Wish you could be more involved with the Bonneville County Democrats? Now’s your chance!
On May 26, 2026, we’ll be reorganizing. The newly elected precinct captains will vote to instate new officers. ONLY those elected in the primary election on May 19 can vote for officers. Elected precinct officers who can’t attend may designate a proxy from their precinct. If you need to designate a proxy, you must email bonnevilledemocrats@gmail.com and clearly state the date of the meeting and the person, from your precinct, who will carry your proxy.
Who Can Be An Officer?
If you want to be an officer, you DON’T need to be a precinct captain.
That’s right: anyone can be an officer — as long as they’re registered as a Democrat. The County Elections office will notify us if you aren’t registered as a Democrat.
You must be nominated by a member of the committee. Let us know when you arrive if you want a nomination, and we can help you find someone to nominate you. You can also reach out to a voting member of the committee and ask them to nominate you. Finally, if you wish to provide a statement explaining why you’re running and why you think you would be a good choice, send it to bonnevilledemocrats@gmail.com by 5 pm on May 24, 2026, and we will include it in the meeting packet. You don’t have to provide a statement to run for an officer position, but it might be helpful to voting members as they make their decision.
Bonneville County Democrats Officer Positions: Description and Roles
If you’re interested in running for a position, here’s what you need to know about each role. Officers are voting members of the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee (our bylaws) and are expected to attend as many Central and Executive Committee meetings as possible.
Duties of the Chair
The Chair represents the “face” of the Bonneville Democrats. They should be willing to raise the visibility of the Dems, speak to the press, coordinate with the IDP, and appoint committee chairs and members. The chair also:
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Serves as the presiding officer at Central Committee meetings and provides for a replacement (usually the Vice Chair) if they are absent.
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Submits the budget, as proposed by the Budget and Finance Committee.
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Does not vote in committee meetings, except to break a tie (the one exception is as a member of the Campaign committee).
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Ensure that a financial audit is completed.
Duties of the Vice Chair
Basically, the Vice Chair attends meetings and presides in the Chair’s absence. If the Chair steps down or is otherwise unable to perform the duties, the Vice Chair serves as Acting Chair until a new Chair is chosen. The Vice Chair provides help and support to the Chair.
Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer acts as custodian of funds and property acquired by the Central Committee and maintains financial accounts and records. The Treasurer also:
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Prepares monthly budget reports.
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Submits the required Sunshine Reports.
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Leads the budget process.
Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary attends the Central and Executive Committee meetings and keeps notes and minutes. The Secretary should provide for a replacement when they aren’t there. Additionally, the Secretary is responsible for preparing and distributing previous meeting minutes and meeting agendas.
State Committeeman and State Committeewoman
These two positions are to serve as liaisons between the County Central Committee and the State Central Committee. They are expected to attend State Central Committee meetings (or send proxies) and work to strengthen the organization at the county and state levels.
Legislative District Chairs
Serve as liaisons between the legislative districts and the County Central Committee. Because a legislative district might span more than one county, the chair should be prepared to strengthen cross-county alliances and support the counties involved. Legislative district chairs are chosen by the precinct captains in their districts. Small breakout groups will convene after the officers are elected to choose legislative district chairs for D32 and D33. The D35 chair is usually coordinated by Teton County.
Standing Committees
There are four standing committees. Chairs and initial members of the standing committees, except the Campaign Committee, are appointed by the County Chair. The chair of a standing committee can also appoint additional members. Standing committee members carry out their duties in accordance with the bylaws. Anyone of any political registration can serve on a committee, but not as Committee Chair.
- Communications: Maintain the newsletter, events calendar, and social media. Coordinate op-eds for the newspaper and send press releases.
- Rules and Bylaws: Review the bylaws regularly and suggest changes that comply with the Idaho Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee bylaws, as well as state statute. These committee members should also make sure that candidates and officers are in compliance with the bylaws.
- Budget and Finance: Under the direction of the Treasurer, review the finances of the Central Committee. Prepare and recommend an annual budget. Recommend budget updates and amendments as needed throughout the year.
- Campaign: Help identify people to run for office, and recommend candidates to receive financial contributions from the Central Committee. The Campaign Committee is comprised of the three Legislative District Chairs (one will be appointed Committee Chair by the County Chair) and the County Chair (as a voting member). Others can be appointed to the committee.
Special committees are formed for various purposes, and the Chairs are appointed by the County Chair. Examples of special committees include Recruitment, Events, and Headquarters Search.