April 8, 2026 Panel Discussion

Position Titles and Descriptions for the panel are listed below:

1.Precinct Committee Member 

A precinct committee person is a member of the party (Democratic or Republican) Central Committee responsible for voter education, engagement, and turnout within their precincts. Precincts are generally quite small. The job involves engaging voters and ensuring they know when and where to vote and who is on their ballot.

In addition to voter engagement, the Precinct Committee is responsible for candidate recommendations and slating. Candidate recommendations are needed when a seat, such as one on the county board, is vacated. PCs from the county board district vote to recommend a replacement to the board chair. The chair is not obligated to follow that recommendation.

Candidate slating is required when someone wishes to run in the general election, when no one ran in the primary. The candidate is responsible for gathering the required signatures to appear on the ballot, but the Committee votes on whether they can appear on the ballot.

Training is offered through the state party organization, which provides access to voter information.

2. Township Trustee

A township trustee administers a township, a political subdivision of a county.  

Duties:

• Keeping a written record of official proceedings.
• Managing all township property interests.
• Keeping township records open for public inspection.
• Attending meetings of the township legislative body.
• Receiving and paying out township funds.
• Examining and settling all township accounts.
• Providing and maintaining cemeteries.
• Providing fire protection.

Township Board

The trustee is assisted by a three-member Township Board whose members are also elected to four-year terms

3. Indiana State Convention Delegates

Indiana State Convention Delegates (Republican/Democratic) are elected party officials who represent their community at statewide conventions to adopt party platforms, vote on state-level party rules, and nominate candidates for offices not chosen in the primary, such as Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. They must take an oath to support the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions. 

Key Responsibilities:
• Attend State Convention: Participate in the mandatory statewide convention to vote on party business.
• Nominate Candidates: Select candidates for offices like Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor.
• Establish Party Platform: Define the party's policy positions and principles for the state.
• Abide by Instructions: Follow any rules or instructions adopted by the party or general assembly regarding their duties. 
Qualifications:
• Must be a registered voter and member of the respective party.
• Must file the required paperwork to appear on the primary ballot.
• Must sign an oath of office. 

4. School Board Member

School boards in Indiana are elected or appointed governing bodies. Individual members have no authority; decisions are made by a majority vote of the board in official meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• setting district policies,
• approving budgets,
• hiring the superintendent,
• ensuring compliance with state educational laws,
• focusing on long-term strategic goals and fiscal oversight,
• managing school property,
• representing community interests.

School board members act as a bridge between the school district and the community.