Become a Precinct Delegate: 1-2-3

Step 1: Find Your Precinct

Check your voter registration card to identify which municipality (city or township), ward (# – only in some large cities), and precinct (#) you reside in.

You can also search the Secretary of State website for this information.

Search SOS

Step 2: Complete the Affidavit of Identity

Find the affidavit at the link below.  Complete all fields on the affidavit, but hold signature.  Sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary.  A notary can be found at your local bank.  Make a copy of the affidavit.  File the original copy with the county clerk: submit via mail or in-person and verify receipt.

 

Filing Deadline for Next Election: May 3, 2022
 
PD Form

Step 3: Campaign

When there are more precinct delegate contestants than allotted seats in your precinct, put together a simple letter asking your neighbors for their vote in the primary election.
 
Next Primary Election:
August 2, 2022
 
Distribute campaign literature approximately one week prior to the election, so your name is fresh in the voters’ minds.  Remember – many people vote absentee and need to be contacted just prior to when absentee ballots are mailed to voters.
Elevation to Vacant Seats

County political parties may hold a vote at county conventions to elevate precinct delegates to fill vacant seats.

If your precinct is vacant, notify your county party that you are interested in being elevated at the next county convention.  A majority vote is required to approve elevation.
 
NOTE:  If there are no remaining conventions in the current 2-year term, it is better to wait until the next August primary election.  In the meanwhile, nothing stops you from engaging in community outreach and getting to know the local county party!
“Write-In” Candidates

If you miss the deadline for filing the Affidavit of Identity, you may still have an opportunity to win in the primary election as a “write-in candidate”.  Ask the county clerk for a list of all precinct delegate candidates – if fewer people filed for precinct delegate than allotted seats available in your precinct, your chances of being elected are still quite high.

Complete the Write-In Declaration of Intent, but hold signature.  Sign the form in the presence of a notary.  Make a copy and file the original with the county clerk by 4pm on the Friday prior to election day: July 29, 2022

Ask a few of your neighbors to fill in the oval next to one of the blank spaces for precinct delegate on their ballot and write in your name, spelled exactly as you wrote it on your Declaration of Intent.

 

NOTE:  Even if you miss the deadline for filing the Declaration of Intent with the county clerk, you still have one more chance!  Election inspectors can act as your notary on election day and accept submission of your form at the polling booth.