Precinct Chair Training

Training Course Catalog
Introduction.  The Bexar County Democratic Party has numerous training courses that provide the tools Precinct Chairs and Coordinators need to get out the vote (GOTV).  Upcoming classes are listed below and also on the BCDP Calendar.

Training Course #1: Developing Your Precinct
The first course that all new precinct chairs and coordinators should take.  Existing chairs and coordinators are invited as well.  New information has been added lately so if it’s been a while, come back to class!

Course Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Prerequisite: None
Next Class: Thursday, December 11th, 6:30pm - 8pm
More Info/Classes/Register: For more information, additional class dates and to register click button:

#1 Developing Your Precinct

Training Course #2: Looking at Data
In this course we take a deep dive into the Bexar Elections website to learn about how it can help our GOTV efforts.  

Course Duration: 1 hour
Next Class: Thursday, January 29th, 2026, 6:30pm - 7:30pm. (Zoom)
​More Info/Classes/Register: For more information, additional class dates and to register click button:

#2 Looking at Data

Training Course #3: Basic VAN Skills
In this course you will use the Voter Activation Network (VAN) system to create lists of Democratic voters in your precinct.  ​

Course Duration: 2 hours
Prerequisites:

• Training Course #1: Developing your precinct  
• ​Ensure that your VAN account has been created, and access it at least one time before attending class. To request a VAN account click here: https://apps.bexardemocrat.org/van-access

​Next Class: Saturday, January 17th, 10am - Noon
More Info/Classes/Register: For more information, additional class dates and to register click button:

#3 Basic VAN Skills

Training Course #4: Advanced VAN Training
This course is a continuation of the Basic VAN Skills course. 
Course Objectives

• Learn how to do research and update voter information
• Learn how to print labels
• Learn how to create and manage phone banks

Course Duration: 2 hours
Prerequisite:

• Training Course #1: Developing your precinct.  
• Ensure that your VAN account has been created, and access it at least one time before attending class. To request a VAN account click here: https://apps.bexardemocrat.org/van-access

​​Next Class: Not Scheduled.

Training Course #5: Voter Registration Tactics and Techniques
This course was developed by experienced BCDP Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrars (VDRs), and teaches you all the things they didn’t mention in the VDR training class at Bexar Elections.

Course Duration: 2 hours
Prerequisite: None
Next Class: Not Scheduled
​More Info/Classes/Register: For more information, additional class dates and to register click button:

Training Course #6: Voting By Mail
In this course you will learn how to get voters to register to vote by mail.
Course Objectives

• Learn how to obtain an Application for Ballot By Mail (ABBM)
• Learn how to fill out an ABBM
• Learn how to find 65+ voters in VAN

Course Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Next Class: Not Scheduled.

Training Course #7: Robert's Rules of Order
This course covers:

• How a meeting should run, from the viewpoints of both the chair and an organization's other members and how you should take part in it effectively.
• What remedies you can use if the meeting runs off the rails and a brief description of those obscure parts of Roberts' Rules that you don't think you need - until you do, then you look them up.

Course Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Prerequisite: None
Next Class: Wednesday, December 10th, 6pm - 7:30pm
​More Info/Classes/Register: For more information, additional class dates and to register click button:

#7 Robert's Rules of Order

BCDP #8: Civic Engagement.  Taught by John Courage

Prerequisite: None
Next Class: Monday, January 26, 2026, 6pm - 7pm
​More Info/Classes/Register: For more information, additional class dates and to register click button:

#8 Civic Engagement