CURRENT Bylaws












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

 

OF

 

THE MALIBU DEMOCRATIC CLUB

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

ARTICLE 1 - POLICY AND GOALS

Section 1.     General Policy Goals

Section 2.     Consistent with Actions of CADEM & LACDP

Section 3.     Chartered by LACDP

Section 4.     Maintaining Communications with Elected Officials

 

ARTICLE 2 - GOVERNANCE

 

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.     Membership

Section 2.     Membership Requirements

Section 3.     Copy of Bylaws

Section 4.     No Residency Requirement for Membership

Section 5.     Non-Discrimination

Section 6.     Membership Rules

 

ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP DUES

Section 1.     Setting the Dues

Section 2.     New Member Dues and Voting Rights

Section 3.     Membership Renewal and Voting Rights

Section 4.     Failure to Pay Dues

 

ARTICLE 5 - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Section 1.     Place and Time

Section 2.     General Membership Meetings.

Section 3.     Special Membership Meetings

Section 4.     Notice of Membership Meetings

Section 5.     Quorum

Section 6.       Majority of Quorum Needed to Pass Motions

Section 7.     Proxy Voting at Membership Meetings

Section 8.      Membership Meetings in Emergency Circumstances

 

ARTICLE 6 - EVENTS

Section 1.     Hosting and Sponsorship of Events.

Section 2.     Expedited Action on Hosting or Sponsoring an Event

 

ARTICLE 7 - OFFICERS

Section 1:     The Officers

Section 2.     Holding More Than One Officer Position

Section 3.     Officer Continuity / Filling Vacancies

Section 4.     The Executive Committee

Section 5.      The President

Section 6.     The Vice Presidents

Section 7.     The Secretary

Section 8.     The Treasurer

Section 9.     The Immediate Past President

Section 10.   Urgent Presidential Decision or Action.

Section 11.   Removal of Officers

 

ARTICLE 8 - THE BOARD

Section 1.     Board Composition

Section 2.     Emeritus Board Members

Section 3.     Board Continuity / Filling Vacancies

Section 4.     Parliamentarian

Section 5.     Legal Counsel

Section 6.     Board Responsibilities and Powers

Section 7.     Board Quorum

Section 8.     Board Meetings

Section 9.     Special Board Meetings

Section 10.   Expedited Board Action & Decisions

Section 11.   Board Compensation & Reimbursement

Section 12.   Removal from the Board

 

ARTICLE 9 - EMERGENCY POWERS

 

ARTICLE 10 - AD HOC COMMITTEES

Section 1.     Formation & Composition of Committees

Section 2.     The Membership Committee

Section 3.     The Finance and Audit Committee

 

ARTICLE 11 - BOARD & OFFICER NOMINATIONS

Section 1.     The Nominating Committee

Section 2.     Nomination Procedure

 

ARTICLE 12 - ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

Section 1.     Election of Board and Officers

Section 2.     Voting Procedures. 

 

ARTICLE 13 - ENDORSEMENTS

Section 1.     Compliance with Bylaws of the California Democratic Party

Section 2.     Endorsements of Candidates Running for Elected Government Office

Section 3.     Delegates to the Democratic Party

Section 4.     Endorsement of Ballot and Other Initiatives

Section 5.     General Procedures & Guidelines for Endorsements

Section 6.     Personal Endorsements

 

 

 

ARTICLE 14 - NOTICE & COMMUNICATIONS

 

ARTICLE 15 - CLUB RECORDS AND REPORTS

Section 1.     Club Book and Records

Section 2.     Inspection of Books and Records

 

ARTICLE 16 – AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE 17 - PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF

THE MALIBU DEMOCRATIC CLUB

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of the Malibu Democratic Club is:

 

·     To inform, educate, encourage and inspire Malibu area residents to take an active interest in politics and government;

·     To be of service to Malibu Democrats, and the Malibu community;

·     To support and empower our Malibu Democrats, Democratic candidates and Democratic elected officials;    

·     To support and assist in the election of Democratic candidates to elected office;

·     To encourage voter registration and the fullest possible participation of all Democratic voters.

·     To provide a forum for the study and discussion of public issues.

·     To bring Malibu closer to the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party closer to Malibu, and give Malibu a greater voice within the Democratic Party at the local, state and national levels;

·     To foster the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party, including truth, integrity, transparency and quality in government, and the vitality and strength of our democratic system of government;

·     To welcome and respect all Democrats in the Club;

·     To foster a culture of mutual respect as well as lively debate on issues facing Malibu, California, the country, and the Democratic Party;

·     To encourage the highest degree of equality, justice, governmental transparency, and a healthy environment.

·     Based on this Mission Statement, we hereby establish ourselves as the Malibu Democratic Club (“the Club”).  

 

ARTICLE 1

POLICY AND GOALS

 

Section 1. General Policy Goals

 

It shall be the policy of the Club in all its endeavors to contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party, to develop leadership, to increase Party responsibility, and to promote and maintain harmony within Club ranks and within the Democratic Party.

 

Section 2. Consistent with Actions of CADEM & LACDP

 

The Club shall seek, in all its operations, to be consistent with the actions of the Democratic Party, including being faithful to the Bylaws of the California Democratic Party (CADEM) and the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP).

 

Section 3.  Chartered by LACDP

 

The Club shall be chartered by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

 

Section 4.  Maintaining Communications with Elected Officials

 

The Club shall maintain communications with the elected representatives of our area of Los Angeles County and adjoining areas for the purpose of expressing our Democratic views and goals to them and to disseminate information from those representatives to our members.

 

ARTICLE 2

GOVERNANCE

 

The Club shall be governed by its Members, Officers and Board, as provided in this Constitution and these ByLaws.

 

ARTICLE 3

MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.     Membership

 

All registered Democrats, and US citizens or permanent residents who pledge to register as Democrats when allowed by age or citizenship requirements or the elimination of any other legal impediment, shall be eligible for Club membership.  Upon completion of membership requirements, a member shall have membership voting rights in accordance with Article 4 of these bylaws, and shall be eligible to serve on the Board or hold other Club Offices.

 

 

 

Section 2.     Membership Requirements

 

An eligible person becomes a member in good standing by completing the Club membership form, paying the annual dues, and subscribing to the policies and goals of the Club. 

 

Section 3.     Copy of Bylaws

 

Members shall be provided a copy of the Club Constitution and Bylaws upon request. The copy can be provided electronically or online.

 

Section 4.     No Residency Requirement for Membership

 

There is no requirement that a Club member live in Malibu to be a member of the Club.

 

Section 5.     Non-Discrimination

 

The Club supports non-discrimination in membership, including age, race, color, ethnicity, marital status, gender or gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, creed, military or veteran status, physical or mental ability, medical condition, pregnancy, economic status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

 

Section 6.     Membership Rules

 

Membership rules shall be brought up-to-date for approval by the membership when ordered by the Board. 

 

ARTICLE 4

MEMBERSHIP DUES

 

Section 1.     Setting the Dues

 

The amount of dues payable, the due dates and acceptable means of payment shall be set by the Board, with the goal of keeping membership dues as low as possible to encourage the broadest possible membership.  Dues shall be paid for the calendar year (January 1st to December 31st) unless otherwise determined by the Board.  Changes in annual Club dues shall be reported to the membership 30 days before they take effect.  The Board has the authority to waive or reduce the dues/fees due to the economic hardship of a member.  Club dues must be paid from a member’s personal funds.

 

Section 2.     New Member Dues and Voting Rights

 

Membership dues for new members may be paid at any time, but in order to vote for any candidate, endorsement, proposition or initiative or any other matter put before the voters, dues must be paid by new members at least 30 days prior to the vote and out of their personal funds.  Dues collected in the last three (3) months of the fiscal year shall constitute payment for the following fiscal year.

 

Section 3.     Membership Renewal and Voting Rights

 

Members in good standing through the immediate preceding calendar year may renew their membership at any meeting requiring voting, and may vote at that meeting.

 

Section 4.     Failure to Pay Dues

 

The membership of a person will become inactive if he or she fails to pay annual dues.

 

ARTICLE 5

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

 

Section 1.     Place and Time

 

All meetings of the membership and events provided for in this Article, shall be held at the place and time designated by the Board.   The Board shall endeavor to have at least two (2) meetings or events (including fundraisers) per year that are open to all Democrats.

 

Section 2.     General Membership Meetings

 

A General Membership Meeting is a meeting where the members are convened to conduct the Club business, such as elections of Board members and other matters where the Bylaws require reporting to, or a vote of, the membership.  General Membership Meetings can be called at any time by the Board. A General Membership Meeting shall be held, at a minimum, every 2 years to elect the Board and Officers. 

 

Section 3.     Special Membership Meetings

 

Special meetings of the Club membership for any purpose whatsoever may be called at any time by the President, the Board, or upon the written notice of at least 4 members of the Board.

 

Section 4.     Notice of Membership Meetings

 

Notice of membership meetings shall be sent to the members at least fourteen (14) days in advance when possible, and in any event, no less than seven (7) days in advance of membership meetings.  Notice shall be provided in accordance with Article 14 of these Bylaws, on Notice and Communication. A tentative agenda should be sent to all MDC members with the notice of the meeting. 

Section 5.     Quorum

 

A quorum for a Club membership meeting shall consist of twenty (20%) percent of the total voting members, who shall be members in good standing. 

 

Section 6.     Majority of Quorum Needed to Pass Motions

 

After establishing that a quorum is present, a majority of the qualified members present at a membership meeting shall be necessary for passage of motions and/or resolutions, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, such as Art. 13 on Endorsements and Art. 16:5 on Amendments to the Bylaws.

 

Section 7.     Proxy Voting at Membership Meetings

 

Proxy ballots, or voting by proxy, is not allowed at Club membership meetings, except in the case of members with a proven illness or disability that prevents mobility.

 

Section 8.     Membership Meetings in Emergency Circumstances

 

Pursuant to Article 9 of these Bylaws, in the event of a natural or manmade disaster, or other community or national emergencies, the President, the Officers or a majority of the Board shall have the power, as needed, to convene membership meetings and hold elections, electronically or via any means and medium that is workable, and which is designed to provide members reasonable notice and opportunity to participate and/or vote under the emergency circumstances.

 

ARTICLE 6

EVENTS

 

Section 1.     Hosting and Sponsorship of Events

 

The Board may, from time to time, hold or authorize events for the benefit of the Club membership or the Malibu Community at large.  The Club can sponsor, co-sponsor, host, or co-host events that are consistent with the bylaws, policies, guidelines, and ideals of the Club and the Democratic Party.  In deciding whether to host or co-host an event, the Board should consider the purpose of the event, other sponsors or co-hosts, and how such sponsorship or hosting will be viewed by the membership and the community at large, including whether such action will be viewed as de facto endorsing a candidate or initiative.

 

Section 2.     Expedited Action on Hosting or Sponsoring an Event

 

The decision to sponsor, co-sponsor, host, or co-host an event, will generally be made by the Board.  However, if a decision or action is needed before the Board can be convened electronically or otherwise, the President can make a decision on sponsoring or hosting an event, after which the President shall promptly notify the Board.  In making such a decision, the President shall consider the factors listed in section 1 of this Article, as well as any relevant previous decisions the Board.  The President shall endeavor to consult with one or more of the Club’s Officers, to the extent possible, before making the decision.

 

ARTICLE 7

OFFICERS

 

Section 1.     The Officers

 

The Officers shall be:

 

A.    President,

 

B.    Vice-Presidents (a maximum of four, one to be designated as First Vice-President),

 

C.   Secretary,

 

D.   Treasurer (and if necessary, an Assistant Treasurer), and

 

E.    Immediate Past President.

 

The Officers are also members of the Board.

 

Section 2.     Holding More Than One Officer Position

 

An Officer can hold more than one office at the same time.  However, under no circumstances, can the President and Treasurer be the same person.

 

Section 3.     Officer Continuity / Filling Vacancies

 

If one of the Officer positions remains open after an Election, or if one of the elected Officers steps down or passes away, the Board can fill the vacancy until the next election at a General Membership Meeting.  A new Officer can be nominated at one Board meeting, and voted on at the next Board meeting.  If needed, the Board can appoint someone immediately to serve in an acting capacity until the Board elects the new Officer.

 

Section 4.     The Executive Committee

 

The Officers together shall comprise the Executive Committee with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the Club and shall meet at the call of the President or the President's designee. 

 

Section 5.     The President

 

The President shall preside over meetings, and shall be a voting member of any Club Committee.  The President, with the help of the Officers, the Board and any Committees, is responsible for setting the overall direction of the Club, implementing Club policies and programs, and ensuring that the Club fulfills its responsibilities.

 

Section 6.     The Vice Presidents

 

The Vice-Presidents shall be responsible for assisting the President and take a leadership role in selected Board Committees.   The First Vice President will preside over meetings when the President is absent.  If the President is unable to serve, the Vice President as chosen by the Board will serve as President.

 

Section 7.     The Secretary

 

The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes of all Membership and Board meetings, and distributing said minutes of the Board in a timely manner. The Secretary shall also execute, when directed by the President, the correspondence of the Club.  The Secretary shall have primary responsibility for keeping the official records of the Club, in accordance with Article 15 of these Bylaws.

 

Section 8.     The Treasurer

 

The Treasurer, and the Assistant Treasurer if so designated, shall receive and disburse funds, including the payment of Club obligations, under the direction of the President and the Board.  Expenditures above the amount of $250 must be authorized by two Officers. All disbursements must be authorized and all supporting invoices or receipts kept. It is the duty of the Treasurer to comply with all the local, state and federal reporting laws.  The Treasurer shall provide the Board, at a minimum, quarterly and annual Financial Statements, which show the Club’s Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, Income & Disbursements, Contributions Received and Memberships. At General Membership Business Meetings, the Treasurer will present a current Financial Report on the Club to the members.  The Treasurer will keep the financial records of the Club, and provide copies to the Secretary, in accordance with Article 15 of these Bylaws. The Treasurer shall be a member of any Ad Hoc Fundraising Committees formed by the Board. 

 

Section 9.     The Immediate Past President

 

The Immediate Past President shall advise the President on matters important to the Club and participate in Board meetings and the annual membership meeting. 

 

Section 10.   Urgent Presidential Decision or Action

 

When a Club decision or action is needed faster than an expedited Board decision can be taken pursuant Article 8:10, on Expedited Board Action, the President can take action on behalf of the Board.  In such situations, the President shall make his or her best effort to consult with at least one of the Officers before taking a decision.  The President will endeavor to make a decision that is consistent with Club Bylaws and policies, as well as any previous relevant Board decisions.  The President shall inform the Board of the decision immediately if possible, but in any event, as soon afterwards as possible. The decision and/or action shall also be reported and recorded in the minutes of the next Board meeting.

 

Section 11.   Removal of Officer

An Officer may be removed, by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board, for illegal or unethical conduct; conduct in violation of LACDP or Club policies against discrimination, harassment or violence; or other serious violations of the Club Bylaws.  An Officer may also be removed by a vote of 2/3 of the Board, following three (3) or more consecutive, unexcused absences from Board meetings, or six (6) unexcused absences from Board meetings within a 12-month period. The Officer shall be provided the opportunity to present a defense or explanation.

ARTICLE 8

THE BOARD

 

Section 1.     Board Composition

 

The Board shall consist of up to 20 full members of the Club, including the elected Officers.

 

Section 2.     Emeritus Board Members

 

Board members who have served on the Board for a number of years and as a result of age or handicap may be given the status of Emeritus Board Member by a vote of the Board.

 

Section. 3.    Board Continuity / Filling Vacancies

 

The Board shall be empowered to fill vacancies and/or appoint additional members until the next election at a General Membership Meeting.  The filling of all vacancies or the adding of Board members shall be proposed at one Board meeting and completed at the next Board meeting.  The Board can elect Acting Board members immediately, if needed.

 

Section 4.     Parliamentarian

 

A Board Member or Club Member can be designated by the President, with the consent of the Board to serve as Parliamentarian, with the duties of interpreting the Club's Charter, Constitution and Bylaws, and Robert’s Rules of Order, to ensure the activities of the Club are in keeping with both the spirit and meaning of these documents and to provide guidance in these matters. 

 

Section 5.     Legal Counsel

 

A Board Member or Club Member can be designated by the President, with the consent of the Board, to serve as Legal Counsel.  This position can be in addition to, or in the alternative to, the Parliamentarian. The person appointed as Counsel shall be a volunteer who is a lawyer.  The Counsel shall inform and advise the Board, as requested, on legal and regulatory issues that arise, including but not limited to general legal questions; FEC and California Election regulations; tax requirements if any; the Club’s Charter, Constitution and Bylaws; LACDP rules and Bylaws, CADEM Rules and Bylaws, and Robert’s Rules of Order.  The Counsel is not expected to provide definitive legal advice in his or her capacity as a lawyer.  Rather the Counsel’s role is simply to provide information related to laws and regulations as they may apply to the Club or Club activities.

 

Section 6.     Board Responsibilities and Powers

 

a.    General Duties.  The Board, with the President, is responsible for governing the Club.  Among other things, the Board sets Club policy, and aids the President in planning the direction of the Club, organizing Club meetings and activities, and carries out the duties set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws.

 

b.    Financial Oversight.  The Board oversees the finances of the Club.  The Board may, as needed, order a review of the books by the Finance and Audit Committee, or order an audit by an independent accounting firm or CPA.

 

c.     The Board may affiliate the Club with such other Democratic Party organizations as seem appropriate and desirable. 

 

d.    The Board shall select the delegates and alternative delegates, to which the Club is entitled, to the organizations with which the Club is affiliated, such as the LACDP Pre-Endorsement Conference regarding nominees for statewide offices.  Those delegates and alternate delegates selected shall be Club members in good standing.  The President shall fill delegate vacancies from the alternates and appoint new alternates.  

 

Section 7.     Board Quorum

 

A majority of members of the Board at a duly constituted meeting shall constitute a quorum. No proxies shall be allowed.  For the purpose of establishing a quorum, telephonic/or Skype/Facetime/Go-to-Meeting or electronic attendance is authorized.

 

Section 8.     Board Meetings

 

The Board must meet a minimum of four (4) times per calendar year for the purpose of planning and directing the policies of the Club and implementing the policies. Board Meetings can be held in person, or via video or audio Conference Call. During election years, the Board should strive to meet monthly.  Members of the Board should be notified of the time and place of each Board meeting at least five (5) days in advance and a preliminary agenda should be provided.  Board meetings may be for Board members only, or be or open to all members and/or the public, as determined by the President.

 

Section 9.     Special Board Meetings

 

Special meetings of the Board for any purpose whatsoever may be called at any time by the President or upon request from five members of the Board.  Special Meetings can be held in person, or via video or audio Conference Call.

 

Section 10.   Expedited Board Action & Decisions

 

When Board action or a Board decision is needed before a duly called meeting can be convened, the President or other Board Member authorized by the President, may submit an item for immediate or expedited Board consideration via phone, email, text or other reliable electronic means.  In such situations, Board members can submit their vote to the President, or other Board member designated by the President, by voice call, email, text, or other reliable electronic means.  When possible, Board members shall be provided no less than five (5) days to respond and vote.  Alternatively, when possible, an emergency meeting can be held by video or audio conference call.  A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of members responding will be considered a quorum for this purpose.  A minimum of two-thirds (2/3) of those responding must be in support of the proposed action for it to be adopted.  Expedited decisions and action shall be reported, and recorded in the minutes, of the next regular Board meeting.

 

Section 11.   Board Compensation & Reimbursement

 

All Board members shall serve without compensation.  However, Board members can be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Club that have been approved by the Board, or by both the President and Treasurer.

 

Section 12.   Removal from the Board

Any member of the Board may be removed, by a vote of 2/3 of the Board, for illegal or unethical conduct; conduct in violation of LACDP or Club policies against discrimination, harassment or violence; or other serious violations of the Club Bylaws.  A member may also be removed by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board following three (3) or more unexcused, consecutive absences from Board meetings, or six (6) unexcused absences from Board meetings within a 12-month period. The Board member shall be provided the opportunity to present a defense or explanation.

 

ARTICLE 9

EMERGENCY POWERS

 

Notwithstanding other provisions in these Bylaws, in the event of a natural or manmade disaster, or other national or community emergencies, the President, the Officers or a majority of the Board shall have the power, as needed, to convene Board or Membership meetings, to hold elections, and to take any other action needed to maintain the operations and viability of the Club.  Such actions should seek to adhere to the underlying principles embodied in this Bylaws, and those of the LACDP.  Membership and Board meetings can be convened, and elections held, electronically, or via any medium or means that is workable, and which is designed to provide the members reasonable notice and a reasonable opportunity to participate and/or vote under the emergency circumstances.  The Board will inform, and confer with, the LACDP on emergency measures whenever possible.

 

ARTICLE 10

AD HOC COMMITTEES

 

Section 1.     Formation & Composition of Committees

 

The Board may form ad hoc committees at any time, to assist the Board in carrying out Club activities and responsibilities.  Committees, other than the Finance & Audit Committee, will consist of at least one Board member.  Committees may include non-Board members who wish to be active for a limited time, or on limited issues.  The Chair of an Ad Hoc Committee need not be a Board Member, but must be approved by the Board.

 

Committees that can further Club activities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

            A.  Membership Committee

 

B.  Finance and Audit Committee

 

            C. Fundraising Committee  

 

            D.  Events Committee

           

            F.  Newsletter and Brochures Committee

 

            G.  Voter Registration Committee

 

            H.  GOTV Committee 

 

             I.  Issues, Endorsements, and Legislative Committee

 

            J.  Communications Committee

 

            K. Young Democrats Outreach Committee

 

            L.  Bylaws Committee 

 

Section 2.     The Membership Committee

 

The Membership Committee shall be responsible for (1) updating the lists of Club members, former members and email recipients; (2) securing and keeping lists of registered Democrats in Malibu and surrounding areas; (3) membership drives, including membership renewal drives for current and former members; (4) programs for increasing membership in the Club; and (5) becoming familiar with and observing California laws and LACDP rules regarding handling voter data so as to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of private voter and member information to which the Club is given access.

 

Section 3.     The Finance and Audit Committee

 

The Finance & Audit Committee will consist of a minimum of two members of the Board (not including the Treasurer for audit purposes), and two non-Board members appointed by the Board.  The Finance & Audit Committee will prepare an annual budget for the Club for the fiscal year and will audit the Club bank statements and copies of all checks periodically to determine how the Club has spent funds over the past year or years. 

 

ARTICLE 11

BOARD & OFFICER NOMINATIONS

 

Section 1.     The Nominating Committee

 

The Board shall select a Nominating Committee composed of three (3) members, one of whom may be a past President of the Club, if available.   The current President shall not be a member of the Committee.  The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of Club Officers and Board members for vote by the Club membership at the Annual Meeting.  

 

Section 2.     Nomination Procedure

 

Candidates appearing on the ballot will be those recommended by the Nominating Committee in accordance with the Bylaws.   Nominees for each position may be added by written petition, signed by at least two (2) Club members (a nominator and a second), and submitted in writing to the Nominating Committee at least ten (10) days prior to the Annual Meeting.  Nominees for each position may also be added from the floor as write-in candidates, if such nominee has the written support to become a Board member of at least five (5) Club members present at the meeting, and if such nominee has been a Club member for at least one (1) year. 

 

ARTICLE 12

ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

 

Section 1.     Election of Board and Officers

 

The Board Members and Officers shall be elected at the first membership meeting of the calendar year and shall hold office for 2 (two) years or until they resign, pass away, are voted off the Board, or otherwise a successor is installed.

 

Section 2.     Voting Procedures

 

Board members and Officers shall be elected by a majority of the qualified members present at a regular Club membership meeting where a quorum is present.  Voting for Club Officers and Board members will be conducted by secret ballot, following the procedures set forth below.  This process may be suspended by a unanimous vote of Club members present, and substituted with a vote of acclimation for the slate of Officers and Board Members recommended by the Nominating Committee, where the Committee has recommended no more nominations than slots available for a position.

 

a.    All elections should be done by pre-printed ballots, the total number limited to the number of Club members eligible to vote and present at the meeting. Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.

 

b.    Proxy ballots, or voting by proxy, is not allowed, except in the case of members with a proven illness or disability that prevents mobility.

 

c.     There should be a minimum of two (2) counters, who if possible shall not be current members of, or candidates for, the Board.  Another person, who is not a candidate for the Board, will oversee the voting process (“the Overseer”). 

 

d.    Votes must be tallied on tally sheets for each counter.  Upon completing each count, each counter must immediately record the number of votes counted on a tally sheet. Each counter must count all the ballots and each counter must certify as accurate the total number of ballots counted and the totals for each candidate.

 

e.    A general tally must be made by adding the votes on each counter's tally. 

 

f.      All counters and the Overseer must sign the final comprehensive tally. 

 

g.    There must be two (2) copies of the final comprehensive tally, one provided to the Club President, and one to the Club Secretary. 

 

h.    The election results shall be announced after all the votes have been tallied.

 

i.      The newly elected Officers and Board members shall take office at the next Board meeting, which will be held no later than thirty (30) days after the General Membership Meeting where they were elected.

 

j.      Retiring Board members shall turn over files and duties to their successors at or before that next Board meeting.  

 

k.     The Secretary of the Club shall keep the ballots, and the final comprehensive vote tally, for one (1) year, in a manner designed to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the individual ballots.

 

l.      Any challenge to an election of a Board member or Officer must be noted during the meeting at which the election occurred, unless information emerges subsequently establishing fraud.  If a challenge is noted, the Board can either re-count the ballots, check the validity of any challenged voter or ballot, or direct that the election or any part thereof be reconducted.

 

m.   Consistent with Article 9 of these Bylaws, in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or emergency, where in-person meetings and voting are not possible or advisable, elections can be held and voting done electronically, or via any medium or means that is workable under the circumstances.  Such elections and voting shall be done in a manner consistent with any guidance from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and designed to protect the integrity and privacy of the voting process.

 

ARTICLE 13

ENDORSEMENTS

 

Section 1.     Compliance with Bylaws of the California Democratic Party

 

Endorsements officially sanctioned by the Club must be made in accordance with these Bylaws and the Bylaws of the California Democratic Party. Club endorsements for candidates for public office shall be given only to registered Democrats whose registration is confirmed prior to the endorsement meeting.  The endorsement of non-Democrats in any race or the financial support of non-Democrats is prohibited. 

 

Section 2.     Endorsements of Candidates Running for Elected Government Office. 

A.    When a Democrat Is Running Against Candidates From Other Parties.  Consistent with the missions of the Democratic Party and the Club to support and assist the election of Democratic candidates, the Club can endorse Democratic Candidates running for elected government office when no other Democrat is running in the race, or no more Democrats are running in a race than seats open in that race, when supported by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board.

B.    When Democrats Are Running Against Other Democrats.  Except as provided in Article 13:C below, the Club can endorse a candidate election when Democrats are running against other Democrats, at a duly convened membership meeting, with a quorum present, where a candidate receives by ballot voting, the support of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members are present. Whether a candidate is endorsed or not, the Club can provide the voters information on the candidates and candidate events, and provide opportunities for the voters to meet the candidates. 

C.   Malibu City Council Elections.  The Club will not endorse candidates in Malibu City Council elections

 

Section 3.     Endorsements of Delegates to the Democratic Party

 

The Club can endorse candidates for delegates, or slates of delegate candidates, to the organizations with which the Club is affiliated, such as the CADEM or the LACDP, with a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board, at a Board meeting open to active members.  When possible, the members will be notified at least a week in advance of the Board meeting. 

 

The Club representatives to the CADEM’s Pre-Endorsement Conferences shall be selected by a majority vote of the Board.  Such representatives must be registered members in good standing of the California Democratic Party.

 

Section 4.     Endorsement of Ballot and Other Initiatives

 

The Club will endeavor to get information to its members on ballot and other initiatives, including information and positions of CADEM, the LACDP and neighboring Democratic Clubs.  The Club can endorse or oppose a ballot or other initiative, after a duly convened, general membership meeting with a quorum present and the support of sixty percent (60%) of the voting Club members present. Where appropriate and in the interest of Democrats in Malibu, the Club can support a position on an initiative that may be different than that endorsed by the State or regional Democratic parties.  

 

 

 

Section 5.     General Procedures & Guidelines for Endorsements

 

The Board shall offer all candidates, or proponents for and against an initiative, the opportunity to meet with the Board and/or members, as applicable, before voting to endorse any candidate or initiative.  Candidates seeking endorsement and their representatives shall not be present at the vote.

 

Section 6.     Personal Endorsements

 

Board Members and Officers may personally support or endorse candidates and initiatives, but must make it clear that they are acting in their individual capacity, and not as a representative of the Club.

 

ARTICLE 14

NOTICE & COMMUNICATIONS

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided in these Bylaws, any notice or communication required to be provided to the Board or its members in these Bylaws, can be made by first-class mail, phone, email, text or other widely used electronic means that directly notifies each member.   Information, or materials provided to the Board or its members may also be provided by either by first-class mail, or electronically, including by email; by posting such materials on the Club website with notice directly to the members regarding where they can view the materials online; or by other reasonable and widely accepted electronic means.

 

ARTICLE 15

CLUB RECORDS AND REPORTS

 

Section 1.     Club Book and Records

 

The Club shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books and records of its activities. The Club Secretary shall keep all official records of the Club, including but not limited to the Club Charter, Meeting Agendas & Minutes, Treasurer’s reports, FEC and tax returns, and formal reports of the Officers and Committees.  Club financial records and accounts shall be kept by the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall provide copies of all financial reports and returns to the Secretary.

 

 

Section 2.     Inspection of Books and Records

 

Such books and records shall be open to inspection by Club officers and members in good standing at all times for purposes approved by the Board upon giving of reasonable notice before such inspection.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 16

AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

 

Section 1.

 

Amendments to the Bylaws may be initiated by the Board or by written petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the Club members eligible to vote. 

 

Section 2.

 

The Board shall consider any such petition and make a recommendation at the next Club general membership meeting following receipt of the petition. 

 

Section 3.

 

Written notice of any proposed amendment(s) shall be given to the Club membership at least fourteen (14) days prior to any membership consideration. 

 

Section 4.

 

Discussion of changes, amendments, revisions and review will occur at the membership meeting prior to any consideration and vote. 

 

Section 5.

 

A majority vote of an established quorum of qualified Club members shall be necessary for passage of Bylaws amendments and revisions recommended by the Board, and those not recommended by the Board will require a two-thirds vote in favor. 

 

 

ARTICLE 17

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

 

All proceedings not covered by this Constitution and Bylaws shall be governed by the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order.

 

 

 

Adopted by the Malibu Democratic Club membership on March 21, 2021. 

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