Precinct Delegates & Conventions

Precinct delegates are the backbone of our Republican Party.

What is a Precinct Delegate?

A precinct delegate is elected directly by the voters in each precinct and serves a two-year term as a liaison between the Republican Party and voters in that neighborhood. The official title is “Delegate to the County Convention.” You vote at every County Convention called during your term.

How to Become a Precinct Delegate

You must be a registered voter in the precinct you want to represent. Fill out an Affidavit of Identity, have it notarized, and file it with the Grand Traverse County Clerk — not a township office. A notary can be found at the County Clerk’s office, many local banks, and at GTGOP Executive Committee meetings if you let us know in advance.

In even years, filing puts you on the August primary ballot under “Candidate for County Convention Delegate.” Only Republican primary voters in your precinct can vote for you. In odd years, a vacancy may be filled by elevation at a County Convention.

Roles and Responsibilities

A precinct delegate helps turn out the Republican vote on Election Day and may be asked to register voters, distribute literature, and contact neighbors. You also attend the County Conventions called during your term. The Call to Convention is mailed 30 days beforehand and lists the date, time, location, and purpose.

County and State Conventions

There are typically four County Conventions in a two-year term. Three of those elect Grand Traverse County’s delegates and alternates to a State Convention that follows. One is a County Convention only.

Odd-year Spring (usually February). The County Convention elects state delegates and alternates. The State Convention that follows elects state party leadership and, in a presidential cycle, often acts on presidential electors.

Even-year Spring. Nominating convention. The County Convention elects state delegates and alternates. The State Convention that follows conducts the party’s statewide nominating business named in that Call.

Summer (after the August primary). The County Convention elects state delegates and alternates. The State Convention that follows is held after the primary.

Fall (after the November general in even years). County Convention only. Delegates elect the Delegate Elected members of the County Executive Committee. This convention is called within 20 days after the November election. MCL 168.599(1). There is no State Convention after this one.

Exact dates, locations, and business are set in each Call to Convention.

County Convention FAQs — officers, voting, and how a county convention is run.
State Convention FAQs — officers, voting, and how a state convention is run.

FAQs

When is the election for precinct delegates?
The even-year August primary.

Who will vote for me?
Only Republican primary voters in your precinct. There is no cross-ballot voting in the primary.

Where will my name appear on the ballot?
On the Republican side of the ballot, at the bottom.

Do I need to file campaign finance reports?
No. Precinct delegate candidates are not required to file disclosure forms or campaign finance statements.

What if there are more people running than spots available?
The person(s) with the highest vote total are elected.

How will I know if I won?
The Grand Traverse County Clerk will notify you by mail.

How long is my term?
Two years. It begins the day you are elected and ends the day of the August primary in the next even year.