax domain. Extensive system design and project management experience, combined with expertise in providing consumers and users with necessary information and tools. Excellent understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Software Test Life Cycle (STLC), Agile, and Waterfall along with strong requirement gathering and documentation skills. Exposure to Configuration and Customization of the SAP Application with a focus on General Ledger (GL), Accounts Receivables (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), and Controlling (CO) modules in a technical classroom environment. Well rounded attitude for learning/mastering new concepts, assisting co-workers, and making every effort to be a team player.  Dedicated voting rights volunteer with the South Asian community in Texas

Board member Kavita Chopra

Kavita Khandekar Chopra - Officer. Kavita Khandekar Chopra (she/her) is the Managing Director, Strategy & Engagement for re:power - a national training organization building power with and for Black, Indigenous and People of Color organizers across the country.  In her role at re:power, Kavita oversees Development, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives for the organization. With fifteen years of experience in the non-profit sector, Kavita has expertise in fundraising, communications, operations and finance for both 501c3 and 501c4 organizations.  Kavita earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and her Masters of Science in Social Work from UT Austin, concentrating in Community and Administrative Leadership. She is passionate about developing responsive systems built with equity at the center and building BIPOC community power in Texas.  Kavita is the child of Indian immigrants, and a Mother of two.

Board Member Namrata Sharma

Namrata Sharma - Technology leader with expertise in Semiconductors and Telecom technologies. Has worked for some of the marquee names in tech, proven ability to incubate new businesses.  A frequently requested speaker at industry events on topics like leadership, innovation and technology trends. M.S in Computer Science and B.Tech in Electronics Engineering. Strong advocate of gender parity, actively engaged in creating awareness to promote gender diversity in the workplace and beyond. Engaged with SAAVETX since 2017 in various efforts including leading rallies and hosting events for voter empowerment.  Active in voter engagement in Collin County, Texas, key organizer for Rally against Racism in August 2022.

Board member Krisan Swaminathan

Krisan Patterson Swaminathan - Board Chair. Former attorney.  Assisted in the defense of campaign finance reform legislation before the U.S. District Court and U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Senators McCain, Feingold, et al. Experience with domestic violence, immigration, community organizing, and work with marginalized communities. Founding Chair of the Board of SAFE DC, Inc., a leading D.C. nonprofit addressing the needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. Former Court Appointed Special Advocate on behalf of foster children in New Jersey, March to the Polls volunteer high school educator, and Election Protection volunteer.

How do School Board Elections Affect South Asians

School boards have a significant impact on South Asians as they make decisions that affect the education and opportunities available to South Asian students. Here are some reasons why voting for school board elections is important:

1. Representation: School boards should reflect the diverse communities they serve, including South Asians. By voting for candidates who understand and value the needs and perspectives of South Asian families, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented.

2. Educational Equity: School boards make decisions about funding, curriculum, and resources that can either promote or hinder educational equity for South Asian students. By voting for candidates who prioritize equity and access for all students, including those from underrepresented communities, we can work to close the achievement gap and ensure that South Asian students have the same opportunities as their peers.

3. Language Access: Many South Asian families speak languages other than English at home, and school boards can make decisions about language access and support for English Language Learners (ELLs). By voting for candidates who prioritize language access and support for ELLs, we can ensure that South Asian students who are still learning English have the resources and support they need to succeed in school.

4. Cultural Competence: School boards can promote cultural competence among educators and staff, which is critical for supporting South Asian students and families. By voting for candidates who understand and respect the cultural diversity of South Asian communities, we can work to create a school environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all students.

In summary, school boards have a significant impact on South Asians and their education. By voting in school board elections, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented, and work to promote educational equity, language access, and cultural competence in our schools.