Lancaster County Democratic Party

Bylaws – 2006

Adopted June 6, 2006

The Lancaster County Democratic Party (hereafter referred to as the “County Party) recognizes the basic worth of all people and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical handicap, ethnic background or cultural heritage. The mission of the County Party is to promote Democratic ideals and values within our communities.  We will achieve this mission through grassroots organizing efforts and education of the general public to identify and elect well-qualified candidates through ethical campaign methods.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the County Party is to provide the ongoing structure to ensure the election of Democrats to both partisan and non-partisan offices; to retain and recruit Democrats, and encourage potential candidates for public office; and to provide our membership with a forum on matters of political interest.  The County Party also provides education and training. The intention of the County Party is to approach its tasks with integrity and honor and to involve as many people as possible in the process. The goal of the County Party is to build a Party whose strength is in its solidarity.

ARTICLE 1. THE COUNTY CONVENTION

The Lancaster County Democratic Party Convention (hereinafter referred to as "County Convention"), as constituted and empowered by state law and the bylaws and rules of the Nebraska Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee is the body which directs and controls the County Party organization.

Section A. Organization

The organization and temporary rules of the County Convention and the appointment of all convention committees shall be determined by the County Chair with the approval of the Executive Committee, provided that the rules for the operation of the convention shall be the first order of business brought before the convention.

Section B. Quorum

Forty percent (40%) of the registered delegates shall constitute a quorum to convene the County Convention. The quorum, once established, shall stand for the remainder of the convention.

Section C. Agenda

The County Convention shall:

1. Enact rules of the convention.

2. Elect county convention officials.

3. Elect County Party officers.

4. Elect members of the Central Committee.

5. Elect delegates and alternates to the Nebraska Democratic State Convention from each legislative district.

6. Consider and act upon any proposed bylaw amendments.

7. Consider and act upon a proposed platform.

8. Consider such other business as may come before it.

Section D. Authority

1. The County Convention's authority shall be supreme in relationship to the power of the County Party officers, hereinafter provided for. After the adjournment of the County Convention, the direction and control of the County Party organization shall be vested in the Central Committee. In the absence of a convened quorum of the Central Committee, the Executive Committee shall have direction and control.

2. Executive Committee - The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the officers of the County Party. The County Coordinator shall serve on the Executive Committee as a non-voting member. The Executive Committee may act on behalf of the Central Committee on those matters requiring action but where convening a Central Committee meeting would be impractical. Such actions of the Executive Committee shall be presented for ratification by the Central Committee at the next Central Committee meeting.

Section E. Convention Committees

1. Standing Committees. The four standing committees of each County Convention shall be as follows:

a. Credentials

b. Nominations/Elections

c. Rules and Order of Business

d. Platform and Resolutions

2. Selection and Duties of Committees. Prior to convening of each County Convention, the Chair of each standing committee above named shall be selected by the County Chair.

a. Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee shall prepare and file the names and addresses, and shall determine the qualifications of all delegates duly accredited to the County Convention, in accordance with State Party requirements and the applicable sections of Nebraska Statute 32-709.

b. Nominations/Elections Committee. The Nominations/Elections Committee shall oversee all aspects of the elections including nominations, preparation and counting of ballots. It will also assume responsibility for elections to fill vacancies in County Party offices.

c. Rules and Order of Business Committee.  The Committee on Rules and Order of Business shall review and recommend changes to the Bylaws, prepare recommendations for rules and order of business to be adopted by the County Convention and shall file the same with the Secretary of the County Convention.

d. Platform and Resolutions Committee. The Platform and Resolutions Committee shall prepare a platform which shall be presented for adoption by the County Convention, together with any Resolutions which are to be considered.

Section F. Adjournment

The County Convention may be adjourned only by a majority vote of those present and voting.

ARTICLE II: LANCASTER COUNTY PARTY OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

Section A. Definitions

Officers. The officers of the County Party shall be a Chair, Associate Chair, Second Associate Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer.

Section B. Elections

Filing as a candidate for any office shall be completed by giving the Nominations/Elections Committee a signed statement of candidacy at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the County Convention is to convene. However, nomination of candidates may be received from the floor at the appropriate time and there shall be provisions for these late nominees on the ballot.

The County Officers shall each be elected by a majority vote of those present and voting at the County Convention. The order of election shall be Chair, Associate Chair, Second Associate Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer.

Section C: Terms of Office

The terms of the officers of the County Party shall begin with adjournment of the County Convention, and shall extend to the convention of the next biennial County Convention, unless resignation, removal or death shall come first.

Section D: Duties and Responsibilities

1. County Chair. The County Chair, in addition to any powers and responsibilities that may be elsewhere specified, shall:

a. Appoint such committees as he or she deems appropriate or as he or she may be directed to appoint by the County Convention or Central Committee.

b. Supervise the organizing and conducting of the County Convention and meetings of the Central Committee, including appointment of temporary presiding officials of the County Convention.

c. Preside at meetings of the Central and Executive Committees.

d. Direct day-to-day activities of the County Party organization; however, the Chair shall take no action contrary to any specific directive of the County Convention or Central Committee.

e. Represent the County Party under authority and direction of Central Committee.

f. Set the time and place of the Central Committee and Executive Committee meetings each month.

g. Assign duties to Executive Committee Officers as needed

h. Within 60 days of the conclusion of the County Convention, the Chair shall complete all appointments required by these Bylaws.

2. Associate Chair. The Associate Chair (who must be of the opposite gender of the Chair) shall

a. assume the powers and responsibilities of the County Chair if the office of County Chair falls vacant, and shall serve as a member of the Executive Committee. An election shall be held to fill the vacant position of Associate Chair only if the same gender would be filling both County Chair and Associate Chair positions, and this would be done according to the Bylaws of the County Party in place at the time the vacancy occurs. Then the Second Associate Chair shall retain said position.

b. Coordinate volunteers for campaign and county party activities.

c. Serve as representatives of Executive Committee at Standing Committee meetings, as assigned by the Chair

3. 2nd Associate Chair. The duty of the Second Associate Chair (any gender) will be to:

a. assume the duties of the Associate Chair if that office falls vacant. The Second Associate Chair can be of either gender.

b. Serve as campaign liaison.

c. Serve as representative of Executive Committee at Standing Committee meetings, as assigned by the Chair.

4. Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall:

a. keep the minutes of the Executive and Central Committee meetings and shall serve as a member of the Executive Committee.

b. Maintain a database including, but not limited to, the membership of the County Party, donors,  volunteers and the current Central Committee members.

5. Corresponding Secretary. The Corresponding Secretary shall:

a. handle correspondence with elected officials.

b. handle external correspondence on behalf of the Executive Committee and Central Committee Media releases and letters to the editor, and shall maintain records of such correspondence. The Corresponding Secretary shall serve as a member of the Executive Committee.

6. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive, keep and disperse the funds of the County Party, as directed by the Central Committee, shall serve on the Finance Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee.  The treasurer assumes the fiduciary responsibility of prudent handling of County party funds and must ensure that these monies are not commingled with other accounts.
 

All Democratic candidates running for office should expect evenhanded treatment from the County Party organization.  To ensure the perception of equity, all County Party officers shall maintain strict neutrality in Primary and General elections where two or more Democrats are vying for the same office.

County Party Officers must attend or be excused in advance at all regularly scheduled Central Committee meetings and Executive Committee meetings.

Section E. Removals and Replacements

If any officer of the County party fails to attend to the duties of office as defined in Section D, notice of impending dismissal will be given in writing to the person in question no less than 14 calendar days prior to the vote. That person's position may then be declared vacant by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Central Committee members present and voting.

In the event that an office of the County Party shall fall vacant, the Nominations/Elections Committee shall nominate and the Central Committee shall elect a replacement to serve the remainder of the term of office.

ARTICLE III. COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Section A. Definitions.

The Central Committee shall be composed of the elected County Party officers and the Central Committee members.

Section B. Authority.

When the County Convention is not in session, the Central Committee shall have direction and control of the County party organization and shall determine, set and formulate the policies of the County Party as set forth in the County Party Bylaws and Standing Rules and to deal with those issues which require action by the County party organization. The Central Committee may overrule an action of the County Chair or the Executive Committee by a majority vote.

The Central Committee shall have the authority to establish rules, procedures and policies to govern itself effectively and to carry out the duties of the County Party organization.  The Central Committee may amend the Bylaws in matters governing its own conduct.

The Central Committee shall encourage all Democrats to run for elective office. Except in those instances subject to Review Committee review, all successful Democratic candidates are deemed to be endorsed by the County Party.  The County Party believes that County Officers and Central Committee members should support the election of candidates who are registered Democrats.

Section C. Duties and Responsibilities of Individual Members of Central Committee

It is the duty and responsibility of a Central Committee member to conduct activity consistent with the purpose of the County Party organization. Central Committee members shall be elected by the County Convention or by a majority vote of the Central Committee. Candidates for the Central Committee shall sign a Statement of Candidacy.

Requirements to serve on the Central Committee are as follows:

1. Be a registered Democrat residing in Lancaster County

2. Abide by the Rules and Bylaws governing the Lancaster County Democratic Party.

3. Be current in the payment of County Party basic membership dues

4. Attend or be excused in advance at all regularly scheduled Central Committee meetings.

5. Participate actively in Central Committee functions (i.e. serve on a committee and/or attend events such as Patriots' Dinner, Forums, etc.)

6. Agree to publicly and personally endorse only Democratic candidates in a contested race for an elective office.

Section D. Quorum

Forty Percent (40%) of the members of the Central Committee shall constitute a quorum. Once reached, a quorum shall be in effect until adjournment. When a quorum shall not be present, the Central Committee members may continue to meet as an advisory committee to the Executive Committee.

Section E. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Central Committee may be called by the County Chair, or by a petition of three (3) members of the Central Committee. Members of the Central Committee must be notified no less than five days prior to such a meeting and be provided with an agenda.

Section F. Election and Terms of Office

Central Committee members shall be elected by a majority vote of the County Convention, when it is convened, and by a majority of Central Committee members present and voting, otherwise.  The terms of the Central Committee members shall begin with the adjournment of the County Convention or by election by the Central Committee. In the latter case, the candidate shall submit an application for membership and statement of candidacy at the first Central Committee meeting attended to be acted upon the next meeting attended. The term(s) shall extend to death, resignation, removal or until the next biennial County Convention, whichever shall come first, except that the County Chair and the County Recording Secretary shall continue to serve until the election of their respective convention counterparts.

Chairs of any committees, subcommittees, board or tribunals functioning under the auspices of the Central Committee shall serve at the discretion and pleasure of the County Chair.

Section G. Removals and Replacements.

A member of the Central Committee who fails in those duties, as defined in Article III, Section C, who fails to maintain annual dues, attend or be excused in advance at all regularly scheduled Central Committee meetings, may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting in a manner consistent with the requirements of Article III, Section C. Notice of impending dismissal must be given to the person in question no less than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the vote.

Prior to adjourning each regularly scheduled Central Committee, the Secretary shall identify those inactive Central Committee members whose removal from the Central Committee for non-compliance with these Bylaws or Rules of the County Party (attendance, etc.) will be voted upon at the subsequent Central Committee meeting.

ARTICLE IV. STANDING COMMITTEES

Committee chairs shall serve as nonvoting members of the Executive Committee and shall attend all Executive Committee meetings.

Section A. Audit Committee

The Audit Committee shall consist of three members appointed by the Executive Committee to examine the books no less than once a year and whenever there is a transfer of records.  The committee shall report their findings annually at the regularly scheduled Central Committee meeting in February, and at the first Central Committee meeting subsequent to completion of an audit following a transfer of records.  Finance Committee members are ineligible to serve on the Audit Committee.

Section B. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall have the principal responsibility of maintaining the financial soundness of the County Party organization. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Treasurer and no less than two other persons approved by the Central Committee.

Section C. Public Relations Committee

The Public Relations Committee shall publish the Lancaster County Democrat, produce the cable television show, coordinate booths at community events and maintain a website on behalf of the County Party organization. It shall consist of a Chair, who shall appoint other members as needed to handle the finances, reporting and advertising. A separate budget shall be maintained for the Lancaster County Democrat.

Section D. Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is responsible for maintaining and developing membership for the County Party organization.

Section E. Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee is responsible for generating revenue other than dues, for the County Party organization.

Section F. Review Committee

The Central Committee shall encourage all Democrats to run for elective office. However, the endorsement and support of the County Party shall be earned through an interview process.

The County Party believes that County Officers and Central Committee members should support the election of candidates who are registered Democrats. The Review Committee shall therefore also have the authority to censure County Officers and Central Committee members who publicly endorse candidates who are not registered Democrats and running against a candidate who is a registered Democrat.

The Review Committee shall recommend action with respect to candidates for public office, party officers and Central Committee members with Review Committee procedures as set out in these Bylaws. The Review Committee shall be appointed bienially by the County Chair and approved by the Central Committee. This committee shall be composed of the County Chair, Associate Chair, and five additional members, at least one of whom is a minority (Democratic National Committee definition of minority applies), and at least one who is not a member of the Central Committee. The Review Committee shall be gender balanced within one.

The purpose of the Review Committee is twofold:

1) Review those rare circumstances where the County Party may be required to disavow a candidate running as a Democrat in a primary election or in a non-partisan race in the general election; and

2) provide a mechanism to discipline County Party Officers and Central Committee members whose actions undermine the election of Democrats.

The Review Committee may be convened at the request of any Central Committee member.

Any member under review shall not sit on the Review Committee.

Guidelines for the operation of the Review Committee are explained in Appendix A of these bylaws.

AD HOC COMMITTEES.

Committees such as Forum, Issues, etc. may be established for a specific purpose and a defined period of time by appointment of the County Chair.

ARTICLE V. OFFICIAL ACTS

Business transacted at the County Convention in accordance with the official rules then in force shall be the official acts of the Lancaster County Democratic Party. Beyond the acts of the County Convention, only the Central Committee of the County Party shall have the authority to determine official acts and positions of the County Party. At no time shall any other individual or body, no matter how constituted, be authorized to represent, or to hold itself to represent, or as representing the Lancaster County Democratic Party.

ARTICLE VI. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.

All questions of parliamentary procedure shall be determined in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, except as may be provided by these Bylaws, or by resolution of the Central Committee or County Convention.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS.

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates present and voting at the County Convention, with a quorum established, or by the Central Committee on matters pertaining to its own governance, as provided by these Bylaws. Proposed amendments shall follow the election of Convention officers and officials, and the adoption of Convention rules. Once approved, the adoption of amendments shall be effective immediately.

ARTICLE VIII. DISSOLUTION.

The County Party may be dissolved according to the laws of the State of Nebraska and the Nebraska Democratic Party. In the event of dissolution, an audit shall take place, after which all remaining moneys shall revert to the Nebraska Democratic Party. Adopted 6 June 2006

Standing Rules

1. Parliamentary Procedure.

Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall be the parliamentary authority except where superseded by the County Bylaws or by these Standing Rules.

2. Procedure.

When addressing the Convention Chair, delegates shall go to the microphone and give their name and Legislative District.

3. Nominations.

Before a name can be placed in nomination, it is necessary to have the prior consent of the nominee.

4. Voting.

All voting shall be by voice vote, division of the house, roll call or written ballot. To be entitled to vote, a delegate must be duly elected as specified in the laws of the State of Nebraska or seated by a majority vote of the legally elected delegates present and voting at the County Convention.

5. Quorum.

Once a quorum is established, in accordance with Article I, Section B of the Bylaws, all voting requirements shall be based upon the number of delegates present and voting at the time of the vote, not the quorum. (e.g. If a motion requires a majority for passage and only 100 delegates cast a vote, then a majority is defined as 51 "aye" votes.)

6. Debate.

Only delegates may participate in debating a question. Debate shall be limited to two minutes for each speaker and sixteen minutes for each question (this includes any amendments). No delegate shall speak more than once on the same question unless the Convention grants permission by unanimous consent. The maker of the motion shall be given the opportunity to be the first speaker and those two minutes of speaking time are not included in the sixteen minute limit.

7. Resolutions/Amendments.

Any resolution or amendment shall be written, signed and presented immediately to the Convention Secretary before any debate or action can be considered.

8. Announcements.

Any announcements to be made at the convention shall be in writing, signed by the person under whose authority the announcement is issued, and shall be presented to the desk of the Convention Secretary for the Convention Chair to read into the record.

9. Suspension of the Rules.

These Standing Rules may be suspended, amended, or superseded by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates.

APPENDIX A

Review Committee

The Review Committee shall (therefore also) have the authority to censure County Officers and Central Committee members who publicly endorse candidates who are not registered Democrats and are running against a candidate who is registered Democrat.

The Review Committee shall recommend action with respect to candidates for public office, party officers and Central Committee members with Review Committee procedures as set out in these Bylaws.

Responsibilities

1. Interview in a public forum problematic candidates for elective offices who are to be voted on in Lancaster County, in both partisan and non-partisan primary elections and non-partisan general elections.

2.  When appropriate, recommend to the Central Committee endorsement or disavowal of candidates as a result of the interviewing process.

3.  Endorsement by the County Party shall mean inclusion in all public and in-house media that lists candidates who are registered Democrats running for office, as well as access to all available services.

4.  The Review Committee, if requested, shall meet:

a. Within ten days after the filing deadline to interview candidates for primary elections.

b. Within ten days after the primary election to interview candidates for non-partisan general elections.

c. At such times deemed necessary by a majority of the members of the Review Committee or at the direction of the Central Committee.

5. The Review Committee shall determine its system of interviewing for each election cycle. As a means of gathering information for candidate interviews, the Review Committee shall use some or all of, but not limited to, the following:

a. written questionnaires;

b. personal interviews;

c. voter history;

d. other research.

Responsibilities of party leaders who publicly endorse candidates other than registered democrats:

1.  Recommend disciplinary action ranging from letter of reprimand to removal from office for those county party officers and members of the Central Committee who publicly endorse candidates other than registered Democrats for any elected office in any election who is running against a candidate who is a registered Democrat.

2.  Public endorsement is defined as any campaign activity which uses an official's name or image in public announcements, invitations, or the media, or any other activity such as yard signs or leafleting which could generally be interpreted as personal public support. This censure could include any or all of the following:

a. Internal private reprimand and/or appropriate retraction by county party official.

b. Removal from County Party office.

c. Removal from the Central Committee.

d. Public reprimand.

e. Removal from the County Party mailing list.

Action

All recommendations made by the Review Committee shall be presented at a Central Committee meeting for consideration. Approval of any recommendations shall require two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members present and voting, but at no time to be less than a 2/3 vote of a quorum as defined by the County Party Rules.

All party officials, public officials and candidates shall be provided with a copy of these policies, if requested.

Appendix B

 

1. Central Committee Statement of Candidacy.

Each candidate for the position of Central Committee Member shall sign the Statement of Candidacy as follows prior to standing for election:

"I, __________________, have read the duties and responsibilities of this position and I wish to serve as a member of the Central Committee for the Lancaster County Democrats, and hereby agree to fulfill the requirement of Central Committee membership.

Those requirements are:

1. Abide by the Rules and Bylaws governing the Lancaster County Democratic Party.

2. Maintain at least basic membership dues each year.

3. Attend or be excused in advance at all regularly scheduled Central Committee meetings.

4. Participate actively in Central Committee functions (i.e. serve on a committee and/or attend events such as Patriot's Dinner, Forums, etc.)

5. Agree to publicly and personally endorse only Democratic candidates in a contested race for an elective office."