Five grassroots tools you can use for local precinct organization

Here’s a handy list of the most basic tools you should have at your disposal if you’re going to try and build an organization at the precinct level that can truly have an impact on the things you care about.

A list of all registered voters in the precinct. 

It’s hard to identify and organize if you don’t know who the registered voters are, (or aren’t).  You can get this from your local election (or voter registration) board.

Blank voter registration forms. 

For all those new people you’re going to register.  Because if people aren’t registered, they can’t vote…and don’t count.

A map of the precinct. 

Having a map makes it easier to get an idea of who is where and how to get to them.  You should be able to get this from your local planning commission or voter registration office, (or they will know where).  Try to get one with street lines and names overlaid on it.

A political events calendar. 

Keep track of dates of party primaries, general elections, special elections, school board, local council and local political party meetings that you should keep people informed about.

Copies of church directories. 

Having membership lists from conservative churches will allow you to cross-reference them with voter registration lists.  That way, you know which registered voters go to conservative churches…and which members aren’t yet registered to vote, (so you can get them registered).

This is just a basic list.  But that’s the point.  It’s “basic”.  Don’t get too distracted by anything that would keep you from focusing on the basics.

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Related entries:

• Organizing the precincts
• Why conservatives should focus on precinct organization
• The four rules to winning an election