Become a Precinct Committee Person

What is a Precinct Committee Person?

A Precinct Committee Person (PCP) is the OFFICIAL representative for the Republican Party in your neighborhood. PCPs are elected every two years. This occurs on the even years during the primary election and is a way to get involved in your party and your community without a long-term commitment.

An elected precinct committee person must reside in the county precinct where he/she is seeking office. If they move out of the precinct, the position is deemed vacant and shall be filled with another resident of the precinct according to the process outlined in the South Dakota Republican Party (SDGOP) bylaws.
Reference: [ Section 3.6(A) ]

Duties of Precinct Committee Person

Republican Precinct Committee Persons serve as a link between the Republican Party and voters in their local precinct.  They help set the party agenda and platform, assist candidates in running for office, and conduct the business of the party.  Duties include:

  • Compile and update voter lists, contact voters, register non-voters, and participate in general voter contact activities according to the bylaws.
    Reference: [ Section 3(F) ]
  • Serve as voting members of the county central committee. As members, they are responsible for electing the six county officers who will provide leadership for the local county party.
  • Serve as delegates and voting members at the South Dakota Republican State Convention where constitutional officers are nominated according to SDCL.
    Reference: [ 12-5-21 ]
  • Convention delegates also vote on the South Dakota Republican Party Platform and Resolutions according to the bylaws.
    Reference: [ Section 4 ]

How to Become a Precinct Committee Person

There are two ways to become a precinct committee person in South Dakota.

1. Get Elected in the Primary

A candidate for precinct committee person shall file a statement in writing with the county auditor in which he or she resides.  The candidate must file no later than the last Tuesday in March before the primary election.

SDCL Details
Find my County Auditor
2026 Election Info

2. Fill a Vacancy After the Primary

If there is a vacancy in your county for a precinct position, then you may contact a member of your county central committee to express your interest in filling the position and begin the process as outlined in the bylaws.
Reference: [ Section 3.2 & Section 3.6(A) ]

Find my Local County Party