|
Macon County Democratic Party By-Laws
Article I.
NAME AND OBJECT
SECTION 1: The name of this organization shall be the Macon County Democratic
Party.
SECTION 2: The object of this organization shall be to promote the ideals and
principles of the Democratic Party, aid in the election of Democrats and
Democratic nominees for public office, and improve the quality of life for Macon
County residents.
Article II.
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: Eligibility. All residents of Macon County, Tennessee who are
registered
to vote in this county and who believe in the ideals and principles of the
Democratic Party are eligible to become members of the Macon County Democratic
Party.
SECTION 2: Nondiscrimination. Membership in the Macon County Democratic Party
shall not be denied because of race, color, gender, religion, age, and
disability or ethnic origin.
ARTICLE III.
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION 1: Governance. The governance and direction of the affairs of the Macon
County Democratic Party shall be vested in the Macon County Democratic Party and
its officers as hereinafter set forth in these bylaws, subject to the laws of
the state of Tennessee and such rules as may be established by the Tennessee
State Democratic Executive Committee.
SECTION 2: Party Responsibilities. The Macon County Democratic Party shall have
the following responsibilities:
(a) Planning and conducting all county meetings and conventions.
(b) Keeping and maintaining records of all Democratic Party meetings and
business.
(c) Supporting the duly selected nominees of the Democratic Party
(d) Organizing and conducting fundraising activities to support and
aid in the election of Democratic nominees for public office and
improve the quality of life in Macon County.
(e) Submitting a list of eligible willing workers for the elections to the
Macon County election Commission prior to each election.
ARTICLE IV.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the
officers and two members elected from the membership to serve as Executive
Committee members-at-large. The officers shall be a Chair, Vice-Chair,
Secretary, Treasurer and two members elected at-large. Executive Committee
members shall serve terms of two years or until a successor is elected. The
Executive Committee shall be representative of the districts of Macon County
inasmuch as is feasible.
SECTION 2: Manner of Election. The Executive Committee members shall be elected
at a Macon County Democratic Party at a regular meeting in March of odd-numbered
years. Eligibility to vote in the election of executive committee members is
determined by the execution of an affadavit or affirmation to the effect that
they are bona fide Democrats.
SECTION 3: Resignations. The resignation of any member of the Executive
Committee
shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time specified therein, or
if no time is specified, then it shall take effect upon receipt of such
resignation by the Chair or Secretary.
SECTION 4: Vacancies. A vacancy shall be filled by nomination from the
membership.
Any vacancy occurring in the Executive Committee may be filled by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at any regular meeting.
SECTION 5: Manner of Acting. The act of a majority of the Executive Committee
members present shall be the act of the Executive Committee, unless a greater
number be required by law or by these bylaws.
SECTION 6: CONDUCT.
(a) Notice and Opportunity To Be Heard. The Executive Committee
may vote to impose sanctions on, or expel a members (of the Executive
Committee), but only if written notice is given that the issue will be taken up
at the meeting prior to the meeting on which such action is voted. The member in
question (of the Executive Committee) must be given written notice, and an
opportunity to be heard.
(b) Automatic Expulsion. A member of the Executive Committee
shall automatically forfeit his/her membership on the Executive Committee (and
the position shall be declared vacant) for the following reasons:
(i) In the event he/she qualifies for political office as an
Independent or representing any political party other than Democratic Party and
opposes a duly qualified Democratic nominee.
(ii) If he/she has 4 unexcused absences during a term. An
absence is excused if notice is given to the Chair or Secretary prior to the
start of the meeting and the reason for the absence is one of the following:
(1) illness;
(2) family illness or death;
(3) business; or
(4) out of town.
ARTICLE V.
MEETINGS
SECTION 1: General. All meetings of the Macon County Democratic
Party or of the Executive Committee shall be well publicized in countywide media
at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. All meetings shall be
held at convenient times and locations, and shall be open to the general public
and media representatives (except where legal counsel otherwise indicated based
upon a legal need for a closed meeting.
SECTION 2: Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Macon
County Democratic Party shall be held monthly, or when called by the Chair or by
one-third (1/3) of the Executive Committee members.
SECTION 3: Special Meetings. If more than sixty (60) days
have passed since the last previous meeting, and if the Chairperson has not
called a meeting, any six (6) members may call a meeting by notifying all
members at least seven (7) days prior to such a meeting. If fewer than sixty
(60) days have passed since the last previous meeting, six (6) members may call
a special meeting provided seven (7) days prior notice is given by mail to the
membership. Any notification of a meeting must include time and location.
SECTION 4: Quorum. Members present at any meeting of the Macon
County Democratic Party constitute a quorum and may transact business. Fifty-one
percent (51%) of the Executive Committee must be present in order for the
Executive Committee to conduct business.
SECTION 5: Convention Meeting. A regular meeting of the
Executive Committee of the Macon County Democratic Party shall be held without
other notice than this bylaw immediately after, and at the same place as, the
convention for the purpose of preparing and reporting actions of the Convention
for the Tennessee Democratic Party and the report of the newly elected officers
for the Macon County Democratic Party.
ARTICLE VI.
CONDUCT OF CONVENTION
SECTION 1: Convention. The provisions for the holding of the county convention
shall
be as follows:
(a) The convention shall be well publicized in the local news media. At
least fourteen (14) days’ prior notice must be given.
(b) All members of the Macon County Democratic Party who are
registered voters, and who attest they are bona fide Democrats by execution of
affidavits or written affirmations to that effect, are eligible to vote at the
convention for representatives of the Macon County Democratic Party to attend
and participate in district meetings.
(c) The Chairperson, prior to voting, shall appoint an adequate number of
Sergeants-at-arms to assure that only bona-fide Democrats are present for the
voting process. The Secretary or duly appointed representative shall verify the
affirmations of all attendees.
(d) The convention shall be called to order by the incumbent Chair of the
Macon County Democratic Party who shall immediately call, as the first order of
business, for the election of the Convention Chair. The Convention Chair then
conducts an election of representatives to District Democratic meetings. The
convention shall then adjourn as its business has been completed.
ARTICLE VII
CAUCUS
SECTION 1: Caucus. The provision for holding the Macon County Democratic Caucus
in lieu of a Democratic Primary for local elections shall be in accordance
with the provisions of conduct of a caucus set forth by the Tennessee
Democratic Party. The result of the caucus election must be reported in
writing to the Macon County Election Commission by a date as required
by law.
SECTION 2: Voters. Prior to voting, members must be registered voters and attest
they
are bona fide Democrats by execution of affidavits or affirmations that
effect..
SECTION 3: Candidates: Candidates must be registered voters and attest they are bonafide Democarats by execution of affidavits or affirmation to that
effect. Candidates should make their desire known at the last meeting of
the Macon County Democratic Party prior to the Democratic Caucus.
ARTICLE VIII.
PROXIES
SECTION 1: No Proxies Allowed. No proxy shall be allowed at any
meeting of the Macon County Democratic Party or the Executive Committee of the
Macon County Democratic Party.
SECTION 2: Unit Rule. No voting by the unit rule shall be
allowed at any meeting of the Macon County Democratic Party or the Executive
Committee of the Macon County Democratic Party.
SECTION 3: Open Voting. All votes shall be public and shall not
be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE IX
OFFICERS
SECTION 1: Officers. The officers of the Macon County Democratic Party shall be
a
chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer and two executive committee
members all of whom shall be elected at the March meeting in odd years
for a two year term or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
SECTION 2: Election of Officers. The officers shall be elected by a simple
majority of
the members of the Macon County Democratic Party present at the
special March meeting in odd-numbered years. In the event
a majority is not achieved, a runoff election shall be held until a majority
prevails with the low vote getter being dropped. A complete list of the
Executive Committee members shall be forwarded to the Chair of the
Tennessee Democratic Party within ten (10) days after their election.
SECTION 3: Vacancies. Vacancies in any office for any reason may
be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the members present at a meeting
SECTION 4: Chair. The chair shall preside over the convention
until the convention chair is elected, and over meetings of the Executive
Committee and meetings of the Macon County Democratic Party. He/she shall
perform all duties incident to the office of chair and such other duties as may
be prescribed by the Executive Committee members from time to time.
SECTION 5: Vice Chair. In the absence of the chair or in the event of his/her
death
Or inability or refusal to act, the vice chair shall perform the duties of the
chair, and, in so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all
restrictions on, the chair. He/she shall perform all duties incident to the
office of vice-chair and such other duties as may be assigned to him/her
by the chair or by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 6: Secretary: The secretary shall:
(a) keep the minutes of the Macon County Democratic Party meetings and
Executive Committee meetings;
(b) keep the minutes of any conventions which may be held;
(c) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of law
and these bylaws
(d) be custodian of the records of the Executive Committee and the Macon County
Democratic party
(e) keep attendance records of all meetings of the Macon County Democratic
Party, Executive Committee and convention and make them available for inspection
by any member.
(f) Keep membership records and have general charge of membership books of the
Executive Committee; and the Macon County Democratic Party and conventions.
(g) In general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/er by the chair or by
the Executive Committee, or which may be required by law.
SECTION 7: Treasurer. The treasurer shall (a) have charge and
custody of, and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Macon County
Democratic Party from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the
name of the Macon County Democratic Party in such bank or other depositories as
shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws, (b) keep
and maintain, open to inspection by any member at all reasonable times, adequate
or correct accounts of the funds and transactions of the Macon County Democratic
Party which shall include all matters required by law; (c) disburse the funds as
he/she may be ordered by the Macon County Democratic Party and or Executive
Committee; (d) render to the Executive or any of its members, whenever it may
require or request it, an account of all his/her transactions as treasurer, and
a financial statement in form satisfactory to it, showing the condition of the
Macon County Democratic Party. (e) in general perform all of the duties incident
to the office of treasurer and such other duties as, from time to time, may be
assigned to him/her by the chair or Executive Committee, and (f) if required by
the Executive Committee, give a bond, to be paid for by the Macon County
Democratic Party, for the faithful discharge of his/her duties, in such sum and
with such corporate surety or sureties as the Executive Committee shall
determine.
SECTION 8: Executive Committee Members at Large. Members at
Large attend all meetings of the Executive Committee and assist the officers in
carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Macon County Democratic
Party. At the chairperson’s request they shall be actively involved in the
publicity and fund raising efforts for the party.
SECTION 9: Neutrality, No member of the Executive Committee
shall openly support a candidate in the County Democratic Caucus or any
Democratic Primary so that the executive committee presents neutrality to
maintain party unity.
SECTION 10: Members Must Support Nominees of the Democratic
Party: No person shall be a member of the Executive Committee if he/she shall
not support nominees of the Democratic Party. Failure to support the nominees of
the Democratic Party shall be cause for removal. Officers may be removed under
this Section by a membership simple majority vote of those present at any
regular meeting or any meeting called for that purpose after at least the (10)
days prior notice to all members of the Macon County Democratic Party.
SECTION 11 Resignations. The resignation of any member of the
Executive Committee shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time
specified therein, or if no time is specified, then it shall take effect upon
receipt of such resignation by the chair or secretary.
ARTICLE X
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1: Committees. Appointed by the Chair. The chair may
establish Committees it deems appropriate.
SECTION 2: Term of Office. Each member of a committee shall
serve at the pleasure of the person or entity creating the committee, but no
longer than until the next convention or until the committee is terminated.
SECTION 3. Removal of any Member of the Committee. Any member of
any committee may be removed by the person or persons authorized to appoint such
member whenever, in their judgment, the best interest of the Party shall be
served by their removal.
ARTICLE XI
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AT MEETINGS
The regular order of business at Macon County Democratic Party meetings shall be
as follows:
(i) Call to order
(ii) Invocation ( optional)
(iii) Pledge of Allegiance
(iv) Roll Call
(v) Reading and approval of the minutes of previous meeting
(vi) Treasurer’s report
(vii) Reports of committees
(viii) Resolutions
(ix) Unfinished business
(x) New business
(xi) Elections ( if necessary)
(xii) Adjournment
ARTICLE XII
RESOLUTIONS
All proposed resolutions must be submitted to the chair at least one (1) week
prior to a meeting. Emergency resolutions may be brought before the body by
consent of a two thirds (2/3) majority of those present.
ARTICLE XIII
CONTRACTS AND EXPENDITURES
SECTION 1: Contracts: Expenditures; Bill Retention. The Macon
County Democratic Party shall operate under an approved budget. Except in the
case of an emergency for items not designated in the budget, no expenditures or
bids shall be made or contracts entered into which purport to obligate the Macon
County Democratic Party unless such expenditures or contracts are authorized by
majority vote of those present at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is
present, except those expenditures for less that fifty Dollars ($50.00),
obligating the Macon County Democratic Party may be authorized by the chair of
the Executive Committee. The treasurer shall present a monthly itemized
statement of income and expenditures to Executive Committee members. All paid
bills shall be retained by the treasurer for a period of two (2) years.
SECTION 2: Audits. Auditors may be designated by the Executive
Committee, who shall audit and examine the books of account of the Macon County
Democratic Party and shall certify to the Macon County Democratic Party the
annual balances of the books which shall be prepared at the close of the fiscal
year by, or under the direction of the treasurer.
ARTICLE XIV
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
The current edition of Robert Rules of Order, newly Revised shall govern
meetings of the Macon County Democratic Party in all cases to which they are
applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws and any
special rules of order that may be adopted.
ARTICLE XV
AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by majority vote of the membership of the Macon
County Democratic Party at a special meeting called by the Chairperson of the
Macon County Democratic Party or by written substitution and two thirds (2/3)
vote of the members present and voting.
ARTICLE XVI
RULES
The Macon County Democratic Party is a constituent party of the Tennessee
Democratic Party. The Macon County Democratic Party is an organization created
by the State Democratic Executive Committee with the State Democratic Executive
Committee having full authority for all matters over the Macon County Democratic
Party. Any conflict between the county bylaws and the bylaws of the Tennessee
Democratic Party the bylaws of the Tennessee Democratic Party prevail.
These Bylaws become effective on the date of their approval by the Macon County
Democratic Party.
Approved:___2-1-2007 __________________ ___2/28/07_____________________
Date Bylaws Approved Date Filed with Tennessee
Macon County Democratic Party Democratic Party
__George A. McCrary_____________
Chair, Macon County Democratic Party
|
