Each month we will introduce one of our precinct chairs, with a focus on tips, advice and inspirations for taking on this vital role within the Wilco Democratic Party.
“Pelosi, it’s just a name. If somebody asks me, I can tell by the way they ask me where they stand. They’ve got a ‘tell!’”
So no, Jan Pelosi isn’t related to our former Speaker of the House, but they both happen to be master political organizers in their own realms. For over a decade, Jan has covered Pct. 186 in northwest Austin, which includes most of Davis Spring and parts of Avery Ranch and Pearson Place.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a Pct. Chair?
When I first became a PC my precinct was red. My precinct is now blue. It was a challenge, because we have a very large Catholic Church school, and a lot of people moved to my precinct because of the church. I’m learning a lot of Catholic voters are single issue voters, but many are not.
What are the keys to being an effective Pct. Chair?
I try to work on my precinct year round. I have a notebook I’ve made for every two-year election cycle. This is like my Bible. Try to find a system that works for you. It isn’t for everybody. It works for me.
It’s organized by development and street and I know which ones are Democrat. I make notations on when they were called. When I notice a house that has a friendly sign or flag I write down that address and make a note of it. And when a house in my precinct goes on the market I keep an eye on it so when it’s sold or for lease I go to the tax appraisal website. I’ll make notes and mail them a postcard.
Communicate with your voters. I do that no less than once a month with an email. I try to collect email addresses from everybody who will give me one. I always assure them I’m the only person that will be using it. They may not read those emails, but I’ve got them and I do what I can do. I let them know about the club meeting, or if there’s some hot topic. It’s very short and sweet.