Representation Begins With You
Precinct Strategy is a national effort to strengthen representation within each political party by encouraging citizens to participate at the local level.
In New York, that local level is the Election District (ED). Each political party has its own County Committee Members who represent enrolled voters within their Election District and participate in the party’s internal governance.
Serving at this level helps ensure that leadership, candidate selection, and party direction reflect the interests of the community — beginning in your own neighborhood.
Project Civica provides education, coordination, and support to help New Yorkers understand and participate in this process.
Precinct Strategy Resources
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Contact:Patrick W. - Precinct Strategy Coordinator
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Take the First Step
Precinct Strategy begins at the local level — in your Election District.
Project Civica provides education, coordination, and support to help New Yorkers participate in civic representation.
Whether you want to learn, volunteer, or serve, you are welcome to begin.
How the Structure Works in New York
County Committee Members represent voters within their Election District and form the foundation of their party’s structure.
Why This Matters
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Many Election District committee positions remain vacant or inactive. When these roles go unfilled, fewer voices participate in decisions affecting leadership, candidates, and party direction.
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When citizens serve, representation becomes stronger, more transparent, and more accountable.
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Local participation strengthens representative government.
The Role of a County Committee Member
County Committee Members represent registered party voters within their Election District.
They participate in internal party decisions, help shape leadership, and encourage informed civic engagement within their community.
This is the most local level of party representation — and where citizens can have meaningful influence.
Committee Members Provide:
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Representation for Your NeighborhoodYour community has a voice in party decisions and direction.
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Better Candidates and Stronger LeadershipActive members encourage transparency, candidate forums, and open discussion.
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Accountability and TransparencyParticipation helps prevent decisions from being made without community input.
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Stronger Civic EngagementCommittee Members connect neighbors, inform voters, and promote civic responsibility, including lawful Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts that help ensure community members are informed about elections and know how to participate.
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Advocacy for Local IssuesResidents can organize around priorities such as safety, taxes, schools, development, and other community concerns.
Responsibilities of Committee Members:
Committee Members serve as the year-round connection between voters and party leadership.
Typical responsibilities include:
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Attending committee meetings
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Representing their Election District
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Building relationships with neighbors
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Encouraging informed civic participation
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Providing feedback to party leadership
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Participating in leadership and organizational decisions
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Supporting lawful Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts which may include helping inform voters about election dates, registration deadlines, polling locations, and opportunities to participate
Most Committee Members contribute a few hours per month, with increased involvement during election periods, when voter outreach and engagement activities are most active.
Paths to Becoming a County Committee Member
Option 1: Appointment Route
If vacancies exist, County Committees may appoint qualified individuals to serve.
Basic requirements:
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Registered voter
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Enrolled in the party
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Resident of the Election District
Contact your County Committee to inquire about current vacancies and appointment procedures.
Option 2: Petition and Election Route
County Committee Members may also be elected by voters within their Election District.
Basic steps:
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Confirm eligibility
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Identify your Election District
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Obtain petition forms
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Collect required signatures
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File petitions with the Board of Elections
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Participate in the primary election
Contact your County Committee to inquire about current vacancies and appointment procedures.
Recommended First Step: Get Involved Locally
Before pursuing an appointment or election, we recommend volunteering with your local committee to observe and learn how the process works.
This may include:
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Door-to-door voter outreach
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Phone calls to inform voters
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Community meetings and local events
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Supporting lawful Get-Out-The-Vote efforts
Volunteering allows you to build relationships, understand how your local party operates, develop the skills needed to serve effectively, and build trust within the committee.
Project Civica can help connect you with local teams and provide guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. Many Committee Members begin with no prior experience.
How much time is required?
Most Committee Members contribute a few hours per month.
Can I start by just learning more?
Yes. Many participants begin by attending meetings and volunteering.
Join our Weekly Precinct Strategy Meeting
Project Civica hosts weekly Precinct Strategy meetings to help citizens learn, connect, and participate in local civic representation.
During the meeting, you will:
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Learn how representation works in your Election District
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Understand how local committees operate
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Discover ways to get involved
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Connect with others in your community
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Ask questions and receive guidance
Many participants begin by learning. Some choose to volunteer. Others eventually serve as committee members. Every level of participation strengthens representation.