Reply #14: It is different in different states [View All]

[sybylla]

I'm in Wisconsin where we have an open primary. You don't register with a party but merely as an elector. The open primary was instituted early in the last century to bust the party machines and it was the party machines which eventually created precinct committees in other states. The open primary cleaned up politics here when it was instituted, but it has changed very deeply the way we engage in political discussion in my state. It sets us apart. Plug-and-play precinct-level politics don't work here no matter how hard past national candidates have tried.

Our Dem party has organized around county-level groups where officers are elected from people who have paid party dues. Some county parties are creating modified precinct-level grassroots organizations to mobilize during election seasons but they are entirely volunteer based and not elected. Still, this works best in counties with larger populations so large portions of the state are not even close to precinct level.

Still, if you're interested in local political activism, contact your state party. I have no doubt they will be happy to direct you to someone who will put your energy and talents to work.