It’s another Sunday, so for those who tune in, welcome to a diary discussing the Nuts & Bolts of a Democratic campaign. If you’ve missed out, you can catch up any time: Just visit our group or follow the Nuts & Bolts Guide. Every week I try to tackle issues I’ve been asked about. With the help of other campaign workers and notes, we address how to improve and build better campaigns, or explain issues that impact our party.
Every few months, rather than deal with campaigns, I use this series to discuss the workings of the party itself, and how Daily Kos members can have an impact on their party structure. I look forward to hearing back from you in the comments, Kosmail, and email as always! With the presidential election behind us, many states will begin the process of county and election districts, along with state parties and the national party going through a reorganization, as new officers are elected, committees reformed, and plans for the next year put into place. While there are some differences state by state in some of these guidelines, these rules generally apply in most states as to the process for county levels, according to state regulations.
From the ground up
Your county and district reorganization is, at its core, built around precinct officers who are elected on a public ballot, often in the preceding primary. States work to explain the process where possible, often putting out a guide, like Kentucky.
The Kentucky Democratic Party organization begins with the Precinct Committee Member. Precinct Committee Members are the critical driving force behind registering voters, getting out the word on candidates, and helping Democrats understand the party’s structure, process, and platform. They are among the volunteers who canvass neighborhoods, talk to voters, and connect with and activate progressive Kentuckians, by talking to independent, unaffiliated, and Democratic voters alike. These are volunteer positions with time commitment and responsibilities largely set by each Precinct Committee Member individually.
Imagine the process of building a pyramid. At the very base, you have all of the precinct officers. The precinct officers can, depending on the state, choose the next level, legislative leaders or county party leadership. At that level, after county officers or district officers are chosen, there are other votes to establish a state committee, which will build out the state party officers and party platform rules.
What if I want to run for a position?
Guess what! If you feel as though you can take it on and you want to do what you can to help your state organization, do it! Your input can make a real change in the way your county or state party works.
Don’t expect everyone to agree with your opinion. You can find others who disagree, because, well, we are humans. Fellow Democrats, however, can disagree and still try to see the position we all have and develop a way forward. Putting yourself in the room gives you a chance to have input you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Many find the process of running for a volunteer, unpaid post at the higher level—like a district, county, or state chair might be too much time they don’t have to give. That is okay also. It doesn’t mean that your input in the reorganization isn’t heard. You can help elect the officers you want, and work to provide the platform and effort you desire.
Your work at the local level, county level, district level or state level all add up to make the party in your state stronger. You don’t have to be the head honcho to make a giant impact in the lives of those around you.
Supporting a candidate? Let people know why
If you aren’t running, you might know of someone else considering a run for an office within their local Democratic party. It could be as a county party treasurer or secretary, vice-chair or chair. In some states, they may be looking at legislative district leadership. If you know of someone running and they are someone you support, take your time, and feel free to advocate for them.
Becoming part of the organizations around you can introduce you to new friends, strengthen relationships with old friends, and help you find new ways to look at your local community. You can find Democratically owned businesses, fellow dog loving Democratic groups, or bird watchers. Whatever your hobby, odds are you can find a fellow Democrat who knows of someone just like you—or wants to meet someone like you. The stronger we build out our own social network, the better off we all are when time comes to work for an election.
Are you a PCO?
If you’ve already stood up and been counted as a PCO, I want to close with this: thank you. You are the building block that helps keep our party strong. It is through you and your efforts that we reach out to voters every cycle and encourage them to turn out and vote. You know your neighbors, friends, and community far better than anyone else. You know them better than your state organization, better than any national organization, better than any outside group. You know them because they are the same people you’ve had BBQs with, sat and had a drink and watched college football with, or celebrated a wedding in their family. You know the people on your blocks who are hardcore Republicans and die-hard Democratic voters. You are our guide to performance in turning out the votes we need, every cycle.
Every meeting that begins an election that relies on you should start with this phrase: thank you.
Next week Nuts & Bolts is off for the holidays! Enjoy!