CDA Chamber: Crucial role of precinct committeeman and their impact on business

The May Republican primary election is swiftly approaching, and your participation is paramount.

Did you know that in Idaho, where the majority identify as Republican, primary winners almost always secure victory in the general election? Additionally, the role of a political party's central committee, like the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee in our region, is pivotal. This committee determines, endorses and supports candidates for various offices and plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the party's affairs at the regional or state level. 

Its responsibilities can vary depending on the party's structure, rules, and governing documents, but generally include party governance, policy development, outreach and engagement and party unity.

Within each county are precincts, each represented by an elected committeeman or representative, serving as a conduit for community concerns, interests, values, and priorities. These committeemen should act as voices for their respective neighborhoods. 

Are you familiar with your current precinct committee? Do you believe they are accurately representing your interests? If you are like me, up until this year, I didn’t fully understand this important position and the role/influence they play in shaping our community’s culture. 

This important precinct committeeman race is coming up on the May primary ballot. This year, there's been a surge in candidates vying for local precinct committee seats in Kootenai County. Many business and community leaders have stepped up with a desire to return the power of candidate selection to the people and bring unity to the party. 

Are you prepared to vote? It's crucial to familiarize yourself with your precinct and the candidates running. Voting in this race offers a vital opportunity to shape our community's direction. Each vote influences the leaders who should be advocating for our neighborhoods, representing business interests, and influencing party policy decisions. 

Republican precinct representatives all get a vote in the central committee, and their votes significantly impact the business community. Committeemen play a role in selecting party nominees for various offices, influencing policies like zoning regulations and economic development initiatives. 

They are in a position to advocate for business-friendly regulations, infrastructure improvements, and entrepreneurship support, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration among businesses, elected officials and stakeholders. Ultimately, Precinct Committeeman decisions can shape local policies, advocate for business interests, and contribute to community development. 

Thank you to all the candidates running for precinct committee seats and thank you to our community members for learning about this important role and casting an informed vote. In doing so, we will assert our collective voice and contribute to the vitality of our democracy. Vote in the precinct committeeman race in the May 21 Republican primary, because our community's future depends on it. 

1. Make sure you are registered to vote: elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/VoterSearch.aspx 

2. Find your precinct: elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/ViewPollingLocation. aspx 

3. See who is running for your precinct committeeman seat: Republican-Precinct-Committeemen-Candidates-Final-List-including-Withdrawals-as-of-March-29-2024 (kcgov.us) 

4. Request an absentee ballot: elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/BeginAbsenteeRequ est.aspx