What is the Central Committee and what is the Precinct Committee?
They are the same thing! The Central Committee is made up of one Democratic per precinct and so it is sometimes referred to as the Precinct Committee.
What about the Elected Executive Committee?
The Elected Executive Committee is a subgroup of the Central Committee. The Elected Executive Committee members are elected by the Central Committee members within 60 days after the Central Committee Election held every four years (next one in 2026).
What does the Central Committee do? What does the Executive Committee do?
The first action of the Central Committee is to elect Party leadership. Officers and City/Ward Leaders are elected by the new Central Committee members following the certification of the Primary election in May. The Central Committee also appoints Democrats in the case of some vacancies in public office [such as County Council].
Most importantly, the Central Committee is the grassroots leadership of the Party (see Role & Responsibilities).
The Executive Committee [Elected and Appointed] make endorsements in local races.
How do I become a Central Committee Member?
You run for it! Every four years in the primary election for Governor, the Democrats in Cuyahoga County elect all Central Committee members. The next election is scheduled for May 2026. The candidates for Central Committee appear as the last names on the Democratic ballot. The candidate with the most votes wins the election for their particular precinct.
How do I become a candidate for Central Committee Member?
You circulate a petition, gather signatures from Democrats in your precinct, and turn in your petition to the Board of Elections. Please use the petition generated by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. You can pick one up from CCDP headquarters [call 216-621-9750 ahead of pickup] or get from the CCBOE.
When is the deadline?
You must submit your petition to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections by the date indicated on the Secretary of State website [90 days prior to the primary election]. In 2026 the deadline for submission is February 4, 2026 by 4 P.M.
HOW TO FILL OUT YOUR PETITION
- Complete your Declaration of Candidacy
On the SOS Form 2-L [use the one generated by the CCBOE], fill in your name, address where you’re registered to vote – include the city and zip code, “Cuyahoga” county, and “Democratic” Party. - Fill in your precinct
Complete your City, Village or Township; Ward Number and Precinct letter.You can check your precinct on the Board of Elections website (https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/find-voting-information-by-address) or call 216-443-3231.
- Complete the election date, Party, date you are signing & signature
Fill out the primary election date 5th day of May, 2026. Fill in “Democratic” for Political Party and the date you are signing the form. (These are different dates!) - Print your name and sign your name.
Print your name as it should appear on the ballot on the first line and then sign the second. - Petition for Candidate
Complete the line for “Democratic” for Political Party and print your name on the next line. - Gather at least 5 signatures from Democrats in your precinct
You can look up registered Democrats by city and/or ward on the Board of Elections website (www.boe.cuyahogacounty.gov) We recommend getting at least 15 signatures in order to make sure that your filing will be valid.You cannot sign your own petition!
- Complete the Circulator Statement
If you are circulating your own petition, this is you! If it’s someone else, be sure they are a registered Democrat before they circulate. - Complete the Board of Elections information section at the bottom of the form
The BOE would like your phone number and email address to communicate with you quickly. Also please spell your name phonetically at the bottom. - Complete the Board of Elections Candidacy Check List.
This is your chance to verify that you have filled out all the sections correctly before you turn in your petition. - You’re Done! Turn it in.
Return your petition to the Board of Elections (1803 Superior Avenue, Cleveland) prior to the deadline of February 4, 2026 at 4 P.M. We recommend filing in January so you give the Board of Elections time to validate your petition. If they reject your petition you have time to withdraw, gather signatures again and file by the deadline.