Beyond voting: One overlooked way to strengthen local elections
A precinct chair is a volunteer leader for one small voting area—usually just a few neighborhoods. They're part of their county party's local leadership structure and serve as a connector between neighbors and reliable information about voting, candidates, and local issues.
Every precinct in Texas has a chair position. Many are currently vacant.
Elections are won or lost at the precinct level. When precincts are organized:
Voter turnout increases because neighbors hear from someone they know
Problems surface faster—polling place issues, confusing ballot language, local misinformation
Poll workers get recruited from within the community
Barriers get flagged before they suppress participation
This isn't glamorous work. It's the infrastructure that makes everything else possible.
A few hours a month of neighborhood outreach, with more activity around elections
Occasional county party meetings where chairs share local conditions and help shape priorities
No prior experience required—most county parties provide training and resources
Step 1: Find your precinct number on your voter registration card or your county elections website.
Step 2: Look up your county Democratic or Republican Party website and find their "Precinct Chair" or "Get Involved" page.
Step 3: Check whether your precinct currently has a chair. If it's vacant, follow the listed steps to apply or file to run in the next primary.
Texas Democratic Party (example county link)
Your county party website will have the most specific information for your area.