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Explanation of the role

A state committeemember (SCM for short) is a representative of Democratic precinct committee officers (and, by extension, Democratic activists and voters) on the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, which is the party's legislative arm.

As a body, the WSDCC is responsible for the governance of the party in between State Democratic Conventions, although in practice a significant extent of its authority is delegated to officers and staff, who run the day-to-day operations of the party.

The WSDCC usually meets five times per cycle -- three times in an odd-numbered year and twice in an even-numbered year. In even-numbered years, WSDCC members are encouraged to attend the State Democratic Convention as well. (In midterm cycles, WSDCC members have generally been designated as automatic delegates to the state convention.)

The main responsibilities of a state committeemember are:

  • Cast votes on general session business items like the Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan, party budgets, resolutions, standing rules, bylaws amendments, and charter amendments.
  • Serve on a standing committee (such as Advocacy, Rules, Resolutions, Finance, Elections). Standing committees meet in between general sessions of the WSDCC.
  • Participate in the election of party officers (there are four: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer) for two-year terms. The Chair wields tremendous power and authority, so an SCM's vote for Chair is usually considered the most important vote they cast.
  • Participate in the election of DNC members (Washington State currently elects four people to the Democratic National Committee, and the electors for these positions are the members of the WSDCC).
  • In presidential cycles: Elect at-large and PLEO national convention delegates (with the other SCMs from legislative districts) as well as Democratic presidential electors.

It would be my honor to continue to exercise these responsibilities on your behalf for the 2025-2026 cycle as one of your representatives on the WSDCC.