The 2020 presidential election is coming in November and the Electoral College plays an important role in the process. Through our Q&AZ project, a listener asked: How electors are chosen in Arizona, and what are precinct committee people? 

The 11 electors will come from the same political party as the presidential candidate who wins the majority vote in the state in November. Those electors will come together in December to cast their votes. 

They’re chosen in advance by state party leaders and are typically current or former public officials or individuals who are active in presidential campaigns and their communities. 

Bruce Ash is a national committeeman from the Arizona Republican Party and also served as an elector in the 2012 and 2016 elections. 

“You’re recognized for your contribution, the work that you do to help your political party and the work that you do to support the candidate," he said. "I think we are all really serving our country and our fellow citizens in our participation in the political process."

Felecia Rotellini is the Arizona Democratic Party chairwoman. She said the last time Arizona's electors came from her party was during former President Bill Clinton's election. She also serves as a precinct committee person. It's a grassroot position responsible for getting their neighbors engaged in politics. 

“It’s the most important person in the party because they have the opportunity to increase the network that the Democrats can reach out to and help people do the most important thing that I believe they can do and that is to vote," she said. 

To become a precinct committee person, you can volunteer for open positions, collect signatures from your neighbors to put your name on the ballot in the primary election and be elected that way or be appointed by a legislative district chair," she said.