We The People, The American Election
Part 7a, Election Laws, Bylaws, and the Precinct Strategy
Introduction
The gravity of our electoral process cannot be overstated. It serves as the singular fulcrum, the pivot point upon which the will of the people exerts its force to steer the course of our republic. For too long, the local government, the bedrock of our representative system, has been relegated to the periphery of our collective consciousness. The hour has arrived for us to reassert our stewardship over it.
This arena of local governance is a battlefield that has faded from our memory, a theater of engagement that we have allowed to fall into neglect. The time for excuses has expired; we are called to engage fully in the forthcoming electoral season. While casting our votes is of paramount importance, it is not the entirety of our civic duty.
We must approach the electoral season with the strategic mindset of a military operation. When it was said that the only way is the military way, it was not intended to be taken literally. We can indeed employ military strategies, not through force of arms, but through the application of conceptual practices and techniques.
We can adopt strategies such as infiltration, observation, reporting, data collection, and influence to shape our electoral process. The linchpin of this strategy is a comprehensive understanding of our metaphorical adversary - the election process itself. We must comprehend the key players, the rules of engagement, the positions they hold, and the regulations that govern these positions within our electoral cycle.
How can we infiltrate this system to gain an advantage? You may be astonished to discover that even in the largest counties, such as Maricopa or Los Angeles, the personnel responsible for managing and safeguarding the election process are but a handful of individuals, perhaps 15 to 20. Consider that in contrast to our numbers.
Let me be clear, I am not advocating for deceit or manipulation of the process. Such actions would be both ludicrous and reckless. Instead, I am suggesting that we claim ownership of the battlefield, every single inch of it. We must immerse ourselves in the process, understand its intricacies, and use this knowledge to ensure that our voices are heard, our votes are counted, and our republic remains robust and vibrant.
Table of Context
Introduction
Background
Section 1: Historical Context
Section 2: Election Laws and Bylaws
Section 3: Precinct Strategy
Summary
Background
At the core of our nation's ethos, the principle of a constitutional republic radiates, a beacon of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that has guided our path since the founding of the United States. This principle forms the bedrock upon which our electoral system is constructed, a system that respects the sovereignty of the individual and the rule of law above all else. However, we have allowed this process to fall into neglect. The hour has come for us to reclaim it.
In a constitutional republic, the government is of the people, by the people, for the people, yet it is also bound by a constitution. This constitution serves as a safeguard, a bulwark against the potential tyranny of the majority. Yet, we have allowed its significance to diminish in our minds. We must restore it to its rightful place. We have been misled to believe that the constitution is broken, diluted, or weak.
The constitution ensures that the rights of the minority are not trampled upon, and that every voice, no matter how quiet, has a chance to be heard, so long as we enforce it. The time has come for us to do so. Our elections are a manifestation of this principle. They are the mechanism through which the will of the people is expressed, yet they are also bound by rules and regulations that ensure fairness and equity, if we participate.
Every citizen has the right to vote, and every vote carries an equal weight. We must ensure that this weight remains equal. This is the principle of one person, one vote, the cornerstone of our republican process. Yet our system also acknowledges the diversity and complexity of our nation, but we have allowed it to become diluted. The time has come to extract this dilution.
The Electoral College, often misunderstood, is a testament to this. It ensures that every state, regardless of size and population, has a say in the election of our president. It is a balance between popular will and the rights of individual states, a balance that is quintessentially American.
Indeed, the principles of a constitutional republic underpinning American elections embody equilibrium: a harmony between majority will and minority rights, a symmetry between individual and collective interests, a parity between popular vote and the Electoral College. Yet, two aspects warrant emphasis: the equilibrium between citizen participation and potential tyranny, and the balance between comprehension and corruption. This intricate balance is the lifeblood of our republic, enabling its endurance, evolution, and pursuit of an ever more perfect union.
But we must participate within it and believe in it. Reclaim your pride, citizens. You are being deceived. Our country is not broken; it is only corrupt. The path to restoration lies in owning our electoral process. We must rise, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the grand theater of our republic. We must stand firm, not in the shadows of apathy, but in the light of civic duty. We must march, not towards the abyss of corruption, but towards the dawn of a more perfect union. This is our call to arms. This is our mission. This is our destiny.
Section 1: Historical Context
1.1 Electoral History
1.1.1 Electoral history in the United States has undergone significant transformations over time. In the early years, voting rights were often limited to specific groups, such as white male property owners. These restrictions reflected the social and political norms of the time, where eligibility to vote was closely tied to one's property ownership and social status. However, as the nation progressed, the concept of democracy and the principle of representation became increasingly important in shaping electoral practices.
1.1.2 With the adoption of the United States Constitution, the framework for electoral systems was established. While the Constitution provided a general structure for the government, it allowed individual states to determine their own specific voting qualifications. This led to variations across the country, with some states expanding suffrage to include a broader segment of the population, while others maintained more restrictive measures. These early years of electoral history laid the foundation for future reforms and the gradual expansion of voting rights.
1.1.3 Over time, societal changes and advocacy efforts have contributed to the expansion of electoral rights. One significant milestone was the women's suffrage movement, which fought for the right of women to vote. The culmination of this movement resulted in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to participate in the electoral process. This marked a crucial step towards gender equality in voting rights and a significant achievement in the broader context of electoral history.
1.2 Electoral Expansion
1.2.1 Electoral expansion refers to the ongoing efforts to broaden political participation and ensure equal access to the electoral process. Various moments in history have prompted expansions in voting rights and the removal of barriers that previously limited certain groups from participating fully. These expansions aim to foster a more inclusive and representative democracy.
1.2.1 The Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century played a pivotal role in electoral expansion. The movement advocated for racial equality and the elimination of discriminatory practices that disenfranchised African Americans. The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark achievement in the fight against voter suppression, as it prohibited practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes. This expansion of voting rights addressed systemic inequalities and advanced the principles of equal representation and participation.
1.2.3 Additionally, other significant moments have contributed to electoral expansion. The ratification of the 26th Amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18, recognized the political rights and responsibilities of young adults. This expansion acknowledged the importance of engaging the younger generation in the democratic process and allowing their voices to be heard.
Section 2: Election Laws and Bylaws
2.1 Election Laws
2.1.1 Local elections in the United States are primarily governed by state laws, which are established within the framework of the state constitution. The state constitution sets the foundation for the organization and operation of local governments within the state. It outlines the powers and responsibilities of local governments, including the conduct of local elections.
2.1.2 According to U.S Federal Law, Title 2—The Congress, Chapter 25—Unfunded Mandates Reform, Subchapter I—Legislative Accountability and Reform, §1513, there is a recognition of the interplay between federal, state, and local governments. It emphasizes the need to avoid shifting costs from one level of government to another, highlighting the interconnectedness of these entities. However, the primary control over local matters, including local elections, remains with the state and local governments.
2.1.3 Local governments, including municipalities, are often governed by local charters. These charters, established under the provisions of the state constitution, outline the organization, powers, functions, and essential procedures of the local government. They essentially serve as the constitution for the city or town, providing the rules that the local government must follow. The concept of "home rule" is often included in these charters, allowing municipalities to govern themselves in local matters, including the conduct of local elections, within the bounds of state and federal law. To check out federal election laws click here. To check out your State Election Laws Click here, then click on your State. To check out your local election laws click here and search your local government.
2.2 Election Bylaws
2.2.1 Election bylaws are a set of rules established by an organization to govern the conduct and management of its elections. These bylaws are crucial as they provide a framework for fair and transparent elections, ensuring that all eligible members have an equal opportunity to participate in the organization's democratic processes.
2.2.2 According to U.S Federal Law, Title 29—Labor, Chapter 11—Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Procedure, Subchapter V—Elections, §481, bylaws can dictate the terms of office and election procedures, including the frequency of elections, the method of voting, and the distribution of campaign literature. For instance, every local labor organization is required to elect its officers not less often than once every three years by secret ballot among the members in good standing. This law also mandates that adequate safeguards be provided to ensure a fair election, including the right of any candidate to have an observer at the polls and at the counting of the ballots.
2.2.3 In the context of local elections, bylaws can be established by municipalities or other local government entities to regulate the conduct of their elections. These bylaws may cover a range of issues, from the nomination and eligibility of candidates to the method of voting, the counting and publication of results, and the preservation of ballots and other election records. Bylaws serve as a critical tool for local governments to ensure that their elections are conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and in accordance with state and federal laws.
2.3 Election Law Influence
2.3.1 State and local election laws can be influenced by state constitutions in several ways. Here are some key points based on the federal laws I found:
State Laws and Federal Elections: According to Title 52, Chapter 301, Section 30143 of the US Federal law, provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act and its rules supersede and preempt any provision of State law with respect to elections to Federal office. However, State or local committees of a political party may use funds, subject to State law, for purposes like the purchase or construction of an office building for such State or local committee.
Role of State Election Officials: Title 52, Chapter 205, Section 20509 mandates each State to designate a State officer or employee as the chief State election official. This official is responsible for coordinating State responsibilities under this chapter.
State Laws and Voting Rights: Title 52, Chapter 101, Section 10101 states that all citizens of the United States who are otherwise qualified by law to vote at any election by the people in any State, Territory, district, county, city, parish, township, school district, municipality, or other territorial subdivision, shall be entitled and allowed to vote at all such elections, without distinction of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This section also provides for remedies in case of deprivation of voting rights.
State Laws and Election Administration: Title 52, Chapter 209, Section 21005 states that the chief State election official shall develop the State plan for election administration through a committee of appropriate individuals, including local election officials and other stakeholders.
State Laws and Presidential Elections: Title 3, Chapter 1, Section 21 defines "election day" and "State" for the purpose of Presidential elections. It also mentions that the term "executive" refers to the Governor of the State, except when the laws or constitution of a State expressly require a different State executive to perform the duties identified under this chapter.
2.3.2 These laws highlight the interplay between state constitutions, state laws, and federal laws in the context of elections. State constitutions can shape the structure of local election laws, the roles of election officials, and the processes for administering elections. However, it's important to note that federal laws and the U.S. Constitution provide a framework that state laws and constitutions must adhere to.
Section 3: Electoral Precincts, The Forgotten Perspective
3.1Â Â Electoral Precincts
3.1.1 In the United States, a constitutional republic, we recognize the electoral precinct or voting district as the fundamental building block of electoral divisions. Operating as the smallest unit, it meticulously delineates geographic boundaries within larger units such as counties, townships, or city council districts. Each address is painstakingly assigned to a specific precinct, while multiple precincts often share a common polling station. This administrative structure goes by various names, including Election districts, Precincts, Voting precincts, Electoral districts, Polling districts, Constituencies, Ward boundaries (in some regions), and Electoral divisions. They are the geographic areas that determine where you vote for local, state, and federal elections.
3.1.1 Both major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans, operate within the same precincts or districts. These precincts are not party-specific; they are geographic designations. Each precinct has a polling place where residents go to vote.
3.1.2 The precinct system is used to manage voting on Election Day efficiently. Each precinct is staffed with officials who manage the voting process, ensure voters are registered and eligible, maintain order, and ensure the integrity of the voting process.
3.1.3 Precincts also play a role in party politics. Both major parties have precinct committeemen or women, who are elected by party members in the precinct. These individuals work to promote their party's candidates and issues within the precinct, and they may also have a role in choosing the party's candidates for office.
3.1.4 The boundaries of precincts can change over time based on population shifts, changes in law, or decisions made by local election authorities. These changes can affect which polling place voters are assigned to, as well as which specific local, state, and federal election districts they are part of.
3.1.5 Local Election Officials. Within the United States, electoral precincts serve as significant administrative units within the electoral system. These precincts do not possess their own separate governmental authorities. Instead, local election officials oversee their operations, typically as part of a county or city government office. These officials shoulder critical responsibilities, including setting precinct boundaries, assigning polling places, managing voter registration, and ensuring the accurate counting of votes.
3.1.6 Now, let us delve into the specific office or official responsible for these tasks, as it may vary significantly depending on the state and locality. Allow me to provide some examples:
County Clerk: In many states, the County Clerk assumes the role of overseeing elections at the county level, including the management of electoral precincts.
Board of Elections or Election Commission: In certain states or localities, a Board of Elections or Election Commission, comprised of appointed or elected officials, administers elections.
Registrar of Voters or Election Registrar: Some places entrust the management of voter registration and election oversight, including electoral precinct administration, to a Registrar of Voters or Election Registrar.
Secretary of State: In select states, the Secretary of State's office assumes overall responsibility for elections, although day-to-day administration may still be handled at the county or city level.
City or Town Clerk: In smaller municipalities, such as certain towns or cities, the City or Town Clerk may be responsible for administering elections, including the management of electoral precincts.
3.1.7 These officials operate within the framework of state election laws, which are established by the state legislature and administered by a state-level official, often the Secretary of State. While the federal government sets certain election standards through legislation like the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act, the administration of elections, including the management of electoral precincts, largely falls under the purview of state and local authorities.
3.1.8Â Precinct Committeeman. A precinct committeeman, also known as a precinct captain or precinct committee member, is an elected or appointed official who represents a political party within a specific election precinct. The primary role of a precinct committeeman is to serve as a grassroots organizer and advocate for their party at the local level. They are responsible for engaging with voters in their precinct, promoting the party's candidates and platform, and encouraging voter turnout during elections.
3.1.9 Influence on Elections. Precinct committeemen can play a significant role in influencing elections in several ways:
Voter Mobilization: Precinct committeemen work to mobilize voters within their precinct to participate in elections. They may engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and other outreach efforts to encourage voter registration and turnout.
Campaign Support: Precinct committeemen actively support candidates affiliated with their political party. They may help with campaign events, distribute campaign materials, and recruit volunteers to assist with the candidate's campaign.
Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) Efforts: During elections, precinct committeemen are instrumental in organizing GOTV efforts to ensure that supporters of their party cast their votes. They may provide information about voting locations and assist voters with any questions they may have.
Voter Education: Precinct committeemen may conduct voter education initiatives to inform voters about the candidates, the party's platform, and the issues at stake in the election.
Party Operations: In addition to their election-related activities, precinct committeemen are often involved in local party operations and decision-making processes. They may participate in party meetings, conventions, and candidate selection processes.
Intra-Party Voting: Precinct committeemen within a political party may participate in intra-party voting, such as nominating candidates for local office, electing party leadership, and voting on party platform resolutions.
3.1.10 While local election officials manage the logistical and administrative aspects of elections within precincts, these party representatives work within the political party structure to represent and mobilize voters. Both roles are integral to the functioning of the electoral system within each precinct.
3.2 Why is this crucial aspect of the election process forgotten?
3.2.1 It is disheartening to observe that a significant portion of our fellow Americans appears to have overlooked the significance of our electoral precinct system. Lately, I have found myself pondering the reasons behind this collective amnesia.
3.2.2Â Forgotten Political Unit. Why has the majority of our population forgotten about this vital component of our election process? It is a question that demands our attention. Several factors could contribute to a lack of familiarity with the concept of electoral precincts among a majority of Americans:
Lack of Civic Education: Comprehensive civic education, which encompasses a deep understanding of the electoral system, is not given due emphasis in all school curriculum. Consequently, many individuals may not have the opportunity to learn about the intricate details of the electoral process, including the pivotal role played by precincts.
Complexity of the Electoral System: The electoral system in the United States is multifaceted and varies from state to state. Its intricacies, including the functions and organization of electoral precincts, can prove challenging to comprehend without dedicated study or explanation.
Focus on Larger Political Units: Public discourse and media coverage often center around larger political units such as states and congressional districts, especially during major elections. This focus can overshadow the significance of smaller units like precincts.
Indirect Interaction: While voters engage directly with their precinct through voting, they may not fully realize it. Many voters are likely to be more aware of the candidates they are voting for (such as presidential, congressional, or local candidates) rather than the administrative units that facilitate the electoral process.
Less Visible Role: The role of precincts and their officials is often administrative and operating behind-the-scenes. They are indispensable to the functioning of elections, yet their work is not as visible to the public as that of elected officials.
3.2.3 Political Party’s. These reasons shed light on why the majority of Americans may have seemingly forgotten about the electoral precinct system, primarily due to a lack of civic education. It is widely acknowledged that civic education has taken a backseat in schools, often supplanted by subjects like social studies or relegated to a position of lesser importance.
3.2.4 However, considering the aforementioned factors, we cannot help but question why political parties themselves have not taken the initiative to prioritize and educate their registered citizens on this matter. This observation raises suspicions and prompts further inquiry into their motives and intentions. The structure of political systems can indeed influence the distribution of power, and it is plausible that some parties or individuals may prefer to maintain the status quo if it benefits them. Here are a few potential scenarios that may unfold:
Control of Information: By limiting the general public's awareness of the intricacies of the electoral process, including the role of precincts, parties or individuals in power can exert greater control over the system.
Barrier to Entry: A lack of widespread understanding about the electoral process can serve as a barrier to entry for potential new candidates, particularly those not backed by established parties.
Voter Influence: If voters are less informed about the electoral process, they might be more susceptible to being swayed by campaign rhetoric and less likely to scrutinize the actions of parties or elected officials.
Maintenance of Power Structures: Directing attention towards larger electoral units and high-profile elections could help sustain existing power structures by diverting focus away from local politics, where transformative change often originates.
3.2.5 While it is important to acknowledge the efforts of individuals within the political system who strive to promote transparency, enhance voter education, and ensure fair representation, this only underscores the critical need for civic education and public awareness concerning all facets of the electoral process. It is our responsibility to impart this knowledge, encourage critical thinking, and foster an engaged citizenry capable of navigating the complexities of our constitutional republic. The Precinct Strategy is a platform that promotes the involvement of individuals in their local political precincts, particularly within the Republican Party. The website emphasizes the importance of the role of Precinct Committeemen, who are elected individuals representing voters in their precincts and influencing the policies and direction of the party. Here's a link for a detailed breakdown of how it works.
3.2.6 It's important to note that the specifics of what a precinct committeeman does and how much influence they have can vary depending on the rules of the local and state Republican Party. Therefore, anyone interested in this strategy should check with their local party organization for more detailed information.
Summary
The importance of local governance and active participation in the electoral process is emphasized as a pivotal force in shaping our republic. A strategic approach to the electoral season is advocated, not through force, but through a deep understanding and engagement with the process. This involves comprehending the election process, key players, rules of engagement, and regulations that govern these positions within our electoral cycle.
The principle of a constitutional republic forms the bedrock of our electoral system. This principle respects the sovereignty of the individual and the rule of law above all else. The constitution serves as a safeguard against potential tyranny of the majority, and it's crucial to restore its significance in our minds.
The history of electoral expansion in the United States is explored, highlighting significant milestones such as the women's suffrage movement and the Civil Rights Movement. These movements fought for equal access to the electoral process and played a pivotal role in shaping our current electoral practices.
The roles of local election officials and precinct committeemen are discussed in detail. Local election officials manage the logistical and administrative aspects of elections within precincts, while precinct committeemen work within the political party structure to represent and mobilize voters. Both roles are integral to the functioning of the electoral system within each precinct.
The piece also delves into why the electoral precinct system, a fundamental building block of electoral divisions, has been overlooked. Factors contributing to this include a lack of civic education, the complexity of the electoral system, a focus on larger political units, indirect interaction with the system, and the less visible role of precincts and their officials.
The importance of civic education and public awareness about all facets of the electoral process is underscored. It's our responsibility to impart this knowledge, encourage critical thinking, and foster an engaged citizenry capable of navigating the complexities of our constitutional republic.
I've been diligently working on an extensive article about elections in the United States, which I've divided into three comprehensive parts. The third part provides an in-depth example of a strategy to observe and actively participate in the electoral process. I'm eager to share the next part with you soon. Once I've finished editing and polishing it, I'll promptly publish the remaining sections.
We The People, The American Election, 7b
We The People, The American Election, 7c
"Securing our electoral process is not just a task, it's a testament to our commitment to the republic. Let's stand together, not as mere spectators, but as vigilant guardians of our nation's future."
Excellent work describing the nuts and bolts of the election process! I’m saving this for several folks.
Considering the situation in the US today and our Constitutional Republic roots, I believe the most important question for we citizens today is one you included. ‘3.2.4 However, considering the aforementioned factors, we cannot help but question why political parties themselves have not taken the initiative to prioritize and educate their registered citizens on this matter.’ Why indeed!
Excellent piece...as per usual.