The PCREC is the governing body for the Republican Party in Polk County. In other words, we are the Republican Party of Polk County.
Our membership includes:
· All elected precinct Committeemen and alternates
· All elected precinct Committeewomen and alternates
· The elected Polk County State Committeeman
· The elected Polk County State Committeewoman
· All Florida State Legislators residing in Polk County
The PCREC is responsible for conducting regularly scheduled meetings in accordance with Republican Party of Florida rules. We will also make Party nominations when required by law. After the primary election, we will conduct campaigns for Republican state or local candidates selected by the electorate.
How We Are Organized
The Polk County Republican Executive Committee is comprised of precinct Committeemen and Committeewomen representing the Republican electorate in the county. Each of the 166 precincts in Polk County has one Committeeman and one Committeewoman for each 1,000 registered voters, or portion thereof, in the precinct. For example, if there are 1 to 999 registered voters in a precinct, the precinct can be represented by 1 Committeeman and 1 Committeewoman. If 1,000 to 1,999 registered voters in a precinct, the precinct can be represented by 2 Committeemen and 2 Committeewomen. If 2,000 to 2,999 voters, the precinct can be represented by 3 Committeemen and 3 Committeewomen, and so on.
Precinct Committeemen and women are elected to four year terms when Florida conducts its Presidential Preference Primary. To be eligible to serve on the Committee, candidates must reside in the precinct they wish to represent, they must be registered Republican voters in Polk County, and they must file party loyalty oaths with the Polk County Supervisor of Elections.
Because most precincts have numerous positions available, there is usually no need to list Committee candidates on the Presidential Preference Primary ballot. If, however, more than the allotted number of people file for precinct committee positions, then all of the declared candidates for the position would appear on the ballot. The candidates receiving the most votes would then become precinct Committeemen and Committeewomen.
Between Presidential Preference Primaries, unfilled positions on the Committee are filled via approval votes cast by the members of the PCREC at regularly scheduled meetings. No eligible candidate can be denied consideration to serve as a precinct Committeeman or Committeewoman.
Even if all of the committee positions in a precinct have been filled, there are an equal number of Alternate positions available. Alternate positions are important because they serve a functional purpose on the Committee and when Committee members are absent, Alternates vote in their place.
Keep in mind that whether you are elected as a Committeeperson or Alternate, there are attendance requirements. Should you have three unexcused, or four total absences (including three excused absences which are allowed) within the calendar year, you will automatically be removed from the role and replaced with another Alternate or new member.