By-Laws of the 43rd District Democratic Organization

2007-2008

The organization by-laws as adopted in January 2007 can be found at:

http://www.43rddems.org/documents/43ddByLaws2007.doc

2005-2006

(Adopted 5/02)

The purpose of this organization is to promote the Democratic Party and increase participation by educating individuals regarding the ideals, goals, operations and candidates of the Democratic Party.

1. Name

1.1 This organization shall be known as the 43rd District Democratic Organization.

2. Definitions

2.1. For purposes of these By-Laws and unless otherwise indicated:

(a) "43rd District" means the 43rd District Democratic Organization.
(b) "Acting PCO" shall have the meaning set forth in § 4.3.
(c) "Appointed PCO" shall have the meaning set forth in § 4.2.
(d) "Associate Member" shall have the meaning set forth in § 3.2.
(e) "Campaign Committee" means the committee described in § 10.2.
(f) "Chair" means the Chair of the 43rd District.
(g) "Communications Committee" means the committee described in § 10.4.
(h) "County Chair" means the chair of the KCDCC.
(i) "Elected PCO" shall have meaning set forth in § 4.1.
(j) "Executive Board" shall have meaning set forth in § 9.1.
(k) "Events Committee" means the committee described in § 10.5.
(l) "KCDCC" means the King County Democratic Central Committee.
(m) "Legislative District" means the 43rd Legislative District.
(n) "Meeting" means a Regular Meeting, a Special Meeting, or a Reorganization Meeting.
(o) "Member" shall have meaning set forth in § 3.1.
(p) "Membership" means the Members assembled at a Meeting of the 43rd District.
(q) "Membership Committee" means the committee described in § 10.3.
(r) "Officer" means and includes the individuals described in § 7.1.
(s) "Past Chair" means the most recent former chair of the 43rd District, excluding any former chair who was removed
pursuant to Article 11 of these By-Laws.
(t) "PCO" means precinct committee officer. The term includes "Elected PCOs," "Appointed PCOs," and "Acting PCOs."
(u) "Program Committee" means the committee described in § 10.6.
(v) "Publish" means to disseminate information or notice to Members by U.S. Mail or email. Information or notice is considered "Published" when the communication is deposited in the U.S. Mail or sent by email.
(w) "Regular Meeting" shall have the meaning set forth in § 5.1.
(x) "Reorganization Meeting" shall have the meaning set forth in § 5.3.
(y) "Special Meeting" shall have the meaning set forth in § 5.2.
(z) "Standing Committee" means and includes the committees set forth in § 10.1.
(aa) "WSDCC" means the Washington State Democratic Central Committee.
(ab) “Technology Coordinator” means a member who is appointed by the Chair, with agreement of a majority of the Executive Board, to coordinate the internet, web, and member database functions of the organization, under the general direction of the Chair. The Technology Coordinator may be removed by a majority of the Executive Board.
(ac) "WSDCC" means the Washington State Democratic Central Committee.
(ad) "Young Democrat Representative" means a member of any Young Democrats organization who resides in the Legislative District and is appointed by the Chair to serve on the Executive Board.

3. Membership

3.1. "Member" means and includes any individual who:

(a) is a registered voter;
(b) resides within the 43rd Legislative District;
(c) declares herself or himself to be a Democrat; and
(d) either (i) has paid applicable dues or (ii) is a PCO.

3.2. "Associate Member" means and includes any individual who (a) declares herself or himself to be a Democrat and (b) has paid applicable dues but is either not a registered voter or does not reside within the 43rd Legislative District. Associate Members have speaking rights but do not have the right to vote on any matters.
3.3. Dues are payable annually. The amount of the annual dues shall be established by and may be amended by the Membership using the procedures applicable to the adoption and amendment of the budget in § 15.2.
3.4. Persons are entitled to review and use the records and membership list of the 43rd District pursuant to procedures adopted by the Membership or as required by law.
3.5. Members may not may use any title of office or identify themselves as representing the 43rd District unless authorized by the Membership or the Executive Board.

4. Precinct Committee Officers

4.1. "Elected PCO" means an individual who is elected to the office of precinct committee officer pursuant to RCW 29.42.050.
4.2. "Appointed PCO" means an individual who is appointed to the office of precinct committee officer pursuant to RCW 29.42.050. Appointed PCOs have the same rights and responsibilities as an Elected PCO.
4.3. "Acting PCO" means an individual appointed by the County Chair to serve in a precinct (a) that does not have an Elected PCO or an Appointed PCO and (b) in which the individual does not reside. An individual ceases to be an Acting PCO upon the election an Elected PCO or the appointment of an Appointed PCO for that precinct. An Acting PCO has the same rights and responsibilities as an Elected PCO, except an Acting PCO may not vote on the election or removal of the Chair, Vice Chair for Membership, State Committeewoman, State Committeeman, Female KCDCC Delegate, Male KCDCC Delegate, Female KCDCC Alternate, and Male KCDCC Alternate.
4.4. The County Chair shall appoint Appointed PCOs and Acting PCOs as provided by state law and the by-laws of the KCDCC.
4.5. The Chair shall recommend individuals to County Chair for appointment as Appointed PCO or Acting PCO for vacant precincts. The Chair shall not recommend any individual for appointment unless that individual has been approved by a majority of the PCOs present and voting at the Meeting, not counting abstentions. The name of any such individual must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which approval is sought. The Chair shall submit approved recommendations to the County Chair within fifteen (15) days of approval.
4.6. No PCOs may be appointed between the certification of the general election in even numbered years and the Reorganization Meeting following the general election.
4.7. A precinct is deemed vacant if the Elected PCO or Appointed PCO (a) dies; (b) resigns from office; (c) ceases to be a registered voter; or (d) ceases to reside in the precinct from which the PCO was elected or appointed. The Chair shall notify the Membership of any vacancies that occur by reason of the death, resignation, or disqualification of an Elected PCO or Appointed PCO.

5. Meetings

5.1. "Regular Meeting" means a regularly scheduled meeting of the 43rd District. The time and date for a Regular Meeting may be altered by the Membership or the Executive Board. Notice of any change in the time or date of a Regular Meeting must be Published at least thirty (30) days before the new meeting date.
5.2. "Special Meeting" means a Meeting other than a Regular Meeting or a Reorganization Meeting. A Special Meeting may be called by one-fourth (1/4) of the Members; one-third (1/3) of the PCOs; or a majority of the Executive Board. Notice of a Special Meeting must be Published at least thirty (30) days before the meeting date.
5.3. "Reorganization Meeting" means a meeting called by the County Chair for the purpose of reorganizing the 43rd District (a) in January of odd numbered years or (b) in the year in which the boundaries of Legislative District are changed. PCOs and Members whose dues are paid for the current or prior calendar year are eligible to vote at a Reorganization Meeting, except as where otherwise provided in these By-Laws.
5.4. Twenty (20) Members shall constitute a quorum. With respect to any action requiring PCO approval, fifteen (15) PCOs shall constitute a quorum.

6. Voting

6.1. Any individual who is a Member at least ten (10) days before a Meeting is entitled to vote on all matters arising at that Meeting, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws.
6.2. Only PCOs may vote on the approval of PCO recommendations.
6.3. Only Elected PCOs and Appointed PCOs may vote on the election of the Chair, Vice Chair for Membership, State Committeewoman, State Committeeman, Female KCDCC Delegate, Male KCDCC Delegate, Female KCDCC Alternate Delegate, and Male KCDCC Alternate Delegate.
6.4. Proxy voting is not permitted.
6.5. Officers shall be elected by a majority of those present and voting. If no individual is elected in a round of voting, the individual receiving the fewest votes shall be eliminated from consideration in the next round of voting. Voting continues until an individual is elected. In case of contested elections for the Officers elected by Elected PCOs and Appointed PCOs, voting is conducted by signed ballot.

7. Officers

7.1. The Officers of the 43rd District shall be the:

(a) Chair;
(b) Vice Chair for Membership;
(c) Vice Chair for Communications;
(d) Vice Chair for Events;
(e) Vice Chair for Programs;
(f) Secretary;
(g) Treasurer;
(h) State Committeewoman;
(i) State Committeeman;
(j) Female KCDCC Delegate;
(k) Male KCDCC Delegate;
(l) Female KCDCC Alternate Delegate; and
(m) Male KCDCC Alternate Delegate.

7.2. Officers shall be elected at each Reorganization Meeting or as necessary to fill a vacancy.
7.3. Each Officer, as well as the Young Democrat Representative and the Technology Coordinator, shall serve until the earliest of (a) the next Reorganization Meeting; (b) the Officer's resignation; or (c) the Officer's removal from office.

8. Duties of Officers

8.1. The Chair shall (a) act as the chief executive officer of the 43rd District; (b) preside over meetings of the Membership and the Executive Board; (c) serve as a member of the executive board of the KCDCC; (d) make any appointments or recommendations authorized by these By-Laws; (e) receive requests for and authorize the release of the records and membership list of the 43rd District as provided in these By-Laws; (f) appoint Members to perform duties as the Chair deems necessary; (g) chair and have chief responsibility for the Campaign Committee; (h) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities of the Campaign Committee; (i) implement the policies of the 43rd District and the Executive Board; and (j) perform such other duties as the Chair deems appropriate.
8.2. The Vice Chair for Membership shall (a) serve as first vice chair within the meaning of the KCDCC by-laws; (b) perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair; (c) chair and have chief responsibility for the Membership Committee; (d) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities of the Membership Committee; (e) serve on the Executive Board; and (f) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.3. The Vice Chair for Communications shall (a) perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair for Membership; (b) chair and have chief responsibility for the Communications Committee; (c) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities of the Communications Committee; (d) Publish any notices or information required by these By-Laws; (e) serve on the Executive Board; and (f) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.4. The Vice Chair for Events shall (a) chair and have chief responsibility for the Events Committee; (b) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities of the Events Committee; (c) serve on the Executive Board; and (d) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.5. The Vice Chair for Programs shall (a) chair and have chief responsibility for the Program Committee; (b) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities of the Program Committee; (c) serve on the Executive Board; and (d) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.6. The Secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of all meetings and all records of the 43rd District except those assigned to other Officers; (b) serve on the Communications Committee; (c) serve on the Executive Board; and (d) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.7. The Treasurer shall (a) maintain a bank account for the 43rd District; (b) receive and disburse the funds of the 43rd District; (c) maintain the financial records of the 43rd District; (d) prepare and file applicable public disclosure reports; (e) prepare and file applicable tax reports and returns; (f) propose an annual budget to the Executive Board and Membership; (g) provide periodic written financial reports to the Executive Board and Membership; (h) serve on the Executive Board; and (i) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.8. The State Committeewoman shall (a) serve as a member of the WSDCC; (b) notify the Female KCDCC Delegate if she cannot attend a meeting of the WSDCC; (c) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities, policies, and actions of the WSDCC; (d) serve on and actively participate in one of the Standing Committees, as appointed by the Chair; (e) serve on the Executive Board; and (f) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.9. The State Committeeman shall (a) serve as a member of the WSDCC; (b) notify the Male KCDCC Delegate if he cannot attend a meeting of the WSDCC; (c) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities, policies, and actions of the WSDCC; (d) serve on and actively participate in one of the Standing Committees, as appointed by the Chair; (e) serve on the Executive Board; and (f) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.10. The Female KCDCC Delegate shall (a) serve as a member the executive board of the KCDCC; (b) notify the Female KCDCC Alternate Delegate if she cannot attend a meeting of the KCDCC; (c) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities, policies, and actions of the KCDCC; (d) serve as an alternate state committeewoman; (e) serve on and actively participate in one of the Standing Committees, as appointed by the Chair; (f) serve on the Executive Board; and (g) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.11. The Male KCDCC Delegate shall (a) serve as a member the executive board of the KCDCC; (b) notify the Male KCDCC Alternate Delegate if he cannot attend a meeting of the KCDCC; (c) report to the Executive Board and Membership regarding the activities, policies, and actions of the KCDCC; (d) serve as an alternate state committeeman; (e) serve on and actively participate in one of the Standing Committees, as appointed by the Chair; (f) serve on the Executive Board; and (g) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.12. The Female KCDCC Alternate Delegate shall (a) serve as an alternate member the executive board of the KCDCC; (b) notify the Chair if she cannot attend a meeting of the KCDCC; (c) serve on and actively participate in one of the Standing Committees, as appointed by the Chair; (d) serve on the Executive Board; and (e) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
8.13. The Male KCDCC Alternate Delegate shall (a) serve as an alternate member the executive board of the KCDCC; (b) notify the Chair if he cannot attend a meeting of the KCDCC; (c) serve on and actively participate in one of the Standing Committees, as appointed by the Chair; (d) serve on the Executive Board; and (e) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair.

9. Executive Board

9.1. The Executive Board shall consist of the Officers, the Past Chair, the Young Democrat Representative and the Technology Coordinator.
9.2. The Executive Board shall establish a regular monthly meeting date for the purpose of planning and directing the policies and activities of the 43rd District. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by a majority of its members.
9.3. A quorum of the Executive Board shall be eight (8) members.

10. Standing Committees

10.1. There shall be five (5) standing committees: (a) the Campaign Committee; (b) Membership Committee; (c) the Communications Committee; (d) the Events Committee; and (e) the Program Committee.
10.2. The Campaign Committee shall (a) communicate with elected officials, candidates, and ballot issue campaigns; (b) perform duties
related to the endorsement process; (c) manage election board activities; (d) coordinate literature distribution with endorsed candidate and ballot issue campaigns; and (e) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair. The Chair shall chair and have chief responsibility for the Campaign Committee. The Campaign Committee shall consist of Members appointed by the Chair.
10.3. The Membership Committee shall (a) maintain a list of Members and prospective Members; (b) recruit Members and PCOs; (c) organize and manage membership recruitment efforts; (d) organize and manage PCO recruitment efforts; (e) train PCOs; (f) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair. The Vice Chair for Membership shall chair and have chief responsibility for the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall consist of the Young Democrat Representative and Members appointed by the Vice Chair for Membership.
10.4. The Communications Committee shall (a) Publish any notices or information required by these By-Laws; (b) prepare and distribute a periodic newsletter; (c) maintain a web site; (d) conduct public relations activities; and (e) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair. The Vice Chair for Communications shall chair and have chief responsibility for the Communications Committee. The Communications Committee shall consist of the Secretary and Members appointed by the Vice Chair for Communications.
10.5. The Events Committee shall (a) organize and manage at least two annual fundraising events; (b) organize and manage other non-meeting events of the 43rd District; and (c) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair. The Vice Chair for Events shall chair and have chief responsibility for the Events Committee. The Events Committee shall consist of Members appointed by the Vice Chair for Events.
10.6. The Program Committee shall (a) organize and develop programs for the Meetings; (b) monitor issues of interest to the 43rd District; and (c) perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chair. The Vice Chair for Programs shall chair and have chief responsibility for the Program Committee. The Program Committee shall consist of Members appointed by the Vice Chair for Programs.
10.7. The Chair shall appoint the State Committeeman, State Committeewoman, Female KCDCC Delegate, Male KCDCC Delegate, Female KCDCC Alternate Delegate, and Male KCDCC Alternate Delegate to one of the Standing Committees. These officers shall meaningfully and actively participate in the activities of their respective committees.

11. Removal from Office

11.1. Upon petition for removal signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the Elected PCOs, the 43rd District shall consider the removal of the Chair. The Chair may be removed by a majority of the Elected PCOs present and voting at the Meeting, not counting abstentions.
11.2. Upon petition for removal signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the Elected PCOs and Appointed PCOs, the 43rd District shall consider the removal of the Vice Chair for Membership, State Committeewoman, State Committeewoman, Female KCDCC Delegate, or Male KCDCC Delegate, Female KCDCC Alternate Delegate, and Male KCDCC Alternate Delegate. Any of these Officers may be removed by six-tenths (6/10) of the Elected and Appointed PCOs present and voting at the Meeting, not counting abstentions.
11.3. Upon petition for removal signed by one-fourth (1/4) of the Members or a majority of the Executive Board, the 43rd District shall consider the removal of the Vice Chair for Communications, the Vice Chair for Events, the Vice Chair for Programs, the Secretary, or the Treasurer. Any of these Officers may be removed by a majority of the Members present and voting at the Meeting, not counting abstentions.
11.4. With respect to the removal of any Officer, the following must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which the removal will be considered:

(a) The grounds asserted by those who have petitioned for removal of the Officer;
(b) The response, if any, of the Officer who is the subject of the removal petition; and
(c) The date and time of the Meeting at which removal will be considered.

12. Vacancies

12.1. Vacancies in the Officer positions shall be filled by election at the next Regular Meeting after adequate notice is provided. Notice of the vacancy must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Regular Meeting at which the vacancy will be filled.

13. Resolutions and Censure

13.1. Members and Associate Members may propose resolutions. Resolutions must be submitted in writing to the Secretary or Chair at or before the Executive Board meeting preceding the Meeting at which the proposed resolution will be considered. The Executive Board may research and recommend action on any resolution.
13.2. Except as provided in § 13.3, a proposed resolution must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which it will be considered.
13.3. Proposed resolutions that are not timely submitted to the Secretary or Chair or are not timely Published may nonetheless be considered at a Meeting if: (a) the resolution is submitted in writing to the Secretary or Chair before the Meeting; (b) the Chair finds that the Membership should consider the resolution at the Meeting because time is of the essence; and (c) two-thirds (2/3) of the Members present and voting at the Meeting agree to consider the resolution.
13.4. Resolutions must be approved by a majority of the Members present and voting at the Meeting, not counting abstentions.
13.5. Members and Associate Members may move that the 43rd District censure a Member; an officer or official of the national party, state party, KCDCC, or 43rd District; or an elected official or candidate that the 43rd District has previously endorsed. A censure is an official public statement by the 43rd District condemning, reprimanding, or disapproving of specific conduct of an individual. Motions for censure must be submitted in writing to the Secretary or Chair at or before the Executive Board meeting preceding the Meeting at which the censure motion will be considered. The Executive Board may research and recommend action on the censure motion.
13.6. A motions for censure must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which it will be considered. In addition, the Chair or the Chair's designee shall mail notice of the motion for censure to the subject of the motion at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which the motion will be considered.
13.7. Motions to censure must be approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Members present and voting at the Meeting, not counting abstentions.

14. Endorsements

14.1. The 43rd District may endorse candidates for elected and appointed office and take positions on ballot issues. Endorsements may be revoked using the same procedures as for endorsement.
14.2. The Executive Board shall propose and the Membership shall adopt procedures for endorsing candidates and ballot issues. These procedures shall be adopted at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Meeting at which an endorsement will be considered. The endorsement procedures may require that candidates timely respond to a candidate questionnaire as a prerequisite to endorsement.
14.3. To be eligible for endorsement, a candidate must file as a Democrat or, in the case of non-partisan races other than races for judicial positions, identify themselves as a Democrat.
14.4. The Executive Board may make reports and recommendations to the Membership for endorsement.
14.5. Notice that endorsements will be considered must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which endorsements will be considered.
14.6. Endorsements must be approved by at least sixty percent (60%) of the Members present and voting at the Meeting. More than one (1) Candidate for the same office may be endorsed.
14.7. The 43rd District may not endorse any candidate prior to the close of candidate filing unless (a) notice is Published at least thirty (30) days prior to the Meeting at which early endorsements will be considered and (b) the endorsement is approved by at least nine-tenths (9/10) of the Members present and voting.
14.8. The 43rd District may not endorse any candidate or ballot issue after the Regular Meeting in the month preceding the month in which the election is scheduled

15. Expenditures

15.1. No money shall be paid from the funds of the 43rd District except by check signed by the Treasurer or the Chair. No Member other than the Treasurer or Chair may incur a debt or otherwise obligate the 43rd District for the future payment of funds without approval of the Treasurer, Chair, or Executive Board.
15.2. The Membership shall approve a budget. The budget must be adopted and may be amended by a majority of the Members present and voting at a Meeting, not counting abstentions. Notice that the adoption or amendment of the budget will be considered must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which action on the budget will be considered.
15.3. The Chair, Treasurer, or Executive Board may authorize expenditures for budgeted items.
15.4. The Executive Board may authorize non-budgeted expenditures of one hundred dollars ($100.00) or less, except the Executive Board may not authorize any non-budgeted contribution to any candidate, ballot issue, or political committee.

16. Miscellaneous Provisions

16.1. These By-Laws shall become effective upon a majority vote of the Members present and voting at a Meeting, not counting abstentions.
16.2. These By-Laws may be amended if the approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Members present and voting at a Meeting, not counting abstentions. Notice of proposed amendments to the By-Laws must be Published at least ten (10) days before the Meeting at which the amendment of the By-Laws will be considered.
16.3. These By-Laws may not be suspended for any purpose.
16.4. State law, the charter and by-laws of the Democratic Party of the State of Washington, and the by-laws of the KCDCC shall govern in case of conflict with these By-Laws.
16.5. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the 43rd District except to the extent such rules are inconsistent with these By-Laws.