COUNTY COMMITTEES of the political parties:
Both the Democrat and Republican political parties have representatives at the county and municipal level in NJ:
Each of New Jersey’s 21 counties has a “Democrat County Committee” and a “Republican County Committee.” Each is headed by a Chairperson.
These organizations set policy and procedure for how the political party will operate in that county. They are affiliated with the state and national political party, but operate semi-autonomously (mostly on their own). Representatives (members) are elected or appointed from each municipality to represent the members of their political party from their town and voting district.
No special skill or experience is necessary to seek election/appointment to your town committee. Note: These political party committees are NOT the governing body of your town.
Your local committee might go by the name, “Hanover Township Municipal Republican Committee,” or something similar. The structure and number of representatives will vary between the Republicans and the Democrats, but they generally work in a similar manner.
Your municipal clerk can give you contact information for the person in charge of your municipal Republican or Democratic committee.
Typically, about two members of the committee would be responsible for a single voting/election district – or about 500 homes. They would be asked to visit the homes in their district to encourage voter registration, to solicit affiliation with their political party, to distribute literature about candidates and to encourage you to vote at election time. They might ask you to help a candidate’s campaign or possibly work for the political party in some other way.
Another role is to recommend candidates to fill unexpected vacancies on your governing elected town council or committee, or for county elected positions. They may also recommend candidates to fill unexpected vacancies in state elected positions.
Periodically, your town political party committee representatives will meet together with the representatives from all the other towns in your county as the full “County Committee.” Here, they could vote for State Representatives/delegates of the political party, or vote to endorse certain candidates for election. Their role is established by state law, N.J.S.A. Title 19 et seq.
Why You
Should Seek Election or Appointment to County Committee
As described at left, these municipal committees are the lowest elected/appointed positions in a political party … a starting point for involvement in our representative political system.
Serving on “county committee” is a great way to become involved, meet new people, and grow in your understanding of how candidates get elected. You’ll meet the elected officials from your town and county, and often from Trenton. You may decide to work on their campaigns.
As you become comfortable and gain enthusiasm, you’ll likely make new friends and want to learn more.
Some folks will decide they’d like to run for town council, or school board, based on what they’ve learned. But every citizen who works on the “county committee” will be helping their neighbors learn more about our political system, history, and about the importance of studying candidate positions and then voting based on knowledge.
Serving on “county committee” is an important role in serving your community.
To learn more, call or visit your municipal clerk and get the contact information for the person who chairs your municipal political party committee.
NJ Political Parties: