What is a precinct?

Before we talk about what a precinct committeeman is, we need to talk about the history of the precinct.

The evolution of voting precincts in the United States is inextricably linked to the broader historical shifts in voting rights and election administration. In the colonial era, early voting, when it occurred, was a public affair, with individuals openly declaring their choices.

During the early Republic, election administration was largely decentralized, with states holding significant authority. This resulted in a patchwork of voting practices across our early Republic. It was within this context of state-level control that the concept of organized voting "precincts," as we understand them today, began to gradually take shape.

Voting precincts serve as the foundational political units in the United States, acting as localized election districts. Typically, a precinct is a geographical subdivision of a county, encompassing an area smaller than a city but larger than a neighborhood. On election day, voters within a precinct convene at their designated polling place to cast their ballots, ensuring an organized and localized voting process.

In some states, precincts are subdivisions of the legislative districts. However, Idaho law maintains that our precincts are created by county commissioners.