In 2024, Hamilton County Democrats needed your vote. In 2025, we need your voice. If you want a say in how the Hamilton County Democratic Party is run, now is the time to ask about becoming a precinct committeeperson, or precinct chair (PC). As a PC, you will have the power to vote for county party leadership on March 1, 2025. You also will be in a position to build a more effective Democratic Party for the future.
A Solid Base Makes a Strong Party
Hamilton County has 235 precincts that are identified by township name and a number, as shown on the official Hamilton County Precincts map. Precincts consist of census blocks, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Ideally, using population to set precincts would translate into roughly the same number of voters in each one, but the Hamilton County 2024 General Election Final Certified Turnout Report shows that totals ranged from 18 registered voters in Fall Creek 36 to 3,320 registered voters in Westfield 2. Voters in the same precinct share the same election day polling place and the same ballot options in a general election. Precinct Chairs ensure that the voters in their precincts are informed about how to register, when to vote, and who’s on the ballot. Just as important, PCs ensure that their precinct’s voters are heard, by taking their concerns back to party leadership.
The Rules of the Indiana Democratic Party outlines the party structure:
Precinct committees form the base of the Party’s political structure, and PCs are the leaders (and sometimes sole members) of these committees. A precinct committee can also have a vice chair with party voting privileges. To promote gender equity across the party, there is a rule that the chair and the vice-chair must be different genders.
Township, ward, town, and city committees are the next level. Hamilton County currently has three city committees/clubs: Carmel, Noblesville, and Westfield. PCs in those cities are members of those committees as well.
These precincts and city committees make up county parties.
County party leaders form congressional district committees. The Hamilton County Democratic Party is part of the fifth congressional district committee.
Congressional district committee leaders are part of the State Central Committee, which is the top level of state party leadership.
Elections Start with Building Connections
Precinct Chairs have historically been charged with recruiting Democratic clerks and judges to work at their precinct’s polling places. In the 2024 general election, Hamilton County Democratic Party leadership streamlined this process by taking on this task, freeing up precinct chairs to focus on getting out the vote (GOTV). Precinct Chairs and other volunteers spent “Knocktober” going to thousands of doors, armed with door hangers provided by the county party and encouraging Democrats to vote early. Precincts with active chairs had higher turnouts, which is why PCs are so important. Political change starts with conversations.
2025 is not an election year, but PCs still have plenty to do besides campaign canvassing. The state party is reorganizing, including precinct committees. There are precincts that still need chairs and vice chairs, not to mention neighborhood captains and other volunteer committee members to gather feedback about the issues important to their neighbors and deliver the message about what Democrats are doing to address those issues. If you are willing to step up, the county party is here to help you be successful. But don't wait! To participate in the March 1 county party officer elections, you must submit the volunteer form by January 29 so that you can be appointed to one of the vacant positions. Appointed precinct chairs are expected to serve through the end of of the current term in May 2026.
Resolve to get involved this year!
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