Precinct Committee Officer (PCO)
Being a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) is one of the most important roles in our party. As a PCO, you are on the front lines of winning elections up and down the ballot – from the School Board to the Senate. Here’s what PCOs do:
- PCOs are the main point of information and contact for voters in your precinct and within the Democratic Party.
- PCOs are also a central part of their local Democratic organization. They elect local, county, and state Party leadership
- PCO’s nominate to fill vacancies in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate.
Steps to Become a PCO
Now that you are interested in joining the ranks of PCOs in Washington State, follow the steps below to get started! There are 2 ways to become a PCO (Elected PCO or an Appointed PCO). It depends on when you decide to become a PCO.
Are you 18 or will you be 18 before the August Primary of the current year?
If you answered yes, you are eligible to become a PCO!
Are you registered to vote? Check with the Secretary of State’s Office to check!
YES – You are eligible to become a PCO)
NO – (follow the instructions to register and then you will be eligible to vote AND to become a PCO)
Is the current year an even year?
Is it before filing week? (Filing week in 2024 is May 6 – May 10)
BOTH YES – you are eligible to file to become an elected PCO!
BOTH NO – you are eligible to file to become an appointed PCO!
NOTE: When you file to become a PCO, your filing information becomes public record, and is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Elected PCO:
PCOs are voted into office during the primary election in even-numbered election years. They will serve two-year terms. If you are the only one to file in mid-May for your precinct, you will be automatically elected. In contested precincts, candidates for PCO appear on the August primary ballot and are elected by voters in their precinct. Once elected, you take office on December 1st of the same year.
Timeline:
- May Filing Week: You must file to become a PCO
- August Primary: You are on the ballot
- Dec 1, Current Year: PCO Term Begins
- Nov 30, in Two Year: Term Ends
Steps:
- Search and find your county’s Election office online.
- File to run with your county’s Elections office during filing week (No filing fee)
- Win your election in the August primary election (If you are the only person to file for PCO in your precinct, you will automatically become a precinct and you will not be on the ballot)
- Become a sworn PCO for the next two years starting the December 1st after your election
Appointed PCO:
If no party-affiliated PCO is elected in a particular precinct, then a person who lives in that precinct can be appointed by the county or legislative chair as the Appointed PCO. For more information about the requirements for becoming an Appointed PCO, contact the Chair of your legislative district or county organization. You may be required to fill out an application.
If you were appointed to the precinct in which you reside, you have much the same benefits and length of office as someone elected—but after the reorganization occurs.
Timeline:
The timeline to become an appointed PCO is more flexible than an elected PCO. It typically takes about a month to officially be appointed to PCO. Appointment for open precincts must be after the county reorganization meeting.
Eligibility:
You must declare to be a member of the Democratic party and a registered voter in the precinct. You must be 18 years old to be appointed.
PCO Resources