Precinct
Conventions – 6 Things They Never Tell You!
By David Whitehead Jr.
1.) Take some folding chairs!
Often Precinct Conventions take place in
Elementary School gymnasiums and cafeterias, where there is not an adult sized
chair in sight. In my precinct we are given the cafeteria, and all the movable
furniture is locked away by the custodians every night, and nothing is left but
the tables with these built in stools made for small children. We all looked
rather silly attempting to sit on these tiny things while making motions and
deliberating.
I have spoken to others who have their
meeting on the pullout bleachers in the gymnasium. Bring some chairs; you will
feel far more dignified.
2.) Sometimes nobody shows up!
This can be rather
disappointing, especially if you have been working your precinct.
Unfortunately, in the middle of all the campaigning leading up to Election Day,
we forget to remind people about the convention. The convention becomes more of
an afterthought, particularly if you are serving as an Election Judge.
Attendance can be greatly boosted however, simply by including a flyer about it
in the paraphernalia you hand out to your neighbors when you are block walking.
3.) Not everyone who attends is a
friend!
The Republican Party has its
schisms. Sometimes a group of Republicans from your precinct can show up to
attempt to “take over” and run the precinct convention their way, and run their
own delegates and resolutions through. It might seem unfair and uncomfortable,
but this is Democracy at its finest.
Majority rules.
However, in some states, Democrats cross
over and vote in the Republican Primary in order to upset the apple cart, and
part of their apple cart demolition is attending the Precinct Convention and
attempting to usurp the leadership, and cause disruption, strife, and chaos.
Don’t let them do it.
One of the powers you have as the
Temporary Chair is to appoint a Temporary Sergeant at Arms, and your Sergeant
at Arms has the power to remove anyone who is there to disrupt, filibuster, or
make trouble. It is against the law to disrupt a Precinct Convention so that it
cannot do its business, and you can call the police on anyone who attempts to
stop that business from taking place. If these Democrats in Republican clothing
follow the rules of the convention however, there is little that can be done to
resist their participation.
4.) Being replaced as Convention Chair can
be awkward and embarrassing!
Be ready for this. It happens, and it’s
not fun. We tell ourselves it won’t matter if we are replaced, but the actual
moment in which it occurs can be hurtful if we are not expecting it, and the
act of getting up from the front desk or seat and allowing someone else to take
our place can feel very awkward. Let’s face it, there is no way to do it as
gracefully as we would like.
At such a time I am always tempted to do
something funny to kill the awkwardness of the moment like mock weeping,
besides, a round of laughter makes me feel better and makes a much better
transition than embarrassed people all looking at the floor. By all means be
gracious and humble, and remember that acting patronizing makes you look bad.
(Ask me how I know!)
5.) A Precinct Convention can go on and
on!
Unless your state has a provision for
this, the convention can deliberate on and on and on. Bring something to drink.
I even bring something to eat! My conventions have never lasted more than 90
minutes, but I have heard of one that went past midnight. Fourteen people
showed up and relentlessly went over the wording of resolutions for hours. (By
the way, send me your Precinct Convention horror stories; I would love to add
them to an upcoming booklet I am writing on the subject!)
6.) Attendees are your best prospects
for Block Captains and Street Commanders!
Don’t let these fish swim
away! You have here before you all in one place some of the most active and
patriotic Republicans one could ever find! Anyone who attends a Precinct
Convention whether for good or ill is someone very interested in the political process
and you must follow up on them and put their zeal to work for you reaching your
precinct!
It might not be a great idea to ask them
then and there to volunteer to be part of your precinct organization, but
remember that the Secretary has the contact information for everyone who is
attending, and making a copy of that list for yourself to reach them at a later
time is perfectly acceptable!
Next month: “7
Smart Things to do AFTER your Precinct Convention!”
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