PCO

The Office of Precinct Committee Officer

In addition to the various state and county offices which will appear on the primary election ballot, most voters will be able to vote for the office of Precinct Committee Officer.

Who is Eligible

Anyone who is a registered voter and a member of a major political party may become a candidate. A candidate must file a declaration of candidacy form and pay a $1 filing fee to the county auditor. Since voters do not register by political party in Washington, a candidate declares himself/herself to be a member of a political party at the time of filing.

When to File

Candidate Filing Week is June 2 - 6, 2008

Pierce County Auditor
2501 S 35th St, Suite C
Tacoma WA 98409

Filings can be accepted by mail starting May 16, 2008.

Precinct Committee Officer Declaration of Candidacy - Democratic

Precinct Committee Officer Declaration of Candidacy - Republican

(Precinct Committee Officer candidates are not featured in the voters' pamphlet)

Election of a Precinct Committee Officer

Candidates are elected at the primary. The candidate receiving the most votes in the precinct for each political party is elected. However, to be declared elected, a candidate must receive at least 10% of the number of votes cast for the candidate of his/her party receiving the greatest number of votes in that precinct.

Term of Office and Vacancies

The term of office is two years. The term begins upon the official certification of the election results by the county canvassing board. Should a vacancy occur in the office (caused by death, disqualification, resignation, or failure to elect), the chairperson of the County Central Committee fills the vacancy by appointment.

Duties of a Precinct Committee Officer

Each officer is a member of the County Central Committee. The committee has the authority to nominate persons or fill vacancies on the party ticket for a state, legislative or county office that is entirely within the county. Also, they may elect members to the State Central Committee. The following duties are commonly assigned by the party organization:

Attend meetings of county committees
Actively participate in fund-raising activities
Distribute party election materials during election campaigns
Recommend party members to work as election poll workers
Hold precinct caucuses for the purpose of adopting resolutions and selecting delegates to the county conventions
Establish a record of eligible voters and party members within the precinct

Individuals who are interested in serving as a Precinct Committee Officer should contact the chairperson of the County Central Committee or the state party headquarters.