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Bylaws 2007
35th Legislative District Democratic Central Committee

Changes to these Bylaws were adopted by the 35th LD October 2007

ARTICLE I – Name and Membership

The name of this organization shall be the 35th Legislative District Central Committee hereafter referred to as 35th District or the Committee. This district encompasses all of Mason County and parts of Kitsap, Grays Harbor and Thurston Counties.

ARTICLE II – Mission Statement

The purpose of the 35th Legislative District Central Committee is to:

  1. Foster and promote the principles and policies of the Democratic Party.
  2. Educate the members of The Committee on the principles and current policies of the Democratic Party.
  3. Inform the public of the Democratic Party policies and principles.
  4. Promote the election of Democrats in local, county, state and national elections.
  5. Keep the public informed as to any legislation that may affect our District as well as the nation; this is included in the Precinct Committee Officer’s (PCO’s) job description.

ARTICLE III – Executive Organizational Structure

Membership, Executive Board Quorum and Function

Section 1 – The Central Committee

The Central Committee shall consist of the officers of the Executive Board, the County

Chairperson of each of the counties having precincts in the 35th Legislative District, PCO’s, and members residing within the 35th Legislative District whose dues are current.  Membership dues are annual for the calendar year January through December. Dues are $20 per year. If new members join the 35th Legislative District during December, the dues at that time will be applied to the next calendar year. The Chairperson of the Central Committee shall be the Chair of the Executive Board. 

Section 2 – The Executive Board

The Executive Board shall consist of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary,

Treasurer, State Committeeman and State Committeewoman, the Chairperson of each county or his/her designee, having precincts in the 35th Legislative District and the immediate past Chairperson of the Central Committee. The County Chair’s designee must reside within the 35th district and will serve the full term. The Board shall meet at the call of the Chairperson. Five (5) members shall be present to constitute a quorum.

The function of the Executive Board shall be to act to further the mission of the 35th District Democrats, to address any party matters arising during the intervals between regular meetings of the Central Committee, to make recommendations to the Central Committee upon matters of concern to the membership, and to perform such specific functions and duties as authorized or required in the Bylaws or by resolution of the Central Committee.

 ARTICLE IV – Officers Elected and Appointed

ELECTED 

Section 1 – Elected officers shall be:

  1. Chairperson
  2. Vice-Chairperson
  3. Secretary
  4. Treasurer
  5. State Committeeman
  6. State Committeewoman

Section 2 – Eligibility for Elected Officers:

  1. Any registered Democrat in good standing. (Provided RCW 29.42.020 is adhered to.)
  2. Must have resided within the 35th Legislative District for six months or more.

Section 3 – Terms of Office for Elected Officers

Elected officers shall be elected for a two-year term. Terms will begin upon their election at the biennial organizational meeting. Their terms will expire at the next biennial meeting with the election of their successors. The following exceptions will apply:

  1. Resignation
  2. Removal from office by the membership.
  3. An officer elected for whatever reason between organizational meetings shall serve until the following organizational meeting and the election of their successor.

Section 4 – Election of Officers

  1. Regular election of officers shall:

1.      Occur at each biennial organizational meeting.

2.      Be conducted by ballot except where there is only one nominee for an office. With only one nominee the election may be by a voice vote requiring a simple majority of members present and voting for election.

B.     Special election of officers shall be conducted in the same manner as regular elections except that they shall occur at the next organizational meeting following a vacancy in the office. Members must receive official notice of the special election at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. 

Section 5 – Removal from office

  1. Any officer may resign from office by submitting a written resignation at least five (5) days prior to their intended final day.
  2. Any officer may be removed from office for failure to discharge the duties of the office to the satisfaction of the membership provided:
    1. The charges for removal are in writing and signed by at least five (5) elected PCO’s.
    2. The officer so charged and the membership at-large received written notice of the charges at least five (5) days before the meeting at which the charges are to be addressed.
    3. The officer charged has the opportunity to address the membership.
    4. Two-thirds of the members be present and cast ballots in favor of removal.

APPOINTED

Section 6 – Appointed officers shall be:

  1. Sergeant-at-Arms
  2. Assistant Secretary
  3. Parliamentarian

Section 7 – Terms of Office for Appointed Officers

Appointed officers shall serve terms concurrent with the Chairperson who appointed them or until such time as the appointing Chairperson discharges them from their duties. Appointed officers serve at the pleasure of the Chairperson and may be dismissed by the Chairperson.

 

ARTICLE V – Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

ELECTED

Section 1 – Chairperson

  1. Serve as the chief administrative officer and spokesperson for the Committee.
  2. Preside over all meetings of the Committee and Executive Board.
  3. Appoint all standing and special committee members and serve as ex-officio member thereof.
  4. Appoint, as needed, secretaries, parliamentarian and sergeant-at-arms.
  5. Sign checks on the treasury when the Treasurer is not available.
  6. Advise and assist Democratic candidates for national, state, and 35th District offices.
  7. Maintain an up-to-date mailing list of all precinct committee members.
  8. Maintain copies of the latest state and local election statutes.
  9. Maintain copies of the 35th Legislative District Bylaws.

Section 2 – Vice-Chairperson

  1. Shall in the event of inability or absence of the Chairperson, assume the duties of the Chairperson until the Chairperson can resume his/her duties.
  2. Shall assist the Chairperson in his/her duties.
  3. In the event of a vacancy of Chairperson’s office, the Vice-Chairperson will assume all duties for the Chairperson until such time that the vacancy is filled.

Section 3 – Secretary

  1. Shall send notices of upcoming meetings
  2. Shall keep minutes of all Committee and Executive Board meetings providing an adequate number of copies of these minutes to the general membership at the next meeting.
  3. Shall keep and maintain a complete membership list.
  4. Shall keep an attendance list of any Committee and Executive Board meetings.
  5. Shall keep and maintain copies of the formal records and reports generated by its officers and committees.
  6. Generate and distribute any letters necessary to the obligations of the Committee.

Section 4 – Treasurer

  1. Receive all monies of the Committee issuing receipts for all monies received.
  2. Pay out funds by checks signed by the Treasurer and keep accurate records.
  3. Keep all records and submit all reports required for compliance with the Public Disclosure Commission.
  4. Serve as chairperson of the budget committee.
  5. Prepare a two-year proposed budget for adoption by the Central Committee.
  6. At the request of the Executive Board or Chairperson of the Committee, provide an accurate financial report.
  7. The books of the treasurer shall be audited after each general election or by action of the Executive Board.

Section 5 – State Committeeman and State Committeewoman

  1. Be voting members of and represent the 35th Legislative District at all meetings of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee.
  2. Act as a liaison officer between the State Democratic Party and the 35th Legislative District Committee.
  3. Attend all meetings of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee and report on those proceedings to the 35th District Committee at its regular meeting.
  4. At the discretion of the Executive Board, forfeit his/her elected office for failure to attend two (2) consecutive meetings of the State Central Committee without being excused by the Committee Chairperson and giving his/her proxy to another Central Committee member to represent the 35th District Committee.

APPOINTED

Section 6 – Sergeant-at-Arms

Shall perform all ordinary duties of the office as requested by the Chairperson. 

Section 7 – Assistant Secretaries

Shall perform their duties under the direction of the Chairperson. 

Section 8 – Parliamentarian

May be appointed by the Chairperson to advise on procedural issues and assist the Chairperson as requested. 

ARTICLE VI – Precinct Committee Officers

Section 1 – Members of the Central Committee

All Precinct Committee Officers (PCO’s), members of the Executive Board, and members whose dues are current are voting members of the Central Committee with the following exceptions, as per Washington State law:

  1. Only elected PCO’s may vote at the organizational meeting.
  2. Only resident PCO’s may vote to recommend appointment to fill vacancies for public office.

Section 2 – Status of Elected Officials

All publicly elected Democratic officials residing in the 35th Legislative District, except those who are Precinct Committee Officers or current in their dues, shall be honorary, non-voting members of the Central Committee with floor privileges. 

Section 3 – Precinct Committee Officer’s Resources

Each new PCO shall, within two months of the organizational meeting or appointment to

Office, be provided with the following tools:

  1. Information detailing the duties of a Precinct Committee Officer, which is located in Section 4 of this article. The PCO handbook is located online at http://www.wa-democrats.org/
  2. A map of their district. Precinct maps are found on our website at http://www.35thdemocrats.org/.
  3. A copy of the 35th Legislative District Democratic Central Committee Bylaws. The bylaws are located on our website at http://www.35thdemocrats.org/
  4. A copy of the current 35th Legislative District Democratic Platform. We use the platform of the Washington State Democratic Party.
  5. A copy of the current Washington State Democratic Platform.
  6. Precinct Committee Officers shall be provided training related to their office if not provided by their county organization or by the state Democratic Party.

Section 4 – Precinct Committee Officer’s Duties

  1. Shall stay informed of the current basic issues and the Democratic platforms.
  2. Canvass their precincts for the purpose of identifying Democratic voters, registering new voters, and raising funds.
  3. Check the polls and canvass their precincts on Election Day to get out the Democratic vote.
  4. Aid and support Democratic principles and candidates.
  5. Recommend Democrats to serve as precinct election officers.
  6. See that their precinct caucuses are conducted in accordance with pertinent rules.
  7. Attend meetings of the Central Committee.

Section 5 – Types of Precinct Committee Officers (PCO’s)

There are two types of PCO’s:

  1. Resident PCO’s are either duly elected PCO’s or duly appointed PCO’s that reside in the precinct to which they are appointed or elected. Resident PCO’s hold all the rights and responsibilities of the office of Precinct Committee Officer.
  2. Non-resident PCO’s are duly appointed PCO’s who do not reside in the precinct to which they were appointed. Non-resident PCO’s hold all the rights and responsibilities of the office of Precinct Committee Officer with the following exceptions:
    1. They may not vote on appointments to fill vacancies as set forth in ARTICLE IV, Section 1, or on matters clearly set forth in Washington State law that are restricted to resident appointed PCO’s of the precinct.
    2. They may be replaced or reassigned to another precinct by the County Chairperson if a resident PCO is appointed to the precinct.

ARTICLE VII – Policies and Statute

Section 1 – Policy Process

The policies of this organization shall:

  1. Be developed by the Chairperson in cooperation with the Executive Board. These policies must be approved by a majority of the Executive Board.
  2. Be approved by the Central Committee.
  3. Follow, but not be limited to, the general policies of the Washington State Democratic Party.

Section 2 – State Statutes:

  1. RCW29.42.30 – Precinct Committee Officers, Eligibility
  2. RCW29.42.010 – Authorities
  3. RCW29.42.040 – Precinct Committee Officers, Eligibility
  4. RCW29.42.050 – Election, Declaration of Candidacy, Terms
  5. RCW29.42.020(1) through(4) Vacancy

ARTICLE VIII – Committees

Section 1 – Executive Committee

The elected officers shall constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall assume all duties of the Executive Board between regular meetings. 

Section 2 – Standing Committees

There shall be the following standing committees whose chairperson and members are

appointed by the 35th Legislative District Chairperson:

  1. Budget Committee
  2. Audit Committee

Section 3 – Other Committees

There may be other committees appointed by the Chairperson such as, but not limited to:

  1. Issues and Legislative Committee
  2. Publicity Committee
  3. Campaign Committee
  4. Fund Raising Committee. Proceeds from fund raising may be dispersed to a candidate’s campaign based on the Executive Committee’s recommendation with the final approval of the Central Committee.
  5. Precinct Committee Officer Training and Organization Committee
  6. Membership Committee
  7. Bylaws Committee
  8. Picnic Committee
  9. Fair Booth Committee
  10. Democratic Headquarters Committee

ARTICLE IX – Elections and Rules of Procedure

Section 1 – Organizational Meeting: Purpose and Required Notice

The Central Committee shall meet for the purpose of organization the second Saturday in January following a general election after PCO’s are authorized. A notice mailed at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the meeting shall constitute sufficient notice. Officers shall be elected as provided in Article IV, Section 4. 

Section 2 – Organizational Meeting: Who Convenes and Applicability of Bylaws

The organization meeting shall be convened by one of the officers present, as applicable, in the following order: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer. The convening officer shall preside until the election of a Chairperson pro tem. The Chairperson pro tem shall preside until all officers have been elected; thereafter the elected Chairperson shall preside. The first order of business following the election of officers shall be the adoption of bylaws. The Central Committee shall operate under the old Bylaws until new bylaws are accepted. 

Section 3 – Special Meeting: Who May Call and Required Notice

A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chairperson, or in the Chairperson’s

absence or incapacity, by the Vice-Chairperson, or by any other officer in the absence of the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson. A special meeting may be called by request of one-third of the Central Committee’s membership. The person or persons calling a special meeting shall designate the site and date and purpose of the meeting at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting date. 

Section 4 – Eligibility for Voting and Quorum

Only members of the Central Committee shall be eligible to vote at any meeting, although the presiding officer may ask for an advisory vote from guests or observers who may be present. Each member shall have one vote. No proxies or absentee ballots may be accepted. The members present shall constitute a quorum. Members consist of Precinct Committee Officers (the officers specified in Article IV, Section 1, A and B), County Democratic Central Committee Chairs, and members residing within the 35th Legislative District whose dues are current as stated in Article III. 

Section 5 – Parliamentary Procedure and Recording of Minutes

Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not covered by these Bylaws. The presiding officer prior to recognition of nonmembers shall recognize members of the Central Committee in attendance, but any nonmember present may be permitted to speak. The proceedings of all meetings shall be recorded in written minutes by the Secretary or, in the absence of the Secretary, by someone designated by the presiding officer. 

Section 6 – Regular Meetings: When Held

The regular meetings of the Central Committee shall normally be the second Saturday in January, March, May and October. However, the month and day for regular meetings may be changed at the Chairperson’s discretion given sufficient notification as discussed above. 

ARTICLE X – Receipt and Disbursement of Funds

Section 1 – Administrative Expense

Obligation for the administrative expenses may be incurred by the Central Committee within the limits of funds available for payment. 

Section 2 – Secretarial Expense

A revolving fund of $50.00 shall be provided to the Secretary for incidental secretarial expenses. 

Section 3 – Audit

An audit committee consisting of three (3) people, appointed by the Chairperson, shall audit the Treasurer’s records prior to the biennial organizational meeting. The results of the audit shall be reported to the Central Committee membership at the biennial meeting prior to passing on the Committee’s financial records to the new Chairperson or Treasurer. 

ARTICLE XI – Candidate Approval/Endorsement/Opposition and Appointments

Section 1 – Candidate Approval, Endorsement, and Opposition

The 35th Legislative District Democrats may take action with respect to the endorsement of, approval of, or opposition to candidates seeking elected office as per below and any related adopted 35th LD policy.  These actions may take place with or without a request from the candidate.

  1. Endorsement of a candidate with full support of the Central Committee requires a 75% majority of those present and voting.  Endorsements are constrained to one candidate for the same office in a primary or general election.
  2. Approval of a candidate with limited support of the Central Committee requires a simple majority of those present and voting.  Approvals may be granted to more than one candidate for the same office in a primary election.
  3. Opposition to a candidate requires a 75% majority of those present and voting.
  4. No action equates to no official support for or opposition to a candidate from the 35th LD Central Committee.
  5. All candidates shall present to the Chairperson of the Central Committee a completed application form provided by the Chairperson.
  6. The Chairperson shall make the candidates’ applications available to the entire Executive Board, who shall serve as the Screening Committee and shall rule on each candidate’s eligibility by a simple majority of those present and voting.
  7. Eligibility shall be on the basis of:

1.      Good Citizenship

2.      Qualifications for the position involved

3.      Past and present political affiliation

4.      Length of service to the 35th LD Democrats

5.      Candidate’s commitment to the race

6.      Incumbent or non-incumbent status

  1. The Executive Board shall develop policy criteria and methods to determine the    above eligibility.
  2. From the list of candidates, the Executive Board shall recommend candidates to the Central Committee for Approval, Endorsement, or Opposition according to the majority vote requirements listed in A, B, and C above.
  3. Approvals, Endorsements, and Oppositions may be withdrawn from candidates by the Central Committee with the same simple majority or 75% majority of those present and voting of the 35th LD Central Committee it took to either approve or endorse them.
  4. All 35th LD Central Committee Endorsements, Approvals, and Oppositions terminate at the end of the election cycle for which they were granted.

Section 2 - Approved candidates may receive any non-financial aid, such as walking lists from the 35th Legislative District database.

 

Section 3 - Endorsed candidates may receive campaign funds from the Central Committee in support of their candidacies as determined by the Committee and based on these criteria:

  1. The candidate’s need for money.
  2. Access or lack of access to other Party resources.
  3. Incumbent or non-incumbent status.
  4. Length of service candidate has recorded to the Democratic Party in the 35th District.
  5. Residency of candidate.
  6. The candidate’s commitment to the race.
  7. The importance of the office being sought.
  8. The likelihood of a successful campaign.

Section 4 - Appointments to Public office

When a vacancy occurs in a public office and it is the responsibility of the 35th Legislative District to present recommendations for appointment as provided by law, the following shall apply:

  1. All candidates shall present to the Chairperson of the Central Committee a completed application form provided by the Chairperson.
  2. The Chairperson shall make the candidates’ applications available to the entire Executive Board, who shall serve as the Screening Committee and shall rule on each candidate’s eligibility by a simple majority of those present and voting.
  3. Eligibility shall be on the basis of:
    1. Good Citizenship
    2. Qualifications for the position involved
    3. Past and present political affiliation
    4. Intention to seek election to the office
  4. The Executive Board shall develop policy criteria and methods to determine the    above eligibility.
  5. From the list of eligible candidates, the Executive Board shall recommend for final consideration of the Central Committee no less than three candidates.
  6. From the list of eligible candidates provided by the Executive Board, the Central Committee shall recommend to the appropriate authority the names of three candidates.
  7. As set forth in Washington State law, only Resident PCO’s are eligible to vote to fill vacancies for public office.

ARTICLE XII – Amendments to the Bylaws

These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by a majority of the members present, provided that written notice of such proposed action was presented at the previous regular meeting. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be available to all who request it prior to the vote.

 Adopted:  October 13, 2007

 

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