Thank you so much for your interest in being a volunteer for Island County Democrats (ICD). As a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO), you are automatically a member of two political organizations - Island County and 10th Legislative District (LD) Democratic parties. The ICD will do everything we can to provide you with the tools and training to succeed as a PCO. You will grow to understand how the PCO is the most important link in the party organization. Welcome aboard.

What is a PCO?
A Precinct officer is defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 29A.80.031 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=29A.80.031) as required by state law so that a political party can function by the will of the people.
The term of a PCO is two years on starting even dated years according to RCW 29A.80.051(https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.80.051). The requirements of becoming a PCO is being 18 and citizen that lives in the district they are representing according to RCW 29A.80.041 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=29A.80.041).

Precinct Committee Officers are the grassroots of the Democratic Party. As part of the local Democratic organizations, PCO’s elect party leadership and help fill vacancies in elected offices. Their job is to communicate with their precinct about current community events and community . Educating undecided or swing voters and encouraging Democrats to register to vote are a big part of their role. Prior to Election Day, PCO’s work to turn out voters through phone calls and/or doorbelling.

Want to be a PCO?

To become an elected PCO you must be voted into office during the Primary Election in even numbered years. Prior to that time you can be an “appointed” PCO by your County or LD party chair to serve in the precinct in which you live. Either way, being a PCO helps lead to important precinct-by-precinct Democratic victories and is the very essence of grassroots politics.

What’s involved in being a PCO?

PCO's the core part of the Central Committees of Island County Democrats (ICD) and the 10th LD.
ICD will help train and support you in this role. Here is a list of some of the key duties that Island County Democrats PCOs:

1. Keep informed about issues of interest to the ICD and LD.
2. Attend and participate in ICD and LD Central Committee meetings.
3. Obtain list of registered voters in the precinct and canvass for Democrats.
4. Become the contact person for the Democratic Party in your precinct.
            -Explore the precinct territory
            -Get a physical sense of the area.
            -Inquire about needs; what are the important issues?
            -Develop relationships with constituents.
            -Recruit fellow organizer.
5. Encourage unregistered residents to register to vote.
6. Assist candidates running for office and help identify places for yard signs, fundraisers and open houses.
7. Provide complete and reliable contact information.
8. Attend critical training sessions like "How to Canvas" or “Votebuilder” training.