About the Berkeley County Democratic Executive Committee

Members of the Berkeley County Democratic Executive Committee (BCDEC) are elected by voters registered in Berkeley County.  They serve four-year terms.  The election of Committee members takes place in the statewide primary election in non-presidential years – the most recent being in May 2010, the next 2014.  Members take office on July 1 following the primary election.  One man and one woman are elected from each magisterial district.

The primary role of the Committee is to encourage county residents to register to vote and support Democratic candidates seeking election in West Virginia.  The Committee joins with other Democratic organizations in the county, region, state, and nation to promote the Democratic platform, ideals, and slate of candidates, but as a state political action committee, it may only provide financial aid to candidates for offices within the state.

The Berkeley County Democratic Executive Committee also has a role in filling ballot vacancies for magistrates, circuit clerk, and other county elected officials, depending on the circumstances or timing of the vacancy.    When no one files as a candidate for an open office or someone who has filed is disqualified, the BCDEC has the authority to name a candidate to fill the vacancy.

When there are vacancies in elected offices, the BCDEC does not have authority to name persons to fill them, but is charged with making recommendations to the appointing body, whether that is the county commission or the circuit court.

The BCDEC is also responsible for the nomination of election officials, poll clerks, election commissioners, and alternates for election day.

Chair – Niles Bernick

Vice Chair – Bill Yearout

Secretary – Donn Marshall

Treasurer – Rosalie Bernick

Membership: