An Opportunity for Engagement
Until 2016 I considered myself an independent. I imagined the Democratic and Republican Parties as well-funded machines, right down to the local level. The image I held was of men in eyeshades smoking cigars in some back room making all the decisions about party platforms and deciding who they would run for elected office. I was far off base. Instead, I find that the people who lead and who turn up for local gatherings of Democrats are unpaid volunteers with a genuine interest in making life better for everyone by supporting small “d” democratic government.
For the last 30 years, ten under Republican U.S. Rep. Nethercutt and twenty under Republican U.S. Rep. McMorris Rodgers, their staff, their political machines, and, lately, the Washington Policy Center, the Republican Party has been the major political presence in eastern Washington, especially rural eastern Washington. Meanwhile Democratic Party organizations have struggled. Part of that struggle results simply from the geography of the state: interconnecting with government in Olympia and with the Washington State Democratic Party has been time-consuming and expensive in travel and lodging.
Local Democratic Party organizations are re-building—to no small degree simply in reaction to the extremism of MAGA Republicans. The Washington State Democratic Convention, held in even-numbered years, is meeting in Bellevue from Friday through Sunday, June 21-23. This year there is an important opportunity: you can attend virtually. You do not have to shell out money for a hotel room, meals, and travel to share in the experience.
Why Would You Want to Sign Up as a Delegate?
Supporting the Democratic Party is good way to start doing something with your angst over the chance of a takeover of government by MAGA Republicans this November.
This year the Washington State Democratic Party is offering an expanded opportunity for representation from the east side of the State (that’s us!) at the same time that virtual online attendance offers an economical way to attend. This could be a big win for representation from our side of the state—but it requires enough people to join in the process, fill the offered slots, and attend to keep this opportunity open. You don’t need to be an experienced “pol.” Being there mostly as an observer will help save eastern Washington representation—and help you understand how it all works.
Here’s some of what will happen at the State Convention:
- Elect National Delegates to the National Democratic Convention August 19 to 22, 2024, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois
- Adopt State platform and State Party resolutions
- Network with other convention delegates and get organized
- Get energized to win the 2024 elections
- Bring your enthusiasm and energy back to your district
So How Does This Work?
Delegates attend the State Democratic Convention based on election by the Democratic Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) of each legislative district (LD). Each of the 49 Washington State LDs is allotted at least 20 Delegate slots (more are possible based on diversity—but how that works is a bit complicated). Perhaps in western Washington so many Democrats run in each LD to be Delegates that elections get complicated, but on our east side of the state the expanded number of delegate slots offered has caught the Democratic Legislative District organizations a little off guard. This offers an opportunity to present your interest in being a Delegate with a high probability of being able to serve without having to try to dazzle PCOs with your credentials.
Remember that the leaders of the Democratic Legislative District organizations are all volunteers without huge resources for outreach—that’s a reason for me to launch this appeal. (I’m almost as new to these details as most of my readers are.)
To take advantage of the offered increase in representation from eastern Washington at the State Democratic Convention, the Democratic LD organizations need to receive electronic your application for a slots by March 31 (See below.)
If you’re unsure what Legislative District or Congressional District you are registered in go to vote.wa.gov, put in your name and birthdate, then click “Your Voter Registration” and scroll down to “Districts”.
More info: Click here for more information on the whole process from the State Democratic Party.
If you’re interested by still have questions there is a virtual meeting this Sunday between 2 and 3PM titled “How to run for delegate” training (click to sign up). Check out other gatherings on the topic by clicking here.
Signing Up: Set up an account with the State Democratic Party. Click https://wadelegateregistration2024.com/sign-up/
I filled it out in about ten minutes. I don’t think you have to submit a complicated and lengthy bio, just the basics.
At the end on the last page you can scroll down and click “Register Today” to sign up for election as a Delegate.
Thanks for considering this, Washington voters. This is part of the nitty-gritty of how the people who represent us in government get elected and how the two major party platforms are developed.
Keep to the high ground,
Jerry
P.S. If you’re really curious about how all this comes about and is regulated check out the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 29A.80). The law lays out the ground rules for the function of the “major parties”, i.e. any party that garners 5% or more for any statewide or federal office.
P.P.S. If you’re wondering how the Spokane County Democratic Party fits into all this consider that Spokane County contains all of LDs 3, 4, and 6 and parts of LD 7 and 9. The Spokane County Democratic Party will hold a county convention in June at which the local Democratic platform will be discussed.