A ward is a group within an area which has an elected chairman. I think it's done to provide representation mostly, to work as a liaison between grassroots individuals in the neighborhood and upper party officials for organizing community events, etc. I was just like you, but since working in the party, I believe it works pretty well. You can contact your Ward Chairman for info or for a problem such as not receiving email. Ward chairmen share the responsibility of getting out the vote on party issues as well as regular elections.