WHAT TO EXPECT AS A VOTER

On March 20, 2012, every ward in Chicago will be electing both a Democratic and Republican Committeeman. This poses some interesting questions: Do you know who your Committeeman is? Do you know what your Committeeman does? Do you know what a Committeeman is supposed to do? Do you know if your Committeeman is doing a good job? Do you know who is running for Committeeman? If your answer to one or more of these questions was no, you are not alone. This brochure will assist you in answering these questions.
An official definition:
In the upcoming campaign for election, you should expect and ask that candidates for Committeeman reach out to inform you on who they are and what they plan to do. Heres what you should demand: To be informed as to whom the candidates for Committeeman are To be informed as to why those candidates are running for Committeeman Candidates for Committeeman to explain what their goals are and how they will accomplish those goals Forums, debates and other opportunities to meet the candidates and get to know more about them, what they believe and what they plan to do Transparency about who candidates for Committeeman work with and support both now and in the past Actual websites and outreach to the voters by candidates for Committeeman to solicit input from the voters and provide a meaningful opportunity for voters to make an informed decision as to whom should be elected A Voice and a Choice!

Electing A Committeeman
W h a t yo u s h o u ld k n ow b e f o re yo u go to th e po ll M a rc h 20 th , 2 01 2

A Committeeman is an unpaid elected representative of their ward in the County Party Central Committee. The Central Committee raises money, provides support, and endorses candidates for office. They also provide endorsements for all of the judge positions that you see on your ballots at election time. Moreover, the Committeeman is the leader of their Party in the Ward.
To download an electronic copy of this brochure, please visit: www.facebook.com/47thwardyoungdemocrats The opinions expressed in this brochure are solely those of the authors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION : Contact Michael Melander: mjmelander77@gmail.com Or visit: www.elections.il.gov www.chicagoelections.com

Information provided by Mike Melander and Tom Jacks

A Committeeman should Not

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR COMMITTEEMAN IS DOING A GOOD JOB?

Committeeman Dos and

donts
Protect the integrity of elections and ensure that polling places are well-run Participate in any kind of patronage hiring or any kind of patronage system Take orders from someone downtown or from Springfield Tell the residents of the ward how to vote Tell the residents of the ward whats good for them and whats not Wear two hats Committeeman shouldnt also be Alderman, Commissioners, Representatives or Senators; the conflict of interest is too strong Blackball people who dont agree with the Committeeman or Alderman

A Committeeman should

Theres a very simple test for this. One week before any election, ask yourself the following questions: 1. Do you know who your elected officials are, what they do, and what they have been doing? 2. Do you know when the elections are and where your polling place is? 3. Do you know what offices are up for election and who is running? 4. Are you informed about issues and candidates in the local election? 5. Has your Committeeman informed you without telling you who to vote for? 6. Do you feel like you have a voice in local politics and a choice in the election? If you did not answer yes to all of the above questions, your committeeman has not been doing his/her job.

Promote voter turnout, including registering voters Inform voters to make sure they understand the election process and they know who the candidates are for office Recruit qualified people to run for office and serve as volunteers Raise funds for the local party and candidates Organize events, forums, and debates to inform, educate and engage residents about candidates, local businesses, nonprofits and civic and political issues Ensure that campaigns are well-run and fair Provide logistical support and promote cooperation and communication between the various local office holders Work with political organizations and causes to inform and connect the ward with national or statewide issues Represent the ward to the party and solicit input from residents