What is a Precinct?

The precinct is the foundation of the North Carolina Democratic Party. It plays a vital role in strengthening the Democratic Party, both locally and at larger levels. Precincts not only participate in grassroots efforts like voter registration and turnout, but they also have a say in shaping the direction of the party through leadership votes and resolutions at the county convention.

This system really emphasizes local involvement, with volunteers acting as a direct connection between the party and the community. By reaching out to neighbors, encouraging voter engagement, and ensuring people are registered, local precincts play a critical role in increasing voter participation, which can be decisive in elections.

What is a Precinct Organizing?

Precinct organizing refers to the process of electing officers of a precinct or filling officer vacancies. This process is guided by the NCDP Plan of Organization. Each year, officers are elected or confirmed during the Precinct Annual Meeting (PAM) window, which is determined by NCDP. In addition, Precinct Organization offers a chance to create neighborhood committees and events to support democracy as it's foundational level. 

Precinct Organization: Why is it Important?

• It allows you to influence the direction of the Party. During precinct organization, members can submit resolutions on issues that matter to them. These resolutions are forwarded to the county convention for approval and then to the district and state conventions. Once approved, they become part of the Party Platform, which serves as a guide for policy decisions and positions for elected officials and candidates. You can explore past resolutions in our NC Democratic Party here: NCDP Resolutions. For guidance, visit Learn how to write a Resolution.

• It helps elect your candidates. Well-organized precincts are more equipped to engage with neighbors about key issues and candidates during election time. They have more volunteers available for door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and distributing slate cards at polling locations. A strong precinct is essential for the face-to-face, grassroots contact needed to secure election victories.

• It gives you a voice in selecting replacements for local officials who can’t complete their terms. If a local official must resign or take another position, precinct chairs and vice chairs in the district of the official’s party vote to select a replacement to finish the term. If your precinct is not organized, you won’t have a say in the replacement process.

Precinct Committee Members & Roles

CHAIR: The duties of the Precinct Chair shall include:

• Preside at Precinct Meetings.

• Inform precinct members about all Democratic Party events and activities.

• Establish reasonable political goals for the precinct. 

• Organize and execute a voter organizing plan.

• Attend meetings of the County Executive Committee.

• Recommend names of persons to serve as precinct elections officials.

VICE CHAIR: The duties of the Precinct Vice Chair shall include:

• Serve as the publicity chair for the precinct.

• Preside at precinct meetings in the absence of the Chair.

SECRETARY: The duties of the Precinct Secretary shall include:

• Keep all records, including minutes, of the precinct committee.

• Issue meeting notices within the timeframe outlined in the Plan of Organization. 

• Preside at precinct meetings in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair.

Committee Members: The duties of the precinct committee members shall include:

• Participate in activities and events of the Democratic Party; 

• Carry out the duties as assigned by the precinct chair; 

• Carry out duties as may be assigned by the County Executive Committee.

Ex-Officio Committee Members: All Democratic county and city elected officials and Democratic members of the North Carolina General Assembly, residing in the  precinct and in attendance, shall be ex-officio, voting members of the precinct committee.  

North Carolina Plan of Organization for Precincts

Learn about Precinct Leadership, including various roles within the organization!