PCOs Are the Foundation of the Party
A Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) is an elected volunteer who represents their neighborhood precinct within the Republican Party. PCOs use the tools provided to identify and engage Republican voters, participate in voter outreach and community engagement, and support candidates during election cycles. They also hold powerful voting authority: electing Legislative District and county leadership, as well as helping shape and approve the party’s bylaws and platform.
What is a PCO?
A Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) is an elected officer who represents their neighborhood precinct within their political party. PCOs help identify and engage voters, support outreach and community activities, and assist during election cycles, including recommending candidates for endorsement. They also hold important voting authority, such as electing legislative district and county leadership, and they help shape and approve the party’s bylaws, resolutions, and platform.
FAQS
The time commitment is flexible. PCOs are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and stay engaged. Opportunities to participate increase around elections and special events. Each person can contribute at the level that works best for their schedule and interests.
To become a PCO, you must be a registered voter who lives in the precinct and declare the party you represent. You sign up during the May candidate filing week in even‑numbered years. If no one else files, you’re automatically elected. If someone else files too, the person who gets the most votes in the August Primary wins. If you miss filing week, you can apply to be appointed, see PCO Application. For legal specifics on PCOs, see RCW 29A.80.
PCOs who want to get involved with the county party can complete the KCGOP PCO application. This same application is also how interested Republicans can be considered for appointment if their precinct did not have anyone file during Filing Week. It helps us welcome new PCOs, confirm precinct information, and make sure they have the support and resources they need.
A Precinct Captain is an appointed volunteer who serves in a precinct without an elected PCO. They must be a registered voter within the same Legislative District and within King County. Precinct Captains have all the powers and responsibilities of PCOs except that they may not vote at meetings of the Central Committee or on matters limited to PCOs by state law, the state constitution, county bylaws, or LD bylaws. Within their LD, Precinct Captains are voting members on LD business unless the LD’s bylaws state otherwise.
PCOs are given tools that make it easy to connect with like‑minded neighbors. Many enjoy meeting people face‑to‑face, while others prefer texting, calling, or helping at local events. You’re encouraged to use whichever tools and methods feel most natural and comfortable for you.
GOTV (Get Out the Vote) is an important part of being a PCO, especially in Washington State, where many citizens choose not to vote for a variety of reasons. PCOs help address these barriers by connecting with neighbors, answering questions, and encouraging voter participation.
County and Legislative District leadership provide support with voter engagement, technology tools, precinct organization, and training. PCOs are encouraged to reach out whenever they need assistance.