Statewide Organization of Political Parties

Organization of the party begins with the state executive committee of each political party, since it also functions as the state primary board for the party. T.C.A. § 2-13-102. Members of this committee are elected in the regular August primary election immediately prior to the election for governor. One man and one woman from each party are elected from every senatorial district to serve four-year terms beginning on September 15 following their election. They must take the oath of office, filing it with the state coordinator of elections. T.C.A. § 2-13-103.

The state executive committee is to meet at least once in even-numbered years to appoint the county primary boards, made up of five people from each county appointed for two year terms. T.C.A. § 2-13-108. The members of this board are chosen from a list of names submitted by county executive committees, although two of the members may be appointed without regard to the lists if the names on them are not fairly divided among the elements of the party. If no list is submitted, the state primary board is to draw up its own list from which to make appointments, or it may designate the county election commission to act as the county primary board. T.C.A. § 2-13-110.