How to Become a Republican Precinct Committeeman
In all counties other than Cook, Precinct Committeemen are elected to a two-year term in all even-year Primary Elections.
This is an all-volunteer position. It's a party post, as opposed to a public one.
A Precinct Committeeman represents the Republican Party's voters of his or her Precinct on the County Central Committee. Precinct Committeemen also elect the Republican County Chairman (in all counties outside of Cook).
A Precinct Committeeman's job is to deliver the maximum number of Republican votes in his or her Precinct on Election Day. Precinct Committeemen represent the core of any GOP grassroots effort.
By becoming a Republican Precinct Committeeman you can take a leadership role in advancing the Republican principles of lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, strong national defense, and traditional family value in your own neighborhood.
Being a Republican Precinct Committeeman means being the most direct contact point for fellow Republicans in your neighborhood.
STEP ONE: MEET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Registered voter of the precinct.
STEP TWO: GET ON THE BALLOT
• Obtain a Petition Packet (Nominating Petition Form, Statement of Candidacy and Loyalty Oath) from either the Illinois State Board of Election's Springfield or Chicago office. Petition Packets are available approximately one month prior to the first day to circulate Petitions. The Petition Packet will also be available on the Illinois State Board of Election's website.
• Circulate Nominating Petitions. You may begin circulating your Nominating Petitions on August 4, 2009.
• Meet the Signature Requirements. Nominating Petitions must contain the valid signatures of a minimum of 10 primary electors of the Republican Party.
• File Nominating Papers. The filing period begins October 26, 2009 and ends November 2, 2009. The following documents must be filed with the Office of the County Clerk:
Statement of Candidacy
Nominating Petitions
Loyalty Oath (Optional)
• Download a copy of the Illinois State Board of Elections 2010 Candidate's Guide.
STEP THREE: CAMPAIGN
A campaign for Precinct Committeeman often won't require a great deal of campaigning, at least relative to many public offices encompassing larger districts. However, it's never too early to start running effective campaigns. While Precinct Committeemen races are small, they offer an excellent way to get started in politics. Many top public officials will tell you they cut their teeth in politics as a Precinct Committeeman. Some even remain Precinct Committeemen as they seek other posts in public office.
We recommend visiting www.completecampaigns.com/campaignguide.asp - a great resource for any candidate wanting to learn more about the nuts-and-bolts of running for office.
Another good resource for candidates is www.campaignconcierge.com. The Campaign Concierge offers full access to an exclusive database of 300 professionally-designed campaign templates ready to use on your campaign.
The key element to any campaign is to develop a strategy that connects you with as many potential voters as possible. While there are as many methods and strategies for running as there are candidates, we have put together a few tips to help you get started.
• Get a list of registered voters in your precinct. Voter data is available from the Illinois State Board of Elections. An application for voter data and additional instructions can be found here.
• Contact every Republican voter in your precinct and let them know about your commitment to increasing voter registration and turnout in your Precinct, as well as helping Republican candidates running for public office.
• Take advantage of community and neighborhood events as a way to reach-out and get to know the voters in your precinct. You will likely find some friends and neighbors who never considered voting Republican before will consider doing so now, thanks to your involvement. That's what this position is all about.
