Democratic House Speaker Tip O’Neill coined the phrase that “All politics is local” and at the heartbeat of local politics is a Precinct Committee Person (PCP)
PCP Appointment Form (To fill vacancy in precinct or adjacent precinct)
PCP Primary Election SEL-105 Form can be found on the Election Forms page Secretary of State at Oregon.gov
What is a Precinct Committee Person (PCP)?
Precinct Committee Persons are vital for the Democratic Party. PCP’s are an important driving force behind registering voters, “Get Out the Vote (GOTV)” and educating family, friends and neighbors about the candidates and issues. PCP’s are either elected (as part of the county primary elections in even-numbered years or can be appointed and confirmed by a vote of existing Lincoln County Democratic Central Committee, aka Lincoln County Democratic Party, members).
A Precinct Committeeperson is a representative of the Party in the precinct in which he or she resides. For every 500 registered voters in a precinct, there should be one precinct person of each gender. Each Precinct Committee Person is a member of the County Central Committee of the county party. In Lincoln County there are a total of 138 PCP slots.
What is time commitment and what is expected of a Precinct Committee Person (PCP)?
The time you invest is up to you. Some of you are already doing the work of PCPs without formally being one, talking to friends, family and neighbors about the candidates and issues. Some like to submit Letters to the Editor or opinions in local media. Some like to organize phone banking or neighborhood canvassing. Others enjoy hosting a gathering (BBQ or House Parties) or staffing a table or booth at an event. It really depends on you and the time you can share to make Lincoln County, Oregon and America a better place to live for this and future generations.
What are the PCP’s powers and responsibilities?
The precinct is the smallest geographical unit in the country. A precinct can not be divided by legislative, congressional or supervisor district. Most importantly, it is your neighborhood. You know the people, the schools and the community centers. You have your hand on the pulse of the precinct; you understand the problems and potentials and have a desire to improve your neighborhood.
PCP’s can attend State Central Committee Meetings, vote on official party business, elect county party leadership, elect Platform Convention delegates and, occasionally – even nominate replacement state legislators or state senators when they retire, or replacement Democratic nominees who withdraw after the primary. PCP’s also vote on appropriation of Central Committee funds, by-law changes and cadidate endorsements. PCPs are not required to attend general meetings but the more that show up to vote the better the democratic the process works making PCPs important to our democratic process.
What is the PCP term of office?
The PCP term of office is approximately two years, running from the date that the Oregon elections office has certified the May primary election results in one even-numbered election year (usually in June) until it has certified the same primary election results of the next even-numbered election year.
How do I become a PCP?
PCPs can either be elected or appointed.
Election Method – Starting in early March of an even-numbered election year, Oregon voters registered as Democrats for at least 180 days, may file to be elected to fill PCP slots in the May primary election.
Appointment Method – After the May primary elections, most Democratic county parties appoint registered Democrats to vacant PCP slots in their precinct through mid-June of the next even-numbered election year. If your precinct is already occupied you can be appointed to an adjacent precinct. The PCP appointment process in Lincoln County includes filling out an appointment form (found on the LCDCC.org website) for submission to the Lincoln County Democratic Party Secretary and subsequent vote approval at a general meeting.
Never underestimate your power as a PCP – because the precinct is where elections are won or lost!
