What is the DEC?
The DEC is the official local county arm of the Florida Democratic Party. The DEC has oversight over all Democratic Party activities within the County. Acting within the authority granted to it by the Florida Democratic Party and Florida Statutes, the DEC establishes the priorities and activities of the party within the county.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee is to promote the values and principles of the Democratic Party and elect Democratic candidates by encouraging civic participation and providing tools for effective political action, and officially represent Orange County Democrats.
We, the representatives of the Democratic Party in Orange County, Florida, believing in the principles of the Democratic Party, pledge ourselves to continue our Party’s tradition for all the people; to work for effective government, and to develop strong leadership for responsible political action.
We advocate for values consistent with our Party’s traditions, among which are inclusion, equal opportunity, social and economic justice, empowerment, patriotism, equality, freedom, fairness, shared prosperity, compassion and hope.
Meeting dates and locations
The OCDEC meets on the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Please consult the calendar on the home page for the meeting location.
Elected Members and Appointed At-Large Members
Elected Members: Generally, one male and one female representative from each precinct in Orange County, are elected for a four-year term commencing the first month after a presidential election and from time to time by the Membership to fill vacancies. These Elected Members represent the Democratic voters in their precinct and are responsible for coordination of campaign activities, voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts in their precinct. They possess full rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership, including full voting rights, and the right to elect and serve as officers of the DEC.
Appointed Members: Additionally, the Chair of the DEC may appoint At Large members in order to achieve political, minority, economic, or other necessary representation within the county committee. These members have voting and other privileges of membership with the exception that they may not serve as officers. Their appointment is for a one-year term, expiring on December 31 of the year of appointment, other than in presidential election years when it expires on November 30.
Members’ responsibilities
- Sign Oath: You are required to sign an oath that you are a registered Democrat and qualified elector in Orange County and will not support the election of any opponent of any Democratic nominee, other than in judicial races.
- Attend Monthly Meetings: Florida Statutes and the Party bylaws require attendance at DEC meetings. Specifically, the DEC is required by law to declare a position vacant if a precinct committee member misses 3 consecutive DEC meetings without excuse (excused absences are permitted, but not to be abused).
- Participate in DEC activities: In addition to working in your own precinct, you are expected to participate in the general activities of the DEC, including participation on at least one standing committee, and contributing on ad hoc committees as needed.
- Raise funds for the party: Although there is no obligation to do so, please consider pledging a monthly sum that you can afford to help with our recurring expenses. Without money, nothing can be accomplished. All of us must help in this critical area.
- Organize your precinct for Democratic victory: Organizing your precinct to win is the most important duty of the precinct committeeman or woman. Our goal is to ensure that every Democrat goes to the polls and votes for Democrats up and down the ballot. You will receive the tools and resources you’ll need to organize your precinct.
How do I join the DEC?
Fill out a Members application on line and attend the subsequent meeting at which your application will be approved if there is no issue. You must do this a week before the next meeting to count on approval. Visit Get Involved for more info.
Joining Committees
The DEC has 10 standing committees. You can read more about them here.
