Thank you for your willingness to support the Democratic Party as a volunteer precinct leader, Area Coordinator, or block captain. Being a precinct leader is a valuable contribution to your community and to the Democratic Party. Please use this form to review the role, responsibilities and expectations and apply for the position.
What is the Precinct Organization and what is a precinct leader/official?
Montgomery County has 255 precincts, which are geographic areas that vote at a polling place like a school or community center. Precinct leaders (also called precinct officials) are appointed by the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) as the volunteer neighborhood organizers of the Democratic Party. They maintain a year-round grassroots presence in their precinct by recruiting new volunteers, knocking on doors, making calls, and hosting gatherings, all with the goals of keeping neighbors active and informed and turning out the Democratic vote. On election days, precinct leaders coordinate with volunteers to ensure a strong Democratic presence at their polling site.
Why should you become a precinct leader?
Quite frankly, it's an awesome way to support the Democratic Party and build your network. You will connect with neighbors, meet new people who are also interested in helping, and be part of a community working together to get Democrats elected. Precinct leaders are periodically invited to candidate events for free or at deep discounts, and elected officials may contact them to seek their opinion and feedback or share information. Being a precinct leader is both a valuable contribution to your community and a social experience that volunteers greatly enjoy.
The various precinct official roles are:
1) Precinct Chair and Vice Chair(s) - The Chair serves as the primary point of contact and lead volunteer for the Democratic Party in 1 precinct. The Vice Chair works with the Precinct Chair in building the Party. Each precinct may have up to three precinct leaders including one Chair and two Vice Chairs.
2) Area Coordinators - manage and assist 4-6 precinct officials to support and build the Party
Become a Block Captain, if you are not ready to be a precinct leader, and support precinct activities:
Block Captain (also called precinct volunteers) help precinct leaders, organize a small area or building within a precinct, cover polling site on election days and by participating in other activities to whatever extent possible. Every precinct can have several block captains and helps in creating a strong volunteer base in every precinct.
Eligibility criteria:
Must be a registered Democrat, Must be willing to participate and support the Democratic Party activities such as door knocking, phone banks, registering and welcoming new voters, educating residents during the primary and the general elections, distributing Democratic Party materials at polling sites, and assisting in the annual grassroots fundraising effort, the Dollars Drive. It is not a requirement to participate in all the activities.
Time Commitment:
Precinct leaders typically spend 1-2 hours per month on average on Precinct Organization activities and should plan to commit more time during election season when more help is needed. Precinct leaders are expected to set up a Democratic campaign table at their polling site for the Primary and General Elections during early voting and on Election Day, maintaining a Democratic Party presence at the polls with the help of other volunteers.
Resources and support:
Training, orientation session, regular meetings and other materials will also be provided.
Please read the rules and bylaws document that govern the Montgomery County Democratic Party available on the website: https://mcdcc.org/by-laws-rules-docs/
Please read the Montgomery County Democratic Party Handbook (Pages 150 - 158) for Precinct Officials: https://mcdcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/MCDCC_Handbook_2021-05-12.pdf
Ready to apply?
Please complete this application and submit it. We will respond as soon as possible.
Questions? Contact the Montgomery County Democratic Party at precinct@mcdcc.org
