Party Roles¶
Typical party roles start with the approximately 200,000 precincts across the United States.
Some state parties use caucuses (or caucus-style meetings) for party organization, while others fill roles through party committee meetings, conventions, or appointments.
Only a very few states still use caucuses as the primary means of candidate selection.
Common Party Roles¶
Almost all major parties have:
- Precinct Chairs (or Captains)
- County or Congressional District organizing committees
- State conventions
- National conventions
Filling Roles¶
The specific process for filling roles varies by state and party, but many parties use local precinct meetings, county conventions, and/or volunteer-based elections to fill these roles.
For more information, see your state website and your state-specific guide.
How Do People Get Involved?¶
- In some states, precinct caucuses provide a public starting point for party organizing and anyone can simply show up.
- In other states, parties fill many positions through internal party committee meetings, county conventions, or appointments by local party officers.
- In all cases, you can start by contacting your local county or district party to ask how to attend meetings or volunteer.
- Many parties welcome new volunteers who are willing to get involved.
Precinct Chair and Vice Chair(s)¶
Sometimes called Precinct Captains. Some states encourage a gender balance.
How you get the role:
- In caucus states: Volunteer during your precinct caucus (~February).
- In most other states: Contact your local county or district party to ask how precinct leaders are selected.
Who votes:
- All caucus attendees from your precinct.
What you do if elected:
- Obtain your precinct map and voter list.
- Build a local contact network.
- Encourage neighbors to participate and vote.
- Serve as your precinct’s party contact.
- Coordinate with county and district leaders.
- Recruit volunteers for your precinct.
Precinct Chairs are often the most important link between voters and the party. Many precincts have no chair simply because no one volunteers.
Convention Delegates¶
In many states, delegates are selected around the same time as precinct positions.
How you may get the role:
- Volunteer during your precinct caucus (~February).
Who may vote:
- All caucus attendees from your precinct.
What you may do if elected:
- Attend your Organizing Unit Convention (~March).
- Vote on:
- Candidate endorsements
- Platform resolutions
- Party officer elections
- Higher-level delegate selection
Delegates are the party decision makers at the next level.
Alternate Convention Delegates¶
Alternates may serve if delegates cannot attend.
How you may get the role:
- Volunteer during your precinct caucus.
Who may vote:
- All caucus attendees from your precinct.
What you may do if elected:
- Attend your Organizing Unit Convention.
- Serve as a voting delegate if a seat becomes available.
Alternates often end up voting — especially in lightly attended conventions.
Organizing Unit Directors (and the Central Committee)¶
Directors help manage party operations at the Organizing Unit level. The unit may cover a county or part of a county.
How you may get the role:
- Volunteer or be nominated at your Organizing Unit Convention.
Who may vote:
- Delegates and seated Alternates.
What you may do if elected:
- Serve on the Party Central Committee.
- Manage year-round party operations.
- Typical director roles may include:
- Outreach
- Fundraising
- Volunteer coordination
- Communications
- Events
- Technology/Data
- Positions vary based on local party bylaws.
Directors help keep the party active between elections.
Higher-Level Delegates¶
How you may get the role:
- Volunteer or be nominated at your Organizing Unit Convention.
Who may vote:
- Delegates and seated Alternates.
What you may do if elected:
- Attend Congressional District and State Conventions (April–June).
- Vote on:
- Endorsements for higher offices
- Platform updates
- National delegate selection (during presidential years)
These delegates help shape state and national party decisions.
Organizing Unit Executive Committee¶
A smaller leadership group elected at the Organizing Unit level.
Typical roles:
- Chair
- Vice Chairs
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Responsibilities:
- Handle party leadership decisions.
- Prepare for conventions, events, and operations.
- Meet regularly throughout the year.
You Can Volunteer for Multiple Roles¶
- You may serve in one or more roles.
- Many positions remain vacant simply because not enough people step forward.
If you are willing to help, there is almost always a role available.