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Sample Bylaws

These Bylaws are compliant with CDP and SDCDP requirements for clubs and can be used as a model for building or revising club bylaws. Annotations showing the CDP and SDCDP requirements are shown in the comments.

BYLAWS

____________________________ DEMOCRATIC CLUB

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the (Club Name), hereafter referred to as XXXXX.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The purpose of this club shall be to foster democratic ideals by stimulating active interest in the Democratic Party, to support the party platform, contribute to party leadership and responsibility, to provide a constructive role for the volunteer in Democratic politics, and to promote an activist base.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY

Anyone registered as a Democrat or is ineligible to vote (due to age, non-residency or other legal impediment) but pledges to register as a Democrat when eligible, and supports the purpose of the Club as stated in Article II, above shall be eligible for membership in this club.

Section 2 - GOOD STANDING

Democrats and pledged Democrats, whose annual dues are currently paid, or had waived, shall be considered a member in good standing. Any member whose actions are judged to be prejudicial or detrimental to the club by the Executive Board may be expelled from membership by a two-thirds vote at any general meeting, at which a quorum exists, concurs.

SECTION 3 - DUES

Dues shall be reviewed mid-year and recommended by the Executive Board, for approval by the membership, to go into effect for the next membership year. Dues are due and payable upon joining the club, and annually at the beginning of every club calendar year thereafter. Payment of dues shall not be obligatory to anyone for whom it constitutes an economic hardship after due consideration and approval by the Executive Board.

SECTION 4 - VOTING

A member in good standing who has attended at least one prior meeting shall be eligible to vote. No proxy voting or absentee shall be permitted.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

SECTION 1 - ELECTED OFFICERS

Elected officers of this club shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. All officers must be registered Democrats. Each shall be elected at the general meeting in January and hold office for one year. An elected officer may be removed from office by resolution of a two-thirds vote of the members at a General Meeting for such causes as missing three unexcused consecutive meetings or non-performance of duties, providing the membership and the officer have been notified ten days in advance of the meeting of the proposed action against the officer.

SECTION 2 - DUTIES

A. President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the club. He/she shall preside over all meetings of the club and the executive board; make appointments to other positions as required; act as official spokesperson of the club. In addition, the President should stimulate active interest in the political process, provide a constructive role for the active volunteer; contribute to effective leadership and individual responsibility; promote harmony among the club membership, between other clubs and within the San Diego County Democratic Party.

B. Vice-President

The Vice President shall serve at the direction of the President. He/she shall preside at meetings if the President is unable to do so, or is requested by the President to do so. The Vice-President shall take over the duties of President in the absence of that officer, and is responsible for the annual audit.

C. Secretary

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the general meetings, executive committee meetings, conduct correspondence, maintain the club’s records, and is responsible for internal communications.

D. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of dues, receive and deposit all club funds received; maintain an accurate record of club receipts and expenditures; sign all checks as authorized by the Executive Board; make the record of club receipts and expenditures available to any member when requested; provide a report of the club financial status at club meetings as requested; provide an annual written report of club financial status; make the books and all other financial records of the club available to the audit committee each year in May. In addition the Treasurer shall be responsible for filing FPPC/FEC financial report on time as required.

SECTION 3 - ELECTIONS

Elections shall be held annually. A nominating committee shall be appointed of 3 to 5 volunteers from the membership. The nominating committee shall select at least one candidate for each elective office and report their selections at the general meeting one month prior to the election meeting. At the election meeting the floor will be open for additional nominations. The election may be held by show of hands or voice vote for uncontested offices. A secret ballot will be used for any contested offices. Those nominees who receive a majority vote shall be declared elected. If no person receives a majority of votes cast, a run-off shall be held between those two persons receiving the greatest number of votes. The person receiving the majority of the votes shall be declared elected.

SECTION 4 - VACANCIES

Should any officer resign or fail to attend three general meetings or Executive Board meetings in a row without cause approved by the Executive Board, the Executive Board shall declare that office vacant and appoint a successor to that office to complete the unexpired term. Any such appointment shall, however, be approved by the membership at the next general meeting. At that meeting, nominations to fill the vacancy shall also be accepted from the floor. Voting shall be by secret ballot with a majority of those members in good standing present required to elect.

SECTION 5 - APPOINTED OFFICERS

The President shall appoint a parliamentarian and any other officers not otherwise specified by these bylaws as required for the general well-being of the club.

ARTICLE V- MEETINGS

SECTION 1 - GENERAL MEETINGS

There shall be a minimum of six general meetings each year, at least one of which shall be in January. Other general meetings shall be held at such times and places as specified by a majority of the Executive Board.

SECTION 2 - QUORUM

A quorum at any general meeting shall the number of officers plus ten percent (10%) of those whose membership is in good standing. A quorum at an endorsing/electing meeting shall the number of officers plus twenty percent (20%) of those whose membership is in good standing. A quorum of the Executive Board shall be a majority of its elected members.

SECTION 3 - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The parliamentary authority is the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

SECTION 4 - NOTICES

At least 14 days prior to a general meeting at which the following items will be discussed and voted upon, meeting notices shall be emailed to each member of the club in good standing:

Club elections and filling of vacancies

Proposed amendments to bylaws

Proposed resolutions

Endorsements of candidates and/or ballot measures

Such notice shall specify the time, place and date of the general meeting and describe the event.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1 - FUNCTION

The Executive Board shall approve all expenditures and carry out the club business between general meetings in a manner consistent with actions taken at the general meetings, and perform any other duties provided for in these bylaws. The President shall pre-approve any written correspondence on behalf of the club. The President shall be the sole spokesperson of the club.

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