Power to the PCOs
August 9, 2010 
7 Comments
It is official. After a trip to the Spokane County Elections Office last week I am now registered as a write-in candidate for “PCO” in Precinct 3153. A “Precinct Committee Officer” is the lowest possible office anyone can run for – it is even more obscure than running for neighborhood council given that precincts are usually smaller than neighborhoods.
Please vote “Mariah McKay – D” if you live in Precinct 3153.
PCOs serve as a liaison between their local party and voters in their precinct. Basically they are supposed to walk around, introduce themselves, remind folks to vote, help people deal with any registration or delivery issues that crop up, and answer questions people may have about the candidates to the best of their ability.
A precinct map around the Browne’s Addition area.
I’ve met most of the candidates on the primary ballot, am great with meeting attendance, am familiar with the rules and requirements for voting, and LOVE talking to my neighbors. So please write me in or think of friends in my precinct who can. I need to get at least 10% of the vote to “win.” Since there are 873 registered voters in 3153 and only about half of those will vote this August, I need around 40 people to help me meet this goal.
Please vote “Paul Dillon – D” if you live in Precinct 3152.
Another upstanding young candidate for becoming a Democratic PCO is Paul Dillon who is running in the bulk of Browne’s Addition. He lives on the corner of 2nd and Cannon and has been in the neighborhood for the past two years. Paul believes Browne’s is one of the best neighborhoods in the country and is excited about the future of Spokane.
Don’t forget to return your ballot on or before August 17th!
For those of you who still need to get registered or change your address, it is not yet too late. Head on over to the Spokane County Elections Office this week. The place is shockingly handsome. The high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and skylights are enough to make any loft-loving yuppie drool.
Can you believe in this Immaculate Election?
Trekking on down to the Elections Office to take care of business is bound to make you feel some kind of warm n’ fuzzy civic duty glow.
Even the tissue boxes in this place are patriotic.
Do it for the little people, vote for your PCOs!
About the Author
If you really want to get involved in the election process, consider becoming an election observer.
As one involved in the Spokane County Democrats, I can’t say enough about how important the PCOs are here in Spokane and around the country. You are the first level of grassroots activists — the ones who really keep all politics local and make elections meaningful to our neighbors who don’t always follow this stuff. It is incredibly encouraging to see widespread participation in the process, especially with the younger and younger at heart.
Thank you for making your case. It’s important to study the issues, talk with your neighbors and encourage voting – no matter which side of the aisle attracts you. More importantly, we welcome new voices to improve the elections process.
Please register as a PCO by August 16th, preferably sooner. Then, let all your neighbors know to write in your name. You won’t regret it.
Then, help us by adding your input and ensuring that we keep the party in the party.
Cheers,
Amy
Any recommendation for precinct 6132? I don’t know either person who is running for PCO, and don’t feel comfortable voting “party line” anymore.
Suzy, I would recommend contacting them directly and asking questions. Their contact info should be on the county election site.
Amy is correct about the significance of PCOs. They are the offensive linemen of local politics. (or the pawns for non football fans out there). I learned a lot about the local political scene from my PCO, who happens to be running for office this year (though I won’t say which one). Plus the PCOs run the caucus meetings, which are a lot of fun for wonks like me.
Wishing you wind in your sails as you step into this. I am deeply appreciative of all the leadership and connection you provide!
Thanks Mariah. This was interesting.
Just thought I’d add my two cents and congratulate Mariah and all other young individuals who stepped up to run for PCO this year. We are the future, and it’s good to see us super cool young folk getting involved in the party process.
PCO Precinct 3134