Become a Precinct Chair
What is a Precinct Chair?
A precinct is the smallest political subdivision in Texas. All Texas counties are divided into voting precincts roughly by population. (Voting precincts in every Texas county are grouped into four County Commissioner Precincts, as well.) Precinct Chairs are members of the County Executive Committee, elected at the Democratic Primary election, who have a legal duty to participate in state-mandated and local County Party business. Precinct Chairs are also responsible for turning other Democrats in their precinct out to vote.
What are Precinct Chairs responsible for?
- Representing their precinct on the County Executive Committee
- Working with others to mobilize and organize voters and get them to the polls
- Bridging the gap between voters and elected officials
- Serving as a Democratic Party contact person in their neighborhood
How do I become a Precinct Chair?
Qualified candidates are elected every two years in the Democratic Primary by voters in their precinct for a two-year term. The next primary election is in 2026. Until then the County Democratic Party Chair may appoint qualified individuals to fill any vacant precinct chair positions, subject to an affimrative majority vote by the current precinct chairs. The appointed Precinct Chair immediately assumes the duties and responsibilities of the position, but may not vote on official Party business until their appointment is ratified at the next official meeting of the County Executive Committee. If others who wish to fill a vacancy present themselves at the time of the vote, the party reverts to holding an immediate election among the candidates. All precinct chair candidates and appointees must complete an Application for a Place on the General Primary Ballot for a Precinct or County Chair, have it notarized, and present it at the meeting where they are to be appointed or plan to run. Notarization is available at banks.
What are the qualifications to be a Precinct Chair?
You must be a Democrat, 18 years of age or older, a qualified (registered) voter of the County, reside in the precinct you wish to represent, and vote in the Democratic Primary election, or sign an oath of affiliation with the Democratic Party. Precinct Chairs cannot be a candidate for, nor holder of, elected office of the federal, state, or county government.
What do Precinct Chairs do?
In addition to serving as a voting member of the County Executive Committee, Precinct Chairs are the contact person for the Democratic Party in their neighborhood. They should be familiar with other Democrats in the area and promote Democratic candidates and events whenever possible. Some organize “block walks” in their area (go door-to-door) to distribute campaign materials or to encourage their neighbors to vote in upcoming elections.
Precinct Chairs are political positions. They are volunteers and not paid.