By Amelia Pak-Harvey | Indianapolis Star

Anthony Harvey has one word to describe his representation right now in government — disconnected.

Harvey thinks he can make a difference not by running for mayor or city council, but for a little-known office that forms the backbone of the Democratic Party in Marion County. He filed to run as a precinct committee person, or PC, representing a small portion of Pike Township.

PCs, as they’re commonly called, have two critical roles. They vote to fill vacancies in elected offices, as outlined in state law. In Marion County, they also decide who the party will endorse in its pre-primary convention, support often seen as critical in a Democrat-heavy city.

In a rare public fraying within the party, Harvey is among several candidates — from precinct committee candidates to incumbent state legislators — who are voicing concern with the way the party has filled and utilized PC seats, arguing that party leaders wield power in a setup that puts Black and Latino candidates at a disadvantage.