Precinct (PD)

Simply put a Precinct Delegate (PD) is the elected Party Representative from the smallest Political Geographic division, the Precinct.

A Precinct Delegate must file every two years for election or re-election. A PD term is only 2 years.

The State Republican Party Handbook for Precinct Delegates (PDs) for the 2010 cycle is in the link below.

The job of the PD is literally what you make it once you decide to become one. Being a PD in my opinion is a person who volunteers to help the party and has decided to make a more formal commitment by running on the ticket as a Precinct Delegate.

To find out what a PD does, read the link above. If you think it isn’t important, keep in mind that the State Convention in 2010 will decide who the Republican nominee for Attorney General and Secretary of State will be among others.. Who will vote in that important election? Precinct Delegates vote, that’s who. That’s right there is no primary for those two offices. The State Party in a Convention of its Precinct Delegates decides who will be the nominee of the Party for SOS and AG. If you want a say in that you have to be a PD.

1. You must be registered. If you go to the following link you can find that out along with what your precinct # is and your polling place. On their side bar you can find out other info as well for absentee ballots etc. https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/

2. If you are not registered you can do so at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MIVoterRegistration_97046_7.pdf Also you can copy and give out these forms as part of your PD job. We need to sign up new voters.

3. Once know you are registered to vote, you need to fill out the form called “Precinct Delegate Affidavit and Receipt of Filing”; you then must have it notarized and file it with the County, City or Village in which you reside. Here is a link to the Affidavit. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Aff-ID_Precnt_139901_7.pdf

4. What are your Official Requirements to become a PD? Next is a link as to the Official Requirements to file as a PD. This helps explain the time lines and exceptions if you miss the deadline and contact #s for questions. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/Filing_Req_For_Precinct_Del_265309_7.pdf

Simple. Prepare for the next election. Find out all you can about your precinct. Get to know your local clerrk (township,city, village or county) They will tell you the boundries of your precinct etc. Get as involved as you feel comfortable in the goings on within your precinct. Talk with neighbors, read the paper start going to local events, social and political. Go to commission meetings, school board meetings etc. make an effort to know the people involved.
Remember as a PD you are an elected official, go up to your Commissioner and say Hi my name is _____I'm a Precinct Delegate from Precinct # Then ask them a question.

One of the best things to do is to go to the monthly meeting of your County Party and don’t just sit there and complain like I used to that nothing is getting done. Volunteer for anything that you think will help. Come up with new ideas and volunteer to Chair them. It’s in the doing that we and the Party learns what works and what doesn’t. Believe me this party needs doers.

Remember part of the job of a PD is to recruit members. Never forget that the reason for all this is to get our people elected. We volunteer for and have events to create a “buzz” to help attract new members – voters. We have to figure out interesting and fun things to not only intice new members but keep our veterens enthused.

The other part of the job is to help our candidates. For suggestions along that line please go to the side bar “What Can I Do” button and the drop down menu to “Campaign Help”.

Any and all volunteering can be accomplished through your County Party. That is the place to start to meet Candidates, and see what Committees the County Party has that you can join.  The members and leaders are always looking for help They are the veterns and can best explain what is needed or how your talents can best be used.

Most County Parties will give you your head if you seem honestly engaged.

One of my goals is to have a traveling Precinct Training program set up by the State to put on workshops at the various County Parties locations. Some things take longer than others.

Oh Yeah did I forget to mention that the number ONE requirement of a Precinct Delegate is??   PATIENCE lol.

As with all my commentary, I am open to suggestions. See the Contact Us button on the sidebar and feel free to email me.