BEXAR COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Precinct Chair Information

In preparation for the fall election, Precinct Chairs need to canvass their voters, that is, identify voters that plan to vote, and which party's candidates they are likely to vote for.  Registering voters and providing Vote by Mail applications would also be done.  Canvassing voters helps to identify voters that are likely to vote for Democratic candidates, so that the Party and campaigns can use their limited funds and time to communicate with voters more wisely.

Instructions for Canvassing:

1) Using your voter list from the VAN, and excluding obvious Republicans, you and your Precinct Team should call or blockwalk to find this information.

a) A Canvass Survey Script is found here.

b) A VAN Report, that correlates to this survey, titled "Survey Answer Sheet with Notes" gives voter information (name, age, gender, address, phone, primary/general election history) on one line, plus a 5 question survey form with answer boxes.

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To create this report in VAN:
-From the Main Menu, select "Create a List".
-Select the features that you want in the voter list.  By selecting just the county and precinct number, you have all of your registered voters.  The Voter History can help you identify obvious Republicans.  Do not contact these voters, since you know their voting tendency.
-From the "List" page, select "Reports".
-From the "Print Reports" page, in the "Report Format" Drop Down Box (1st Parameter), select "Survey Answer Sheet with Notes".
-User will have to select the remaining print parameters.

If you are unable to use VAN, you can receive your Voter List in this format and a copy of the Canvass Survey Script at the BCDP office; call 210 785-0962.

2) When an address is not listed on the VAN report of all registered voters, there are no registered voters at this home.  You might take the opportunity to find out if they would be likely to vote for Democratic candidates, and then offer Voter Registration applications.

3) As you gather information, enter it into VAN.  At this time, you should also correct any phone numbers or other information. 

  a)  Go to the individual entry for the canvassed voter, found in "Quick Lookup" or by clicking on the voter's name in the created "My List".
  b)  The survey result for if they plan to vote is under "Survey Questions".  Click "Add New Survey Response".
  c)  Select your name as the Canvasser, select the Contact Type, and select the Survey Question "2008 Action: Vote in Nov 08?"
  d)  Then select the correct Response: yes/no/undecided.
  e)  Finally, click on the "Save" button.

The survey result for how they plan to vote is recorded the same way, using Survey Question "2008 Action: Voting D, R, or unk?", selecting the correct Response, and clicking the "Save" button.  Registration cards should be provided immediately.  Vote by Mail applications, candidate signs, and information sheets should be tracked and provided at the appropriate time.

If you are unable to use the VAN, bring the canvass results information to the office and copies will be made in order to enter the information into the VAN.

Texas Voter Activation Network (VAN) training is available to Precinct Chairs.
More information, including how to register for an account, is available here.
To sign up for individual training, email BCDP or call the office at 210 785-0962.

   The Precinct Chair Recruitment Commmittee has sponsored several Precinct Chair Training sessions. 
The presentations can be viewed from the links below.

Building and Training Your Precinct Team  (also in PowerPoint)
Using VAN along with the campaign strategy  (also in PowerPoint)
Precinct Convention Training  (also in PowerPoint)

Helpful Links

Texas VAN      Contact Us for More Information      BCDP Home

Thank you for working for democracy!