This is the committee that helps the legislative district endorse and elect the Democrats who will do the most for the 45^th district’s voters.  This is cyclical work that typically becomes busy in the lead-up to elections every two and four years.  The work entails the following:

• Interviewing: this is a chance to interview leaders who run our local and state government.  All the Democrats running in a given race are interviewed.  There are meetings before the interview to discuss the goals and requirements for the office and meetings after the interview to discuss results.  Work is a few hours a week for several months during election seasons.
• Leading the interview panel: Collaborating with the committee Chair to co-lead the endorsement process for a jurisdiction (for example, Kirkland, Redmond, Duvall, Port of Seattle, Riverview School District, or King County Superior Court).  This includes identifying candidates, reviewing questionnaires submitted by candidates to determine whether to interview them, developing interview questions, and helping draft the committee’s short endorsement recommendation to the 45^th LD membership for their decision.  Volunteers in this role need a fair amount of knowledge about their jurisdiction and a passion to increase the quality and authenticity of the endorsements made to the 45^th LD membership.  Work is a few hours a week for a few months during election seasons.
• Researchers: research the cities, issues, and offices that are in play for the upcoming elections.  Help write good questions for the interviews that make the candidates respond to the issues that matter the most in our district.  If you’re passionate about policy in one of our 45^th cities (Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Sammamish, Duvall) please reach out!  Note taker: Attend meetings, and interviews, and take notes.  Distribute the notes to the committee.  Work is a few hours a week for a few months during election season.
• In general, the roles require: ensuring the endorsement process adheres to relevant laws and party guidelines, striving to remain impartial and objective throughout the evaluation process; adhering to deadlines for making endorsement decisions before primaries or general elections.

If an election cycle is occurring, this is a great opportunity for a student intern interested in government or public policy.  You get to conduct in-depth interviews with candidates to understand their positions, qualifications and goals.  You get to examine candidates’ credentials, history, and any potential controversies.  You get to deliberate, discuss and debate the merits of each candidate among committee members.