160 likes | 298 Views
Precinct Convention Training. How to make REAL change in the Democratic Party Prepared by the Tarrant County Democratic Party, with information provided by Democracy for Texas and the Progressive Populist Caucus of the TDP. What is the Precinct Convention?. The First Step:
E N D
Precinct Convention Training How to make REAL change in the Democratic Party Prepared by the Tarrant County Democratic Party, with information provided by Democracy for Texas and the Progressive Populist Caucus of the TDP
What is the Precinct Convention? • The First Step: • To be a Senate District Delegate • To be a State Convention Delegate • To be a National Convention Delegate – in Presidential Years • For Resolutions for change in the Platform and Rules of the Democratic Party
When and Where is the Precinct Convention? • At the polling location of your Precinct • Primary Day at 7:15 • March 7, 2006 – • Election Judges MUST POST THIS INFORMATION in the Polling Location on Primary Day
Who can attend? • Anyone who has voted in the 2006 Democratic Primary whether they voted: • Early • By Mail • On Primary Day
So I’m there, how do I get this thing started? • When you arrive: • Find the Democratic Election Judge and determine if they are participating or if you or someone else will convene the convention • If the Judge is not convening the convention: • Get the Precinct Convention Packet from the Election Judge supplies. • If the judge has already left, you may convene the convention without the required paperwork – PLEASE NOTE WHAT NEEDS TO BE TURNED INTO DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS • Gather your precinct in the appropriate location • Maybe a corner of the cafeteria, a classroom, or a spot in the foyer of the polling location or right outside
We’re gathered, what next? • There are five easy steps to the convention: • 1 – Everyone signs in • 2 – A chair and secretary are elected for the convention • 3 – Delegates and alternates are elected by individual vote OR by a slate • 4 – Resolutions are discussed and voted on • 5 – Adjourn the convention
Why are Sign-ins Important? • To be sure each delegate has voted in the 2006 Primary • a Credentials Committee will review each Delegate • To be sure each delegate GETS SENATE DISTRICT CONVENTION INFORMATION and State Convention Information • Emails are extra helpful in this endeavor!
How many delegates? • Delegates are allotted to each Precinct based on the number of votes in the last Gubernatorial Election • For each delegate there should be an alternate
What if I can’t attend but want to be a delegate? • Be sure someone in your Precinct knows you want to attend the Convention: • The Precinct Chair* • The Election Judge* • A friend or neighbor who is attending the Precinct Convention *names and addresses can be found at www.tarrantdems.org • Call or email Democratic Headquarters at 817-335-8683 or tcdp@tcdp.net if all else fails to be added to a list for the credentials committee to review
What are Resolutions? • Resolutions are suggestions for change to the Democratic Party concerning: • Rules • Platform
Where do Resolutions come from? Where do they go? • Anyone can write a resolution • Only resolutions which are passed at the Precinct Convention level are considered at subsequent Convention levels • Each delegate should try to bring at least 3 copies of any Resolution they would like passed
What else should I know? • You can take charge! • If the Judge or Precinct Chair doesn’t show, you can convene the convention without them • Anyone can be the chair – it doesn’t have to be the Precinct Chair even if they are there • Delegates are named from the list of voters in that Precinct who have voted in the 2006 Primary • Take lists of friends or neighbors from your Precinct who can attend Senate Convention SATURDAY MARCH 25 to name them delegates as well.
We’ve adjourned, now what? • Return your Precinct Convention materials to Democratic Headquarters: • The Election Judge may drop them off at the Election Materials Drop-off Point • THOUGH BE SURE THEY GET DIRECTLY IN THE HANDS OF THE OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY REPRESENTATIVE • Bring them to Democratic Headquarters • Either that evening OR the next morning
Plan on attending… 2006 Tarrant County Convention March 25, 2006 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Arlington Heights High School All three Senate Districts in Tarrant County convene at the same time and place! Join us at NOON For the Democratic Pic-nic and Rally
What if the packet wasn’t available? • Be sure everyone signs in • Name, address, voter reg #, phone, email • Be sure you accurately note who will be delegates to the Senate District Convention • Be sure to return copies of any passed Resolutions
What else can I do to make my Precinct Convention successful? • Call you friends and neighbors • BRING A CROWD! • Check in with your Precinct Chair – do they need help calling others in your Precinct? • Honestly think about Resolutions – what can you suggest to make change in the Democratic Party?