Precinct Chair Grassroots Guide

Transcription

1 !!!!!!!!!! Precinct Chair Grassroots Guide!!!!!!!! Revised: March 16, 2014!

2 Precinct Chair Guide PURPOSE Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan The purpose of this guide is to provide our Precinct Chairs with the knowledge and resources they need to successfully organize their precincts. It is through their leadership and dedicated commitment that the Dallas County Republican Party thrives and continues to make a difference here in Dallas and beyond. May we always stand firm in our heritage and protect the country we so dearly love. Wade Emmert - Dallas County Republican Chairman Dallas County Grassroots Committee 2

3 REPUBLICAN GRASSROOTS & PRECINCT CHAIR GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYMS CHAPTER 1: THE REPUBLICAN PARTY POLITICAL ORGANIZATION! What Does It Mean To Be A Republican?...11 Documents Governing Our Party...12 United States Constitution National Republican Party Platform Texas Election Code Republican Party of Texas Platform Republican Party of Texas Rules State Party Bylaws & County Party Bylaws! The Republican Party Org-Chart...13 Republican Organization & Convention System Precinct Convention County/Senatorial District Convention State Convention National Convention! Texas Election Process Party Registration Voter Registration Voting by Mail / Absentee Voting Primary Election General Election Non-Partisan Elections Texas Election Code Precinct Chair vs. Election Judge Election Judge! Straight Ticket Voting...24 CHAPTER 2: REPUBLICAN PARTY - NATIONAL LEVEL History of the Republican Party Republican National Committee (RNC) Duties and Responsibilities of the RNC CHAPTER 3: REPUBLICAN PARTY - STATE LEVEL Republican Party of Texas (RPT) State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) Duties and Responsibilities of the SREC Senate District Executive Committee (SD) CHAPTER 4: REPUBLICAN PARTY - COUNTY LEVEL County Executive Committee (CEC) Duties and Responsibilities of the CEC Duties and Responsibilities of the County Chairman

4 CHAPTER 5: REPUBLICAN PARTY - PRECINCT LEVEL Grassroots Team List of Dallas County Leadership List of Dallas County Precinct Chairs Precinct Chairman Becoming the Precinct Chairman Duties and Responsibilities of the Precinct Chair Grassroots Org-Chart...33 Organizing the Precinct Tools & Resources Team Building Block Captains Precinct Relations Volunteer Opportunities Voter Database Database Welcome New Neighbors Candidate Meet & Greets & Other Events Grassroots Team Org Chart...37 Boots on the Ground Canvassing GOTV Block Walking Literature Drops Phone Banking Clubs - Republican Womens and Other Conservative Groups Voter Registration Drives Yard Signs! Getting Out the GOP Message Outreach Letters to the Editor e-neighborhood Newsletter Website Blog Press Releases Talk Radio Effective Media Relations Media Events Final Words...49!!!

5 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Ballot Integrity - Efforts to ensure that proper voting rules and procedures are maintained at polling places, in order to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure election laws are followed. Ballot integrity committees are often organized at the state and local levels, and send volunteers to monitor election polling places. Base Voters - Voters who consistently vote for Republican candidates. These voters should always be targeted for Republican Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts. Benchmark Poll - Conducted early in a campaign to establish name identification, determine areas of demographic strength (or weakness) and identify key issues to be emphasized throughout the effort. This is usually the largest poll of the campaign and will also have the first ballot test. Block Captain - Volunteer assisting the Precinct Chair with GOTV and other projects; responsible for their street and/or block of streets. Blockwalk - Form of voter contact where supporters are organized and go door-to-door in precincts to visit with voters, collect information about their beliefs and advocate for a candidate or political party. This is considered one of the most effective forms of voter contact when done using informed, enthusiastic volunteers. Blog - A website dedicated to posting messages typically focused on a point of view or issue. Blue Dog Democrat - A Democrat who votes more conservatively than a Yellow Dog Democrat. Boots on the Ground - Also referred to as GOTV, are the most local, grassroots Republican efforts to get out the conservative vote. It involves the Precinct Chair, Block Captains, volunteers, and candidates reaching directly out to the neighborhood - residence by residence. Brushfire Poll - Conducted in the middle of a campaign to determine progress in establishing name identification and any movement in the ballot test. It is also an opportunity to spot check new issues that may have arisen. Canvass - An act or process of obtaining votes or soliciting opinions. To canvass a neighborhood involves contacting people either by walking door-to-door, mailing, making phone calls, or ing for the purpose of identifying general or unidentified voters as conservative or liberal voters, capturing the general vote or unidentified vote as a Republican vote, registering conservative voters who are not already registered, and/or obtaining opinions on various political issues. Campaign Manager - Appointed by political candidates to manage their campaigns, the campaign manager is responsible for the details of a candidate s campaign. Specific responsibilities include: keeping the campaign on track and on plan, management of finances, recruiting volunteers, production and distribution of campaign literature and ads, scheduling appearances and events, fundraising and providing the candidate with pertinent information on issues. Campaign Plan - The most important document the campaign creates detailing the strategy, structure, message, budget and timeline. It is the roadmap to victory and keeps the campaign accountable and on track. 5

6 Canvass the Vote - To verify the unofficial election results, thereby making them official. Caucus - A closed meeting of people from one political party to select delegates or candidates. It is a convention meeting. Collateral - A term used to describe campaign materials such as push cards, door hangers, signs, banners, bumper stickers, etc. that support the candidate. Convention (Precinct, County, Senatorial District and State) - Political party system to elect delegates, select resolutions and make platforms. Convention Chair - Presiding officer of the convention. Convention Committees: Credentials Committee - (County, Senatorial and State) Establishes the permanent role of the convention and makes recommendations to the convention to resolve challenges to delegate credentials. Nominations Committee - County and Senatorial Nominations recommend delegates to fill and balance the state convention delegation. State Nominations Committee nominates State Republican Executive Committee officers which include: SREC members (as recommended by Senatorial District Caucuses), and in presidential years RNC representatives. Platform Committee - County and Senatorial Platform Committees are typically combined with the Resolutions Committee to screen and forward platform recommendations. The State Platform Committee writes and recommends a Party Platform to the the National Convention for the November General Election. Resolutions Committee - County and Senatorial Resolutions Committees review and combine similar resolutions. Each resolution is then sent to convention with a for or against recommendation. State Resolutions Committee reviews and makes recommendations on these resolutions to the National Convention for a final vote. Rules Committee - (County, Senatorial and State) Ensures that the Texas Statue Election Code and the Rules of the Texas Republican Party are followed, as well as, considers questions about the Rules. In addition, the State Rules Committee considers and recommends to the National Convention proposed amendments to the permanent Rules of the Republican Party; making the new Rules available online at - The Texas Statue Election Code is available at - County Chair - Elected by the primary voters of a county to preside over the County Executive Committee (CEC). The County Chair and the CEC oversee the Republican Party in that county. County Election Board - Established in each county for the General Election, for Special Elections and any other election ordered by a county authority held at county expense. The Board consists of the County Judge as Chair, County Clerk, Voter Registrar, Sheriff and County Chair of each political party required to nominate candidates by Primary Election. The Election Board appoints the members of the Signature Verification Committee from a list submitted by the County Chairs of the parties holding Primary Elections and approves the procurement of election supplies necessary to conduct elections. County Elections Commission - Consists of the County Judge as Chair, the County Clerk as Vice Chair, the County Tax-Assessor-Collector as Secretary, and the County Chair of each political party that made nominations by Primary Elections for the last General Election for state and county officers. The Commission is tasked with administering the election. If a county chooses to employ an Elections Administrator, that person is appointed by the Elections Commission.

7 County Executive Committee (CEC) - A body composed of the County Chair and all the Precinct Chairs of a county. The role of the CEC is established by the Bylaws of the County Party. Cycle - Term generally refers to the period between one General Election and the next. Delegation Chair - Presiding officer and spokesperson for the delegation. Down Ballot - Candidate positions on a ballot listed below the highest office running; typically refers to candidates toward the bottom of the ballot. Data Retrieval Team (DRT) - Group that collects voting information from polling sites on Election Day and reports back to the Party and area coordinators. The turnout information is used to guide GOTV efforts. E-Day - Election Day Early Voting (EV) - Texas allows voters to vote at selected voting locations prior to Election Day. Times vary but the days are set by statue, beginning the 17th day before an election and ending on the 4th day before the election. The term technically includes mail-in balloting (VBM = vote by mail) but is normally used to refer to early in-person voting. Votes cast in early voting are not counted until polls close on Election Day. Election Judge, General Election - At the recommendation of the County Chairman, a voter of the precinct carried by that Party s candidate for Governor in the last General Election is appointed by the County Commissioners Court to serve for a one or two year term as Election Judge of that precinct. The Election Judge conducts the election within the precinct, selects the Election Clerks and maintains the sanctity of the ballot. Because of the high responsibility of the Election Judge, he/she is accorded the powers of a State District Judge while conducting the election. Election Judge, Primary Election - The County Chairman appoints the Primary Election Judge for each precinct. The Election Judge of the Primary Election has all the powers and duties of the General Election Judge. Federal Elections Commission (FEC) - Federal agency which governs all federal campaign finance. General Election - General Elections are held in even-numbered years for county, state, and federal offices. The elections are held on the 1st Tuesday following the 1st Monday in November. Nominees for these positions are chosen the previous spring in Party primaries. Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) - Describes campaign activities that focus on turning out all identified Republican supporters through blockwalking (walking door-to-door), mailing, phone banking etc. Grassroots - This is a common term used especially in Republican politics to refer to local Party leaders and activists. These leaders are the building blocks of the Party. Gross Rating Point (GRP) - Measurement of the total volume of delivery of your message to your target audience. It represents the percentage of the target audience reached by an advertisement. Gubernatorial - This word means of or relating to the Governor. A Gubernatorial Election is the election where the Governor is elected. 7

8 Household List - A list of registered voters grouped by address; used for phone banking and block walking purposes. Independent Voter - A voter who is not loyal to any particular party. LGBT - An acronym referring collectively to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transexual individuals. Marginal Vote/Voter - See swing voter. Meet and Greet - An event to introduce a candidate or candidates to the neighborhood or precinct. Microtargeting - A tool for candidates and campaigns that allows them to reach voters with tailored messaging using a combination of consumer data, advanced marketing techniques and traditional political targeting. Nominee - The candidate selected by voters in the Republican or Democrat Party Primary Election to seek election in the General Election. In Texas, a nominee must receive a majority of votes cast in the Primary Election. Optimal Republican Voting Strength (O.R.V.S.) - This is a formula based on past election results to predict how a district will perform for Republican candidates in upcoming elections. Overvote - A ballot showing the selection of more candidates or choices than are allowed in a given race or referendum. Phone Bank - An organized phone center where volunteers gather to make calls to potential voters to identify their political beliefs, advocate for a candidate or Party or turn out the vote. Phone banks may operate from home, but they are most effective when done using informed enthusiastic volunteers at a central location and supervised by the Party or political candidate campaign. Platform - Platforms are statements of grassroots sentiment and historic party principles. Platforms are adopted at the State and National Conventions. At the State Convention, the permanent Platform Committee is charged with recommending the Party Platform to the full Convention for debate, amendment and ultimate adoption by the delegates. Political Action Committee (PAC) - A private group, regardless of size, organized to elect or defeat government officials or to promote or defeat legislation. Legally, what constitutes a PAC for purposes of regulation is a matter of state and federal law. Poll Watcher - Someone who is appointed by a candidate or a political Party to observe the Election Day procedures. Poll Worker - Someone who works the election site by setting up voting equipment, greeting voters, verifying registration and providing voters with appropriate ballots. Precinct (PCT) - The voting precinct is the smallest political subdivision within a county. A secondary use of the word precinct refers to the divisions of a county from which the County Commissioners, Justices of the Peace and Constables are elected. 8

9 Precinct Chair - Party official directly elected by the Primary voters in a voter precinct. Serves on a 2 year term and serves on the County Executive Committee. Also chairs the Precinct Convention and is responsible for coordinating all campaign activity in a precinct. This is a partisan, elected position which differs from the Election Judge who is appointed and acts as a non-partisan position during the General Election. Primary Election - Primary Elections in Texas are organized and conducted by the Republican and Democrat Parties, and are financed by the State of Texas. Texas holds its primaries the 1st Tuesday in March in even-numbered years. Primary Elections determine each Party s nominee for county, state and national General Elections. A majority of the vote is required to win a Primary Election. If no majority is obtained, a Primary Run-off is held between the two candidates receiving the most votes. Republican - Texas has no voter registration by Party preference. A person affiliates with the Republican Party most often by voting in a Republican Primary Election. Voter registration cards are stamped at the Primary Election site to designate in which Party s Primary the voter participated. Affiliation may also be accomplished by taking the oath designated in Election Code section Republican National Committee (RNC) - Provides national leadership for the Republican Party of the United States. It is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican Platform, as well as coordinating fundraising and election strategy. It is also responsible for organizing and running the Republican National Convention. Republican Party of Texas (RPT) - The Republican Party at the state level. Republican Party of Texas Rules - The rules that govern the Republican Party of Texas Robert s Rules of Order - Parliamentary procedure rule book in all Party conventions, caucuses and convention committees, except where contrary rules or procedures are specified by the Rules of the Republican Party. Runoff Election - If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in an election, the top two vote winners on the ballot are placed in a Runoff Election to determine the ultimate winner. Senatorial District - There are 31 senatorial districts in Texas; each represented by its own State Senator. State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) - Operates as the governing body for the state party. They establish rules and measures that best promote the success of the Republican Party and the broadening of its base. The SREC serves as the RPT's State Primary Board and also establishes policy to guide and direct County Republican Parties. Each member serves as a representative of the RPT in their home district (one man and one woman are elected from each state senate district) and helps to organize and promote Republican activism at the local level. Steering Committee - A body representing organizations, interests, and candidates in a given area for the purpose of coordinating activities. 9

10 Super Tuesday - generally refers to the Tuesday in February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest number of states hold Primary Elections to select delegates to National Convention at which each Party s presidential candidates are officially nominated. Traditionally, candidates seeking presidency must do well on this day to secure their Party s nomination. Because Super Tuesday Primaries represent a large number of geographically and socially diverse regions of the country, this day represents a presidential candidate s first test of national electability. Super Saturday (or Sunday) - Weekend or weekends during Early Voting which typically produce the highest turnout outside of Election Day. Swing Voters - Voters who do not commit to voting for one Party, but are swayed by different candidates and issues. Each Party works to have these voters swing in their direction during elections. Targeting - Determining which demographic groups and precincts that have voters who are more likely to support a favored candidate or Party. Tea Party - Is an American grassroots political movement that advocates strict adherence to the United States Constitution with its foundation based on 5 principles: fiscal responsibility, limited government, personal responsibility, the rule of law and national sovereignty. Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) - State agency which governs all federal campaign finance. Texas Election Code - The official election code for the state of Texas which outlines the rules for voter registration, campaigning, elections, precinct conventions, etc... Download.aspx. Tracking Poll - These are conducted near the end of the campaign. They measure the ballot test and determine if the money being spent on media and campaign activities is working and producing the desired effect. Undervote - A ballot that has been cast but shows no legally valid selection in a given race or referendum. Universe - The group of voters that you are targeting for various mail or grassroots activities when pulling a list from the voter file. Voter Registrar - A volunteer who is deputized and authorized to register people to vote and to deliver signed applications to the County Voter Registration Office. The Voter Registrar may never have been convicted of a felony and may only work in the county and the year in which they are sworn. Vote By Mail (VBM) - A means of voting via the postal system; available to elderly voters, voters with physical disabilities, people who are out of town during the election and for military personnel. Voter File - A database of all registered Texas voters which is owned and maintained by the Texas Republican Party and available to Precinct Chairs, counties and candidates. Walk List - A list of registered voters grouped by street and address used for block walking purposes. 10

11 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A REPUBLICAN? Republican Party of Texas Platform Principles The Republican philosophy is a true reflection of traditional Texas values - core values principles that will sustain Texas into the future and continue to make our State strong, prosperous and proud. Strong Families Families intent on giving their children the hope of a better tomorrow, the promise of a safe and secure today, and an appreciation and respect of yesterday. Principled, Innovative Leadership Principled leaders with an understanding of Texas heritage and a clear vision for Texas future. Leadership that is unwavering in the face of criticism, steadfast when confronted with adversity, and committed to building a better State. Limited Government A government that promotes policies to unlock individual potential and unleash economic growth. Government that does not try to be all things to all people. Honest Compassion A society assisting those in need rather than a government trying to solve every problem by just throwing more money at it. Opportunity For All The opportunity to chart one s own course, start a business, chase a dream, or build a life regardless of gender, race, or religion. Quality Education An educational system that prepares children for tomorrow s workplace regardless of race, wealth or geographical location. Education is the bedrock of freedom and the gateway to opportunity. Personal Responsibility Individuals taking personal responsibility for their own actions and a criminal justice system based on this idea. With freedom comes responsibility. Freedom Freedom that is God given, affirmed by our Founding Fathers, articulated in the Declaration of Independence, and protected by the Constitution. Rugged Individualism The entrepreneurial spirit of the individual that continues to solidify Texas as a world economic power. 11

12 DOCUMENTS GOVERNING OUR PARTY United States Constitution - The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the Federal Government of the United States. National Republican Party Platform - The National Republican Party has a statement of basic beliefs that outline its political philosophy, which is adopted at each National Convention. The Platform, in effect at any given time, will be dated as of the last national convention year. National Republican Party Rules - The National Republican Party Rules are the rules for the election and government of the Republican National Committee until the next National Convention. They are the rules under which the number of delegates and alternate delegates are allotted to respective states in the next National Convention, the rules under which such delegates and alternate delegates are elected, and the rules of business of the National Convention. Texas Election Code - The Texas Election Code is the set of laws passed by the State Legislature governing Texas elections, voting systems, candidates and political parties. Republican Party of Texas Platform - The Republican Party of Texas has a statement of basic beliefs that outline its political philosophy, which is adopted at each State Convention. The Platform, in effect at any given time, will be dated as of June of the last state convention year. Additionally, the Sate Republican Executive Committee often passes resolutions that speak to current issues. Republican Party of Texas Rules - Per the Texas Election Code, the RPT has adopted rules to govern the conduct of precinct, county/ senatorial district, and state meetings and conventions. These rules continue in effect unless changed at a state convention. The rules in effect at any given time will be dated as of June of the last state convention year. It is important to note that the RPT Rules do not, and cannot, conflict with the Texas Election Code. State Party Bylaws & County Party Bylaws - The State Republican Executive Committee has adopted bylaws which direct the conduct of the State Party. County Executive Committees also have the option of adopting bylaws to direct the conduct of their County Party. Bylaws should address the special needs found in the individual county. Bylaws usually cover items such as frequency of County Executive Committee meetings, who may convene a meeting, duties of officers, the number of Precinct Chairs necessary to constitute a quorum for conducting nonelection code business, and the establishment of permanent and special committees. As the Republican Party grows, it is beneficial to have a clear outline for conducing Party business. 12

13 Texas Republican Party Organizational Chart State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) (State Chair, Party Officers & Exec. Committee Members) Role: Conducts the Party s business between conventions, canvasses election results, sets location of the state convention Participants: State Chair, Party officers SREC members, RNC members, activists, Republican supporters, volunteers, Party staff, Republican organizations elects Elects Delegates to State Convention Role: Elects State Chair, officers, SDEC members, and RNC members. Approves Rules of the Texas Republican Party, adopts resolutions, establishes party platform, elect delegates to the National Convention in presidential years. Participants: Delegates, alternates, volunteers, elected officials, candidates, and guests. County Executive Committee (CEC) (County Chair & Precinct Chairs) County Convention or Senatorial District Convention Role: Administers Primary Election in county, turns out Republican voters, recruits volunteers, fund-raises, plans campaign activities within county, recruits candidates Participants: County Chair, Precinct Chairs, Republican supporters, Republican organizations elect Elects Delegates to Role: Elects delegates to State Convention; adopts resolutions to pass on to State Convention Participants: Delegates, alternates, volunteers, elected officials, candidates Precinct Chair Precinct convention Role: Represents precinct at CEC meetings, canvasses precinct, turns out Republican voters, and recruits volunteers. Participants: Precinct Chair, Block Captains, activists, Republican leaders elect attend Role: Elects delegates to County or Senatorial Dist. Convention, adopts resolutions to pass on Participants: Republican Primary Voters Republican Primary Voters Held 2 nd Tuesday in March in even Numbered years

14 REPUBLICAN CONVENTIONS Rules governing conventions may be found at Precinct County State National PRECINCT CONVENTION The Precinct Convention is the first step in the convention delegate process. That process begins at the precinct level and moves on to the county level and on to the state, and in presidential years, to the National Convention. Much of what is done is set by state law, the Rules of the Republican Party of Texas, and Robert s Rules of Order. Purpose: The Precinct Convention is held to 1) elect delegates to the County/Senatorial District Convention, and 2) adopt resolutions for submission to the County/Senatorial District Convention. When / Where / Attendees: The Precinct Convention begins at 7:15 PM (by state law), typically at the Primary Election polling location. The Precinct Convention is open to any person who voted in the Republican Primary that day or during the Early Voting Election. A person who comes late to the Convention may still participate; however, they cannot change decisions already made. Preparation: The Precinct Chair inspects the polling area to determine a good Convention location. A large sign is placed at the polling place telling exactly when and where the Convention will be held. Each voter should also be provided the information verbally and given a hand-out reminder. The County Party provides a Convention packet with instructions, forms, and an easy to fill-in agenda/minutes. The packet is typically kept at the primary polling place on Election Day. Order of Business: The Precinct Convention is called to order by the Temporary Chair. The Precinct Chair typically acts as the Temporary Chair, but if the Precinct Chair is not available any interested Republican Primary Voter from the precinct may pick up the Convention packet and convene the meeting as the Temporary Chair. A list of Primary voters should be obtained from the precinct Election Judge. The list will contain both Election Day and Early Voting voters. 1. All attendees must sign in after it is verified that they voted in the Primary Election. In presidential years, Convention participants sign in by presidential preference. The Convention will allocate and elect delegates based on each presidential candidate s showing in the sign-in. In non-presidential years, participants have an option of either signing in support of a petition of a particular political preference or signing in at-large. 2. When sign-in of all in attendance is complete, a Permanent Convention Chair is nominated and elected to run the Convention. 3. A Secretary is nominated and elected to fill in the agenda/minutes form. 14

15 4. The Convention Chair announces the number of delegates allocated to the County/Senatorial District Convention. The Convention packet lists this number. [See TRP Rules for specifics on how the precinct delegate allotments are made.] 5. Delegates are nominated. An equal number of alternate delegates are nominated. The following rules apply: Convention participants may nominate themselves or any other participant. If a non-attendee desires to be nominated as a delegate or alternate, they must notify the Precinct Chair prior to the Precinct Convention. If Convention attendees sign in by presidential preference or petition preference, the Chair announces the percentage of people attending for each preference and how many delegates and alternates are allotted for each. In non-presidential years, the number of alternate delegates equals the total number of delegates allotted to the voter precinct. 6. Nominations are held open until a motion is made, seconded, and passed by a two-thirds majority to close nominations. 7. Delegates and alternates are elected. 8. The Precinct Convention Secretary records the names of the delegates and alternates on the agenda/ minutes form. The sign-in sheets are annotated according to the sheet s instructions. 9. A majority vote of the Precinct Convention ratifies the election of the entire body of the delegates and alternates. 10. The Precinct Convention elects a Delegation Chair to represent the precinct s delegation at the County/ Senatorial Convention. 11. The Convention considers resolutions or positions on issues. It is strongly suggested that resolutions or issue position papers be submitted in triplicate. They are voted on individually after proper discussion. A majority is required for passage. 12. By motion and vote, the Precinct Convention is concluded. 13. The Convention Chair and Secretary sign the minutes. Post Precinct Convention: Originals and copies of the minutes, the Convention sign-in list with the delegates and alternates marked, and any resolutions or other adopted items must be delivered by the Permanent Precinct Convention Chair as follows: 1. The original and one copy of each form are delivered to the County Chair in one of the following ways: By registered mail no later than the second day after the election. In person no later than 5:00 PM on the third day after the election. [In person down at the County Courthouse Primary night is even better.] 2. The second copy of the minutes and marked sign-ins must be sent to the State Party in the envelope provided. 3. The third copy is retained by the Convention Chair. 15

16 COUNTY/SENATORIAL DISTRICT CONVENTION Much of what is done at the County/Senatorial District Convention is set by state law, the Rules of the Republican Party of Texas, and Robert s Rules of Order. Purpose: The purposes of the County Convention / Senatorial District Convention (urban counties with multiple senate districts areas) are: To elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention. To adopt resolutions that will be passed on to the State Convention. To establish platform positions to supplement the State Party Platform. The rules for County Conventions/Senatorial District Conventions are as follows: A County Convention is held if the county is in a single senate district. The County Chair and County Executive Committee organize it. State Republican Executive Committee members may also give assistance. A Senatorial District Convention is held if the parts of one county belong to more than one senate district. All or some of the senate districts in a county may have a Joint Convention, but each senatorial district must at least elect its own delegates, alternates, and at-large delegates. When / Where / Attendees: The County and Senatorial District Conventions are held on the third Saturday after the first Primary. However, if that date occurs during Passover or on the day following Good Friday, the Convention is held on the next Saturday that does not occur during Passover or on the day following Good Friday. Elected delegates and alternates from the Precinct Conventions attend the County Conventions or Senatorial District Conventions. Local, state, and federal candidates and elected officials should be invited to the Convention. The time and location of the Convention are determined by the County Executive Committee. Typically, the County Chair or the Senate District Committee appoints a person or small committee to find a location for the Convention. The Convention location must be large enough to hold delegates, visitors, and guests, and be accessible and have ample parking. For seating in a non-presidential year, expect about 70% of the allotted precinct delegations, whereas in presidential election years, expect close to 90%. The location must also have at least three rooms where committees can hold their meetings. Committees: The County or Senatorial District Conventions function with the use of the following four committees. There may also be a Decorating Committee, Entertainment Committee and/or Speaker Committee. Chairpersons and members of the committees are elected at a CEC meeting or at the Senate District Committee. The Credentials Committee signs in delegates and alternates; establishes the permanent roll of the Convention; and makes recommendations to the Convention to resolve challenges to credentials of delegates to the County/Senatorial District Convention. The Rules and Procedures Committee ensures the Convention follows TRP Rules and appropriate protocols. The Nominations Committee ensures the proper number and breakdown of delegates to the State Convention. 16

17 The Platform and Resolutions Committee considers resolutions submitted to the Convention and makes recommendations on those resolutions to the Convention. This committee typically meets in advance of the Convention to sort through the multitudes of submitted resolutions. Order of Business: The Texas Republican Party provides a packet with all appropriate forms to conduct the Convention, including a minutes form that acts as an agenda. 1. Delegates, alternates, visitors, and guests sign in with the Credentials Committee. 2. Delegates, visitors, and guests are seated while the Credential Committee attends its work of quorum determination. 3. Opening ceremonies typically begin with a color guard. 4. The Temporary Chair of the Convention calls the meeting to order. A Temporary Secretary and Parliamentarian are nominated and elected. A temporary role of delegates is established and credential and rules reports are made. 5. A Permanent Convention Chair, Secretary, and other officers necessary to conduct the Convention are nominated and elected. 6. Delegates then proceed to Precinct Caucuses to elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention. [See TRP Rules for specifics on how the delegate allotments are made.] 7. The results of the elections within the Precinct Caucuses are collected and given to the Nominations Committee. This committee then nominates a slate of at-large delegates that are used to balance the delegation to the State Convention to reflect the sign-in by political preference (if any), the ethnic make-up, age and gender balance of the delegates of the county or senatorial district. 8. The Convention considers reports from the Platform and Resolutions Committee and conducts other business, as necessary. 9. The Convention adjourns. The Convention occasionally goes into a recess when some committees meet. Listening to candidates, attending workshops, listening in on the committee meetings, or visiting old friends and meeting new ones may fill this time. STATE CONVENTION A State Republican Executive Committee meeting precedes the State Convention. Specific information about the State Convention is mailed to each delegate and alternate in advance of the event. Information is also available on the internet. Attendees of the Convention must realize that, because the purpose of the Convention is to conduct the Party s business, not every moment will be exciting. The Convention occasionally goes into a recess when some committees meet. Listening to candidates, attending workshops, listening in on the committee meetings, or visiting old friends and meeting new ones may fill this time. 17

18 Purpose: The purpose of the State Convention is to conduct the business of the Party as follows: Announce nominations of states officers Elect the SREC members Pass resolutions Adopt a platform Elect the Party s officers Elect Republican National Committee members and delegates and alternates to the National Convention in presidential years. When / Where / Attendees: The Texas State Convention is held in June of even-numbered years at a location selected by the State Republican Executive Committee. Elected delegates and alternates are grouped by senate district. Limited seating for guests is available. Guest passes may be available from the State Party Office. Order of Business: The Senatorial District Caucuses meet on Friday afternoon before the Convention is called to order. The Caucus elects the district s representative on the Credentials Committee. This committee will decide any disputes concerning who will be a delegate to the State Convention.The Texas State Convention is conducted in the following order: 1. The Convention is called to order by the State Chair. 2. Temporary Credentials and Temporary Resolutions Committees are set. 3. A Temporary Roll is established and announcements made. 4. The Convention then recesses for State District Caucuses to do the following: Elect male and female representatives to the State Republican Executive Committee Elect members to serve on the Permanent Convention Committees: Credentials, Nominations, Platform, Resolutions, and Rules Form a Nominations Committee for at-large delegates to the National Convention in presidential election years. 5. Opening ceremonies are held. 6. Welcoming addresses, opening remarks, and speeches made by the Convention Chair and invited dignitaries are heard. 7. The reports from the various committees as they are ready are considered. 8. Permanent Committees are set. 9. A State Chair and others are elected. 10.In years when a presidential election is held, each delegation elects delegates to the National Convention. 11.In years when a presidential election is held, each delegation elects Electors who may cast their votes for the President at the Electoral College. 12.In presidential years, the State Convention also elects the Texas members of the Republican National Committee to four-year terms. 13.The State Party Platform is adopted. 18

19 14.Resolutions are debated and voted upon. 15.Other business before the convention is accomplished. 16.The convention, upon completion of business, adjourns. NATIONAL CONVENTION Purpose: The purpose is to nominate Republican candidates for President and Vice President of the United States and pass a National Party Platform. When / Where / Attendees: Held in August or September of presidential election years. The specific date, time and location are to be set by the Republican National Committee. The process to become a delegate or alternate delegate begins, in general, at the Precinct Convention when the attendees sign in under their presidential preference, while the specific rules for National Convention and delegate selection vary from one Convention to the next. That preference is carried forward to the County/Senatorial District Conventions and on the the State Convention. Prior to attending the State Convention, anyone wishing to be a delegate or alternate to the National Convention files a request to be a delegate and/or alternate with the RNC. Delegates and alternates to the National Convention are selected in the Senate District Caucuses at the State Convention. The Nominations Committee fills the remainder of the Texas delegation. 19

20 TEXAS ELECTION PROCESS Standard election years occur in even-numbered years and the strength building years occur in the odd-numbered years. Year 1 - Strength Building Year Presidential Inauguration, Legislative Session, candidate filing for next year s Primary Election, Party strengthening activities and preparation. Year 2 - Standard Election Year Primary Election, Precinct Convention, County/Senatorial District Conventions, State Convention, Gubernatorial General Election Year 3 - Strength Building Year Gubernatorial Inauguration, Legislative Session, candidate filing for next year s Primary Election, Party strengthening activities and preparation. Year 4 - Standard Building Year Primary Election, Precinct Convention, County/Senatorial District Conventions, State Convention, Presidential General Election Party Registration Texas does not have registration by political Party. However, by voting in the Texas Republican Primary or the Texas Republican Primary Run-off, the voter automatically is identified as a Republican. In other states, voters are asked to pre-register with a particular Party in order to vote in the Primary. The Texas Republican Primary is open to any registered Texas voter who did not vote in another Party s Primary and did not attend another Party s political Convention in that election cycle. If a voter signs a petition to put a candidate on the ballot of a Party, this also counts as a declaration of Party affiliation. One may not sign a petition to put a Republican on the ballot and vote in the Democratic Primary. Voter Registration - To vote in Texas, one must be a citizen of the United States, be at least 18 years of age on the day of election, be a resident of the county and a registered voter within the county in which he/she resides. (Persons convicted of a felony who have not completed time served, parole and probation, and persons found to be mentally incompetent by a court of law are not eligible to register to vote. Once a convicted felon is off papers, he or she is eligible to vote and must re-register.) The Voter Registrar is deputized by the County Clerk or County Tax Assessor-Collector and serves to register citizens to vote. The Registrar may NOT refuse registration of a person on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national origin, or political affiliation. The Registrar may NOT wear political clothing or regalia. To register to vote, a citizen may apply by mail or in person; the latter being the most effective. There is no fee to register to vote. Students are encouraged to register to vote under the address where they intend to vote. If they use their permanent address, this is were they will need to vote in order for their vote to count. Finally, to complete the registration process the voter s application must be forwarded to the County Voter Registrar s office for proper processing. Mail-in applications must be postmarked 30 days prior to early voting/election day to qualify for that particular election. 20

21 Any person giving false information to secure a voter registration for himself or any other person is guilty of a 3rd degree felony. A voter registration certificate is mailed to the voter within 4 weeks from receipt of the application at the Registrar s office. The voter should notify the Registrar s office if he/she does not receive a Voter Registration Certificate. It is the voter s responsibility to closely examine the Certificate for accuracy and apply signature. (Visit DallasCountyVotes.org for more information.) Voting by Mail / Absentee Voting - A person is eligible to vote by mail if they are a registered voter, 65 years of age or older, out of the country, disabled or confined in jail - but passes the eligibility requirements. To vote by mail they must apply for a ballot through the Dallas County Elections office no earlier than 60 days before election day and no later than the close of business 9 days before Election Day. Primary Election The Primary Election is held on the 1st Tuesday in March of even-numbered years. A Run-Off Primary is held in April if an opposed candidate does not receive more than 50% of the vote. Early voting begins approximately 2 weeks before Election Day. To vote in the Primary and/or Run-Off, one must be a resident of the voting precinct and register to vote 30 days before the election. A voter may only vote in one Party s Primary and may vote in a Run-Off Election even if they did not vote in the Primary. Voting locations may not be the same as the General Election or local election locations. Voters usually are able to vote anywhere in their county during Early Voting, but on Election Day they must vote at the precinct specific location. Precincts may or may not be combined to save on personnel and money. General Election The General Election is held on the Tuesday following the 1st Monday in November. To vote in the General Election, one must be a resident of the voting precinct and register to vote 30 days before the election. Early voting begins approximately 2 weeks before Election Day. Voters usually are able to vote anywhere in their county during early voting, but on Election Day they must vote at the precinct specific location. Precincts may or may not be combined to save on personnel and money. Non-Partisan Elections These local elections include, but are not limited to, City, School Board, MUD District, Water District, Navigation District, Park Board, Library Board, and Port Authority Elections. Although these elections are described as non-partisan, it is imperative that Republicans with conservative values and principles run for these positions. These elected officials manage and control local government which impact our lives at the most basic level and often decide whether our taxes go up or down, as well as, where the tax dollars are spent. The local elections provide excellent training for those with future political aspirations, as well as, a training platform for Republican GOTV efforts. Voter Protection - Texas Election Code If you are inside or are in line at your polling place any time between 7AM and 7PM on Election Day, you have the right to vote. You have the right to vote without presenting your voter registration certificate; provided your name is on the voter registration roll, you sign an affidavit stating that you do not have your voter registration with you and you provide accepted form of identification. 21

22 If your name is not in the voter registration roll, you have the right to vote a provisional ballot. Your ballot will only count if you are voting in the correct precinct. You have the option of 3 replacement ballots, should you make a mistake. Special assistance is provided to those voters who cannot read, do not speak English, are blind or are physically disables. Assistance can be provided by election officials or any other person except your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union. Interpreters and translators must be registered voters of your county. Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of the polling place entrance. If you have moved within the same county, you have the right to vote at the polling place of your former residence, provided you fill out a statement of residence form. You have the right to take time off from work to vote, unless the polls are open for 2 consecutive hours outside of working hours. You have the right to bring a child under 18 years of age into the voting station with you. You have the right to receive non-english ballots, instructions and other voting materials. Precinct Chair s Election Role The Precinct Chair is charged with helping deliver Republican votes in the his/her precinct by communicating with fellow Republican/conservative voters in the precinct on when and where to vote. There are numerous ways to get the message out - the process is all part of the grassroots GOTV campaign. It is a relationship building process which starts long before the election arrives. In many precincts, the Precinct Chair also serves as the Election Judge (or Alternate Judge), but this is not required, and it is an entirely different function and appointment process. Election Judge for General Elections The Election Judge manages the polling place on Election Day. Responsibilities include recruiting Election Clerks, setting up the polling places before polls open, supervising the Clerks, handling voter challenges while the polls are open (7am to 7pm), and completing and delivering close-out records after the polls close. Because of the high responsibility of the Election Judge, he/she is accorded the powers of a State District Judge while conducting the election. The Dallas County Elections Department provides the necessary training for this service. There is one Election Judge and one Alternate Judge per polling place. The Republican Party is entitled to have a Republican Election Judge in each precinct that the Republican Governor carried in the prior Gubernatorial Election. If the Democrats secured a Democratic Governor, they would be entitled to this privilege. Appointments are made by the County Commissioners pursuant to the Parties respective recommendations. Compensation for General Elections is also set by the County Commissioners. Currently, Election Judges are paid $9/hour. Requirement to serve: The Election Judge must live in and be a qualified voter of the precinct in which he or she serves. They must commit to being available for the full Election Day. Alternate Election Judge for General Elections The Alternate Election Judge serves as a Clerk under the supervision of the Election Judge. However, they must be prepared to serve as the Election Judge if the appointed Election Judge does not serve or leaves the polling place. The Alternate Election Judges is required to receive the same training as the Election Judge. 22