Precinct Chairs

Precinct chairs are the backbone of the Denton County Democratic Party. A Precinct Chair is the local representative of the Democratic Party and its candidates in their voting precinct. Precincts vary in size depending on population density. A precinct in the city might contain just a few neighborhoods. A precinct in a rural area may contain an entire town. Your precinct, however, is most notably defined by your neighbors. Each of Denton County’s voting precincts can have its own Precinct Chair who must live in the precinct. Any registered voter that has voted in a recent primary election, is 18 years old or older, and lives in the precinct is eligible. Those with some time, energy, and commitment to helping elect Democrats to office can seek to become a Precinct Chair.

  • Toni Adkins

    Texas is commonly thought of as a “red” state, but the truth is, it’s a non-voting state. When I’m out in the community with neighbors and friends, I find that our shared values are more abundant than our differences. Being a Precinct Chair gives me the power to be the change I want to see in the world, starting with my own backyard.

  • Hava Johnston

    Connecting with neighbors, keeping them informed and educating them on the issues and elections is paramount to getting out the vote. Democrats are historically reactive instead of proactive, and a precinct chair has the power to change that and get people involved all year round, not just when issues arise.

  • Michele Helfrich

    I live in a rural red area that is typically forgotten by democratic organizations. I became a precinct chair so that I could connect with the democrats here (and they ARE here) and mobilize them to vote. Rural red areas matter. Energizing and engaging small towns leads to Democratic wins. I feel like I am changing my world and I am meeting new, amazing, and interesting people in the process.

  • Sally Amendola

    When we moved to Sanger in 2018, I got involved with the DCDP. I was asked if I would consider being a Precinct Chair. I began to see my role as one of encouragement, or the building or giving of courage. In a rural Republican area, it is an act of courage to be a Democrat. So, with a couple of friends, I jumped in to getting out the vote via the Coordinated Campaign. I soon found that individuals were thrilled to find other democrats.

  • Diana Rashed

    In the Democratic Party, representation creates participation and volunteerism. As a Precinct Chair, I love that I am able to have conversations with voters, in my own community!

  • Danica Kosztolnyik

    I'm a precinct chair because I passionately believe we can change the world for the better and that starts with one. By increasing my neighbors’ awareness of the issues that concern me and help them find better information, I can motivate them to get to the polls. When we get to see that we're not as alone as we feel here, I know we can achieve anything. We can only do that together and by being loud and proud.

  • Jacquie Ooh

    It is important for people to see someone who looks like them as well as someone who can actually identify with the struggles of everyday life. In being a precinct chair I am able to connect with my community, and motivate them to use one of the most powerful tools they can use to invoke change. And that tool is, their power to VOTE.

  • Don Caterisano

    I became a Precinct Chair in 2019 after my oldest daughter mentioned it to me as she had been one in Collin County. I had no idea what it was all about but now know the Precinct Chair is the key to local engagement. Putting a name and face to ideas and policies creates much more interest than just email or snail mail. I hope to spur momentum from democrats in my precinct to be informed, be engaged, and vote vote vote.

  • Tamela Wolman

    I do this so that my Democratic neighbors and community members know that they are not alone and that they are supported.

  • Penny Mallet

    It's time to get into some good trouble in Denton County.

What does a Precinct Chair do?

The primary job of a Precinct Chair is to support the Democratic Party and ticket by turning out the Democratic vote in their precinct. Precinct chairs organize their precincts on a grassroots level.

Do Precinct Chairs really help win elections?

Yes! Active Precinct Chairs can make an enormous difference. When you look at the election returns you can tell which precincts have active Chairs by comparing them to precincts with similar demographics, but don't turn out as well.

Is it fun?

Yes! Many voters who are or would be Democrats have never had another Democratic neighbor knock on their door or call them to ask for their votes and are excited to be contacted. Those who are Republicans or uninterested, you can simply cross off your list and not bother with again. Very few are actually rude, and you’ll meet many interesting people, make new friends out of voters, and fellow Precinct Chairs.

How does a Precinct Chair increase the Democratic vote?

Precinct Chairs have a number of resources available from the Denton County Democratic Party. We will provide training, lists of likely Democrats in your neighborhood, and digital resources to organize. During our voting cycles, the DCDP also provides literature, yard signs, and other tools to help you get out the vote. With these tools, Precinct Chairs can identify other Democrats in their precinct who may be interested in helping or have questions about voting. This is the core of grassroots politics — neighbors talking to neighbors and engaging with them on voting in every election.

What else does a Precinct Chair get to do?

Precinct Chairs are Party “elected officials.” An important part of being a Precinct Chair is being accessible and visible as a Democrat in your community. Precinct Chairs are also members of the County Executive Committee of the Denton County Democratic Party. The Executive Committee meets on the second Thursday of every month to conduct party business and vote on party initiatives and budget. It is very important that Precinct Chairs attend these meetings. There are also various councils and committees that Precinct Chairs and organizers can serve on.

In addition, candidates for public office, whether in the primary or the general election, or even in non-partisan elections such as city councils and school boards, may ask Precinct Chairs for their support and endorsement. The endorsement and support of very active Precinct Chairs can greatly help a candidate.

How can I help or become a Precinct Chair?

Dolores Huerta said, “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Don’t waste a minute, especially given the current situation in Texas and this country.

If you don’t know your precinct number, you can look it up here. Then, check if your voting precinct has a Chair by scrolling down to your precinct number in the table below.

If a precinct has no Chair, it’s considered to be “vacant.” A Precinct Chair may be appointed to an unexpired term throughout the year. Interested in filing for a vacancy? Fill out the application form and email to executivedirector@dentondemocrats.com.

If your precinct does have a current Precinct Chair and you want to become the Chair, you must file to be on the primary ballot. The voters in the Democratic Primary elect Precinct Chairs for a two-year term, which starts after the Primary Runoff in even years.

If your precinct has a Chair and you want to help, contact that person! They will be thrilled to hear from you. We only turn Denton County blue with people willing to work for change.

DCDP Precinct Chairs