The Summit County Democratic Party’s Central Committee is comprised of elected representatives from each of the 371 precincts that make up Summit County. The Central Committee functions as the governing body of the Party, and its members are commonly referred to as Central Committee Members, Precinct Committeepersons, or just “PCs” for short.
As elected officials, PCs function as the voice of the residents of their precincts and as a direct line of communication between those residents, the Democratic Party, and its elected officials. PCs also play an integral part in both the internal and external operations of the party.
Central Committee Member Job Description
Internally, by serving on the Central Committee, PCs are the only people who can vote on party-related matters. Central Committee Meetings take place at least once per year, but may take place more often as needs arise. It is here that PCs vote to
- Elect Party Leadership,
- Appoint PCs to vacant precincts in between elections,
- Make changes to the Party Constitution and By-Laws,
- Appoint Officials to vacant offices,
- And, rarely, vote to endorse candidates in Democratic Primaries.
PC attendance at these meetings is critical since it ensures that the voices of residents from the various communities in Summit County are heard.
Externally, PCs are vital to the success of the Democratic Party because they provide localized, committed, and enthusiastic support for Party initiatives during and between elections. PCs participate in Democratic campaign activities such as
1. Voter registration,
2. Networking with their neighbors,
3. Sharing important election information such as times, dates, polling locations, and early voting information,
4. Distributing candidate and Party literature that they receive from the Party
5. Helping the Party secure yard sign locations,
6. Volunteer recruitment and organizing, and
7. Other grassroots activities.
PCs also participate in Party fundraisers, work on campaigns, help around the office, and more generally, represent Democratic values at their places of work and in their communities every day.
How to become a member of the Summit County Democratic Central Committee
To become a PC for the Democratic Party, you must be a registered voter who lives in the precinct you are trying to represent, and you must consider yourself a Democrat. It is highly preferred that PCs vote in at least one of the previous two Democratic Primaries prior to an election or appointment. However, you cannot be a PC if you are a registered Republican. As a PC, you will be required to swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and By-laws of the Summit County Democratic Party.
Elections for PCs are held every four years during Presidential Primaries. If a precinct is vacated midterm or if a precinct remains vacant after an election, an appointment may be made by recommendation of the Party Chair with approval by the Central Committee.
Being a PC is a powerful way to affect change in your community, so it is no wonder that many elected officials are also PCs. If you are interested in becoming a PC, please contact the Summit County Democratic Party at 330-434-1311.