Phase III – PetitionThe opportunity to become a committee member occurs on a schedule defined by the party bylaws. For instance, in March during even numbered years. When this occurs, you will “petition” a few of your neighbors and ask them to endorse you as their neighborhood committee member by signing your petition. |
| Step | Description | Details |
| 1 | Timing | In Phase II you identified when the Petition cycle occurs. Typically, this is before a regularly scheduled Primary Election. It may be timed for even or odd numbered years. You should have several weeks to collect signatures. Contact your County BOE to confirm timing and procedure. |
| 2 | Documents | Request the following from your County Board of Elections: Blank Designating Petitions, a walk list for the registered voters in your precinct/election district and a corresponding map. |
| 3 | # Signatures | Identify how many signatures are required. Your County BOE should tell you when you request the documents above. This is typically a calculation equal to 5% of the number of active Republican voters in your precinct/election district, approx. 5-30. Easy! |
| 4 | Required Info | Fill out the required header information on the blank petitions. This will include your name, address, precinct information and committee member position you are seeking. Be careful to avoid errors that can invalidate your petition! Check with someone who is knowledgable or contact us if you are unsure. |
| 5 | Script | Prepare a script as an introduction to neighbors you do not know personally. If possible, bring a handout with information. |
| 6 | Petition | Using your walk list, contact those voters registered with the Republican party. Ideally, you will be familiar with some of your neighbors who will sign. For others, go door-to-door. Weekends (10am-5pm) are best when more people are home. Introduce yourself (with your memorized script) and ask if they will sign your petition. Have (and perhaps wear) identification for anyone who is skeptical. And have a handout (View). (Download to edit) |
| 7 | Sign | Complete the lower portion of the petition pages. Number pages. Sign where indicated. |
| 8 | File with the BOE | Double check your petition for accuracy. Make a copy of your final petition for your records. Submit your original to your County BOE on or before the deadline and obtain a receipt. |
| 9 | Follow Up | You should be contacted about the status of your petition within 2-3 days after submission or deadline. If not, contact your BOE. |
| 10 | Contested | Contact your County BOE and ask if other petitions were submitted for your election district. You can request to review other petitions and file an objection if it does not conform to requirements. Ask if anyone contested your petition. If so, the BOE must notify you and there may be additional steps to take. |
| 11 | Results | Two (2) positions per precinct are available. If more than two (2) petitions were approved, the winners will be determined by a Primary election. If two (2) or less were submitted, you are uncontested and you’re in! |