Using the Voter Activation Network (VAN)

The Voter Activation Network (VAN)

• VAN is a database of all registered voters.  It includes:
• Information provided on the voter registration form
• Voting history
• Outside data purchased by VAN
• Data contributed by the precinct chair
• Data that you have entered manually from canvassing
• One-on-one VAN training is available through the Bexar County Democratic Party office.

The Precinct Chair's input into VAN

• Be on the lookout for changes of address.
• But VAN is a database of registered voters, and those who have moved need to register to vote at their new address.
• Update phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
• Enter Survey Responses and Activist Codes.
• Enter Notes: observed information
• Political yard signs or bumper stickers
• Union, military, student affiliation
• Disability: ramps, license plates, etc.

How to register for a VAN account

• Go to http://texasvan.com
• Select "Request an account."
• This will take you to the "User account request" page.
• Enter all required fields (*) and click on "Submit."
• Normally the TDP is able to approve and create accounts within 72 hours.
• The TDP will e-mail your username and password.
• Write down your username and password in a safe place.  The passwords are case-sensitive.  If you enter an incorrect password three times in a row, your account may be deleted as a security measure.

Once you get in: the Main Menu screen

• Use the Quick Look Up feature to find and correct information for a single voter.

• If you often look at the same fields, click on "Save Page Layout" and you won't need to open them each time.

• Your list can include

1. Every voter in your precinct, or
2. Those who match certain criteria.

• For EVERY voter in your precinct, click on "Clear All Fields" and then "Search."
• For a more select list, choose the criteria, then click on "Search."

• After you have a list selected, click on "Reports."
• Our favorite report format for blockwalking is called "Survey Answer Sheet with Notes."
• It's a blockwalking list, so for "source" choose "Walking."
• To save paper, you might uncheck the "Page breaks."
• Click on "Next."

• Next you will see a "Page Setup" box.
• VAN will give instructions on changing the margins, header, footer, and orientation for your internet browser so that your report will print correctly.
• Choose "Landscape" orientation.
• You might take note of the default margins and header that you had been using with your internet browser so that you can set them back afterward (unless you actually LIKE having all the webpages you print coming out in landscape format!)
  

What's in the blockwalking list

• The blockwalking list includes:
• Name
• Age
• Gender
• Phone
• Precinct convention participant (X = whichever criterion has been selected for the report)
• Voting history, primaries first, then general elections, starting with the most recent
  
• Y = Election day
• E = Early voting
• M = Mail-in ballot
• D = Democratic primary
• R = Republican primary
• Tip #1: For voters who have a history of always voting in the Republican Primary, don't make contact with them.  We don't want to remind them to vote!
• Tip #2: Don't skip the houses that aren't on the list.  Canvass, and if they lean Democratic or are independent, have them register to vote!
  

What to record on the blockwalking list

• Will vote in November?
• Party: Democratic, Republican, or Uncertain (independent, or swing voter)
• Voter registration cards offered: how many
• Needs application to vote by mail? phone
• Campaign sign needed? (which candidate?) or observed?

Entering the canvassing data

• Enter the canvassing information as a "Survey Response."
• Use your name as the "Canvasser."
• Use the Survey Question "2008 Action: Vote in Nov 08?" and enter the Response.  Click on Save.

• Use the Survey Question "2008 Action: Party Affiliation" and enter the Response.  Click on Save.

How do I use the canvassing data?

• Later in the campaign cycle you will make blockwalking lists for Persuasion and for GOTV.
• Criteria for Persuasion: Party Affiliation = Independent, and Vote in Nov 08 = Yes or Undecided
• Criteria for GOTV: Party Affiliation = Democratic or Independent, and Vote in Nov 08 = Undecided
• Persuasion and GOTV take extra work, but THAT'S HOW DEMOCRATS WIN!
  
• Thanks to your work, candidates using VAN will have the most accurate lists, so that they can use their campaign money more effectively.
• It's all up to You and Your Precinct Team!