We as an organization are only as strong as how much participation we get from our members.  Clearly, when Democrats stay home, the other side takes over – such as what happened in Massachusetts. 

The number of registered Democrats in Pike County is steadily growing.  This is the time to seize our growing power.  At this May’s General Primary election, Democrats can run for the Pike County Democratic Committee, be officially elected by fellow Democrats in your own voting precinct, and assume positions in this organization.  This is for a 4-year term, and all current PCDC positions are up for re-election.  Click this link to see a list of positions for each township and borough.

Below are Questions and Answers to explain the process.  There will also be a Petition Party on Sat Feb 20 at 10:00 AM at the Matamoras Borough Hall, organized by the Pike County Democratic Committee, where you can ask specific questions.  Coffee / donuts / noshing available.

Qualifications for running for Pike County Democratic Committee in the May 18, 2010 Democratic Primary Election:

·         You must be a registered Democrat in Pike County.

·         You must submit a properly filled out and notarized Nomination Petition with the signatures, names, addresses and signing dates of a minimum of 10 registered Democrats in your voting district.

FAQs

Q:     When and where do I get a Nomination Petition form?

A:      Nomination Petition forms will be available from the Pike County Board of Elections at the Administration Building in Milford beginning February 16, 2010.  If picking up a petition is not convenient because of distance or your work schedule, check with your Township or Boro chairperson, or contact Reggie by email: rcleen@ptd.net or phone: 646-315-2247.

Q:     When and where must the completed petition be filed?

A:      Nomination Petitions must be filed by 4:30 PM on March 9, 2010 at the Pike County Board of Elections.  Because there will be a lot of Democratic and Republican committee candidates filing their papers, you should try to get your petitions filed long before the filing deadline.

Q:     Is there a filing fee to run?

A:      No.

Q:     Once I have the petition, what do I need to do?

A:      The petition has instructions to follow right on the form, but here are general rules to follow:

i.         Fill Out the Petition Information on Page 1.  BEFORE you circulate the petition to collect names, you MUST complete the information on the top of the front page.

ii.       Circulate the Petition to Other Democrats in Your Voting District.  You or another Democrat from your voting district can collect signatures from other registered Democrats in YOUR OWN VOTING DISTRICT ONLY.  You may circulate more than one petition at a time, but the total number of names you collect on all petitions must total 10 or more signatures.

iii.      Double Check the Names on Your Petition.  Make sure that you have a minimum of 10 signatures and that the people signing your petitions are Democrats who live in your district.  If you circulated more than one petition, be certain that they did not inadvertently sign your petition twice.  Be sure that they have dated their signatures and that their names and addresses are LEGIBLE.   You must strike through any names and signatures that might disqualify your petition, because your petition could be challenged otherwise.

iv.     Have the Petition Notarized.  When you have gotten the required signatures (more than 10 is recommended wherever possible), the person who circulated petition must go to a notary public and fill out in his/her presence the affidavits on the reverse side of the petition form.  DO NOT SIGN THE AFFIDAVITS BEFORE GOING TO THE NOTARY!  If you ask someone else to circulate the petitions for you, that person must be the one to take the petition to the notary.

v.       File the Nomination Petitions at the Board of Elections.  Take your notarized petition(s) to the Board of Elections prior to 5 PM on March 9, 2010.  Make sure that you get a receipt.

Q:     How do I find Democrats to sign my petition?

A:      There are several ways to obtain signatures.

i.         Get a List of Democrats in your Voting District.  Your township or boro chair can supply you with a list of registered Democrats in your voting district.  The PCDC can also supply you with a list.  Call or visit them with your petition.  This is the surest guarantee that the signatures you are gathering are qualified Democrats.

ii.       Random Collecting.  Collect signatures by standing at a local market, sidewalk or other public place where they will allow you to just ask people.  This method is more time consuming because it is not target, and it leaves open the chance that the person signing your petition is not a qualified Democrat from your voting district.

iii.      Go To A “Petition Signing” Party.  The PCDC will be holding a county-wide signing party in Matamoras on February 20 at 10 AM.  Although all are welcome, there may not be people from your voting district.  So . . .

iv.     Hold Your Own “Petition Signing” Party.  Band with other Democrats in your voting district and hold a “kaffeeklatch” or tea at one of your homes.  This is another good way of getting signatures while also building a network of Democrats in your district.

Q:     Can I sign my own petition?

A:      Yes.

Q:     If someone else circulates my petition and has it notarized, can I still file it myself?

A:      Yes.  They can also file it at the BOE for you.  As long as the petitions are property notarized, anyone can file it on your behalf.

Q:     What if I want to run for State Committee person?  Are the rules the same?

A:      Not quite.  There is a filing fee of $25.00 and you will need to gather a minimum of 100 signatures.  Those signatures can be obtained from ANY registered Democrat in Pike County.