How to Become a Precinct Committeeman
What is a Precinct Committeeman?
A city, town, or county is divided into precincts, each consisting of a voting place. When a person casts their vote in person, they go to their local precinct to cast their vote.
Each precinct has at least 1 GOP precinct committeeman. The precinct committeeman represents the GOP in that precinct. All of the precinct committeemen within the city or county (unit) are members of the unit committee. In Virginia, for example, there are 132 unit committees throughout the state. The position of Precinct Committeeman is either elected or appointed.
A precinct committeeman is the grassroots of the Republican Party. It is also a good place to start for people interested in running for political office.
Responsibilities of a Precinct Committeeman
- Get Out The Vote (GOTV)
- Distribute Campaign Literature
- Attend Unit Meetings
- Assist in Voter Registration
- Help Elect Republican Candidates
- Provide Voter Education
- Vote for Precinct Committee Chairman
- Other
How to Become a Precinct Committeeman
A precinct committeeman is an elected position. The typical requirements are that you are a registered voter in the precinct for which you want to be a committeeman, you request a committeeman form from the precinct chairman, gather a number of signatures, return the completed form, and then you are voted on for the position. Often these positions are uncontested. If you are applying when an upcoming election is not scheduled, you may be appointed to the position.
For More Information
- Some state GOP’s have links to local committees, but most don’t. Contact the state office for info if local info not available.
- For a list of state GOP websites visit: https://ConservativeActionCenter.com/library/GOP
- Dan Shultz’s Precinct Project website: https://theprecinctproject.wordpress.com/