CONSTITUTION OF THE SALT LAKE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Last Amended: April 14, 2012
PREAMBLE
The Salt Lake County Democratic Party hereby sets forth the organization and procedures by which the Salt Lake County Democratic Party shall conduct its business in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah, the purposes in the Charter of the State Democratic Party of Utah, and in recognition of the Organization and procedures by which the State Party conducts its business.
ARTICLE I PRECINCT CAUCUSES
A. In each Precinct, a Precinct Caucus shall be called and conducted each even-numbered year, to elect Precinct officers, including Delegate(s). All such officers must be residents of the Precinct in which they are elected.
B. It shall be the duty of the incumbent Precinct Chair to:
1. See that the time and place of the caucus be posted in public locations within the boundaries of the Precinct at least three (3) days before the Precinct Caucus,
2. Conduct the Caucus in accordance with the rules issued by the County Central Committee,
3. Provide a ballot box in advance of the balloting,
4. Provide ballots clearly indicating the offices open for election,
5. Provide a means of clearly posting the names of the candidates for each office prior to the balloting, and
6. Collect names as potential Democratic election judges to provide to the County Clerk
C. The first order of business of the Precinct Caucus shall be the reading of the Call as issued by the County Democratic Central Committee, and shall include the purpose and rules of procedure of the meeting.
D. The Precinct Secretary shall maintain a roster of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all those who attend the Precinct Caucus. This roster shall be used to verify the number of ballots possible and the eligibility of each voter. This roster shall also be used in organizing the Precinct. A copy of the roster shall be submitted to the County Party Secretary.
E. Persons nominating persons not in attendance at the Precinct Caucus must provide written evidence of the nominee’s willingness to serve. No vote may be taken that would restrict the nomination process.
F. Balloting shall be held open one (1) hour after the reading of the call. No qualified elector residing in the Precinct shall be denied the right to vote within that time for failure to attend the entire Precinct Caucus, or for any other reason.
G. The Precinct Officers may also be elected to the position of Delegate.
H. The elections conducted in a Precinct Caucus may be challenged. The aggrieved shall lodge a complaint in writing with the County First Vice Chair within four (4) days after the Precinct Caucus, specifying the reason for the challenge. The Rules Committee shall promptly investigate all complaints and make its recommendations to the County Central Committee, which shall rule on challenged elections.
I. If a Precinct fails to hold a Precinct Caucus, Officers and Delegate(s) will be selected in accordance with Article II, Sections F and G of this constitution.
ARTICLE II DUTIES OF PRECINCT OFFICERS AND DELEGATES
The Precinct Officers elected at the Precinct Caucus shall be: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer (these latter two positions may be combined), and Committee members as available. While technically not a Precinct officer, delegates play an important role for the Precinct.
A. The Precinct Chair shall:
1. Participate as a member of the County Democratic Central Committee and as an elector of Legislative District Officers,
2. Organize the Precinct and know the Democrats in it, making certain that each is registered and votes. To fulfill these functions, the Chair shall:
a. make use of the roster of the Precinct Caucus to conduct the business of the Precinct,
b. obtain a Precinct registration list from the legislative district officers of the precinct’s legislative district,
c. supervise a canvass of the Precinct, using materials provided by the legislative district officers , and
d. ensure that a list compiled from the above and other sources, of name, address, telephone numbers, and other relevant information, is maintained by the Precinct Secretary.
3. Know the place, dates, and procedures for voter registration,
4. When a vacancy occurs in the office of Precinct Secretary or Treasurer appoint a replacement and notify the Legislative District Chair,
5. Recruit volunteers from the Precinct for Party work as needed by the County Executive Committee,
6. Encourage and promote qualified Democratic candidates,
7. Raise money for the operation of the Precinct and, in conjunction with the Precinct Treasurer, cooperate with all Party fund raising projects,
8. Fulfill the duties pertaining to the holding of the Precinct Caucus.
B. The Precinct Vice Chair shall:
1. Participate as a member of the County Democratic Central Committee and as an elector of Legislative officers,
2. Assist the Precinct Chair in the performance of the other duties listed in Section A of this article, and shall perform such duties in the absence or incapacity of the Chair.
C. The Precinct Secretary shall keep a record of Precinct activities and maintain a list of the name, address, email, and telephone number of each Democrat living in the Precinct, and other relevant information. These records shall be transferred to the succeeding Secretary.
D. The Precinct Treasurer shall maintain Precinct financial records, account for all funds raised for the Precinct and report such records to the County Party Treasurer, and assist other officers with fund-raising efforts and transfer all records and funds to the succeeding Precinct Treasurer.
E. The Precinct Officers as well as other appointed Precinct Committee Members shall assist with the canvass of the Precinct and other Party affairs within the Precinct.
F. The Precinct Delegate(s)
1. Delegates elected at Precinct Caucus represent that Precinct.
2. Delegate positions not filled by the Precinct Caucus become vacancies to be appointed by the Legislative District Chair and will represent the precinct in which that appointee resides even if the original vacancy was not from that Precinct.
3. All Precinct Delegates shall attend and vote at all County and State conventions
4. Give prompt notice to the Precinct or Legislative Chair if unable to fulfill these duties. The Delegate(s) shall also assist the Precinct Officers with the Party work of the Precinct or Legislative District.
5. In case a vacancy occurs in the State Legislature for any reason, in a district wholly within Salt Lake County, the delegates within the district with the vacancy shall assemble to select a replacement. If two candidates are on the ballot and one receives sixty percent (60%) or more of the votes, that person’s name will be submitted. If two or more candidates are on the ballot, and no candidate receives at least sixty percent (60%) of the votes, a second vote shall take place between the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes on the final ballot shall be submitted by the County Chair to the appropriate government entity or the state Democratic Party.
G. Replacement of Precinct Officers
1. In the event of a vacancy in the Office of Chair, the Vice Chair shall become Chair,
2. In the event of a vacancy in the Office of Vice Chair, the Precinct Chair shall select a replacement and inform the Legislative Chair, and County Secretary,
3. In the event of a vacancy in the Office of both Precinct Chair and Vice Chair, the Legislative Chair shall replace the member with a willing member of the Democratic community in that Precinct and notify the County Secretary of the change.
ARTICLE III LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS
A. The offices of the Legislative Districts will be elected at the Organizing Convention as stated in Article IV.
B. The Officers of each Legislative District shall be a Chair, a Vice Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and committee members as available. Officers must be residents of the Legislative Districts they represent. The Legislative District Chair may make appointments as necessary to conduct the business of the Legislative District. The Vice Chair shall act as Chair in the absence of the Chair.
C. The Legislative District Chairs and Vice Chairs shall:
1. Cooperate with the County Officers in disseminating information to Precincts comprising their Districts,
2. Seek, encourage and actively promote qualified candidates from their respective Districts,
3. Direct activities toward election of all Democratic candidates, disseminating information for these campaigns to all Precincts in their respective Districts,
4. Raise funds for local Democratic candidates and otherwise aid in their campaigns, and instigate occasions where they can be introduced to the electorate,
5. Make certain that the pre-election canvass is completed for their respective District,
6. Inform voters in their respective Districts on the rules and procedures of the Democratic Party, or Precinct Caucuses,
7. Know the Democrats in the Precincts comprising their District,
8. Notify the County Secretary of Precinct Caucus locations within their respective District,
9. Report quarterly to the County Chair on the Party Activities within their Legislative District,
10. Meet or communicate regularly with precinct officers within their district,
11. The Legislative District Chairs and Vice Chairs shall participate as members of the County Democratic Central Committee,
12. The Legislative District Chairs and Vice Chairs shall be given first preference for position on the State Democratic Central Committee.
D. The Secretary shall keep the records of District activities and
1. Maintain a list of Democrats living in the Precincts comprising the Legislative District, with other relevant information,
2. Transfer these records to the succeeding Secretary,
3. Other duties as assigned by the Legislative Chair.
E. The Treasurer shall also maintain District financial records and
1. Account for all funds raised by the District,
2. Assist the other Officers in fund raising and social efforts,
3. Transfer all records and funds to the succeeding Treasurer,
4. Other duties as assigned by the Legislative Chair.
F. Replacement of Officers
1. If a duly elected Legislative or other officer shall die, move their household outside of the district, resign, or otherwise become disqualified or if any Legislative District fails to elect a Chair, the vacancy shall be filled from qualified members of the Party who live in the Legislative District.
2. To fill these vacancies the following process shall be followed:
a. If the position vacated is the Legislative District Chair, the County executive Committee shall appoint a new Chair,
b. If the position vacated is any other Legislative district Office the Legislative District Chair will appoint and submit the name to the County Executive Committee for confirmation.
ARTICLE IV SALT LAKE COUNTY ORGANIZING CONVENTION
A. The Organizing Convention is the governing body of the Party while in session.
B. The County Chair shall call the Salt Lake County Democratic Organizing Convention each odd-numbered year and shall act as Convention Chair or may appoint a Convention Chair. The convention shall be called in the months of April or May no later than two weeks before the Utah State Democratic Organizing Convention.
C. The County Executive Committee shall issue a call to convention by mail to all County Delegates, Precinct Chairs and Precinct Vice Chairs no later than twenty-one days before the convention. The call shall include the date, time, location and agenda, of the Organizing Convention along with a list of offices to be filled.
D. The following shall be full delegates of the convention:
1. Members of the County Executive Committee,
2. Chairs of Legislative Districts wholly or partly within the county, provided they are residents of the county,
3. All elected officials who are elected on the Democratic ticket, whose district or offices are wholly or partially in Salt Lake County, provided they are residents of Salt Lake County,
4. All delegates elected in Article I, and
5. All immediate past Executive Committee Members.
E. The convention County Delegates shall elect the County Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Those wishing to seek these offices shall file written notice with the County Secretary by 5:00 pm on the thirtieth day prior to the convention, not including the date of the convention. If more than two candidates are on the ballot, and no candidate receives at least 60% of the vote, a second vote will take place between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. The candidate with a majority of votes on the second ballot shall win.
F. The convention shall confirm all delegates as delegates to the State Organizing Convention.
G. The convention may also vote on motions put before it by the County Executive Committee, the County Central Committee, County Platform Committee, or County Rules Committee.
H. The Chair of any caucus represented at the County Organizing Convention shall notify the County Secretary of the person elected to represent the caucus in the committee within ten (10) days of the Organizing Convention.
I. One fourth (1/4) of the Delegates registered at the time the convention is' called to order shall constitute a quorum.
J. Draft Rules of Order shall be presented to the convention by the County Rules Committee. Delegates shall have the sole power to adopt and amend the rules by majority vote of those present. In the absence of other provisions; the convention shall be governed by the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order.
K. Election of Legislative District Officers
1. Precinct Chairs and Precinct Vice Chairs shall meet in Legislative District caucuses to elect the Legislative District Chair, Legislative District Vice Chair, Legislative District Secretary, and Legislative District Treasurer,
2. Those wishing to seek these offices shall file written notice with the County Secretary by 5:00 pm on the thirtieth-day prior to the convention, not including the date of the convention,
3. Nominations can also be taken on the floor at the convention if no other candidates filed in that legislative district,
4. This election can be done orally or by raise of hand within the respective legislative district meetings,
5. If more than two candidates are on the ballot the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall win,
6. The County Rules Committee may adopt specific rules for the election of legislative district officers and the running of legislative district caucuses.
ARTICLE V COUNTY NOMINATING CONVENTION
A. The Nominating Convention is the governing body of the Party while in session
B. The County Chair shall call the Salt Lake County Democratic Nominating Convention each even-numbered year and shall act as Convention Chair. The convention shall be call in the months of April or May no later that two (2) weeks before the Utah State Democratic Nominating Convention. This date may be changed in the case of unique circumstances as deemed necessary by the Central Committee.
C. The County Executive Committee shall issue a call to convention by mail to all County Delegates no later that 21 days before the convention. This date may be changed to as few as 7 days in the case of unique circumstances as deemed necessary by the Central Committee. The call shall include the date, time, location and agenda of the Nominating Convention along with the names of candidates. Notification by mail that is required in this Constitution will be provided by postal mail.
D. The following shall be full delegates to the convention:
1. Members of the County Executive Committee,
2. Chairs of Legislative Districts wholly or partly within the County, provided they are residents of the County,
3. All elected officials who are elected on the Democratic ticket, whose district or offices are wholly or partially in Salt Lake County, provided they are residents of Salt Lake County,
4. All delegates elected in Article I, and
5. All immediate past Executive Committee Members.
E. The convention shall nominate the following: County Mayor, County Council Members, County Auditor, County Treasurer, County Clerk, County District Attorney, County Surveyor, County Assessor, County Sheriff, State Senators in Districts wholly within the county and State Representatives in Districts wholly within the county.
F. In order to secure the Party’s nomination for the general election, a candidate must receive at least sixty percent (60%) of the votes cast at the Salt Lake County Democratic Party Nominating Convention.
1. If only two candidates are on the initial ballot and one candidate receives at least fifty-seven percent (57%) of the votes cast, but not the sixty percent (60%) necessary to secure the Party’s nomination, there shall be a second ballot listing the same two candidates. If neither candidate receives at least sixty percent (60%) on the second ballot to secure the Party’s nomination, both candidates shall be declared the Party’s nominees to stand for election at the next primary election.
If more than two candidates are on the ballot, and no candidate receives at least sixty percent (60%) of the votes cast on the first ballot, the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed on a second ballot. If neither candidate receives sixty percent (60%) of the votes cast on the second ballot, but one candidate receives at least fifty-seven percent (57%) of the votes cast, there shall be a third ballot listing the same two candidates. If neither candidate receives at least sixty percent (60%) on the third ballot, both candidates shall be declared the Party’s nominees to stand for election at the next primary election.
G. The convention shall confirm all County Delegates as delegates to the State Nominating Convention.
H. The convention may also vote on motions put before it by the County Executive Committee, the County Central Committee, or County Rules Committee.
I. The Convention stall adopt a County Party Platform
J. One fourth (1/4) of the Delegates registered at the time the convention is called to order shall constitute a quorum.
K. Rules containing the method of election shall be presented by the Rules Committee to the County Central Committee for ratification before the convention.
L. Draft rules of Order shall be presented to the convention by the County Rules Committee. Delegates shall have the sole power to adopt and amend the rules by majority vote of the delegates present. In the absence of other provisions, the convention shall be governed by the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order
ARTICLE VI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. The members of the Executive Committee shall consist of: the County Chair, the County First Vice Chair, the County Second Vice Chair, the County Secretary, the County Treasurer, and two (2) members appointed by the County Executive Committee with the advice and consent of the Central Committee. The selection of persons for the appointed positions shall be made in such a manner as to achieve the greatest degree of gender balance on the Executive Committee.
B. Additional non-voting members of the Executive Committee shall be:
1. One Member of the Utah State House of Representatives, residing within Salt Lake County, as appointed by the House Democratic Caucus
2. One Member of the Utah State Senate, residing within Salt Lake County, as appointed by the Senate Democratic Caucus
3. One Member of the County Elected Democratic Caucus as appointed by the County Elected Democratic Caucus
4. Immediate past County Chair
5. Region Directors (maximum of 6)
6. Parliamentarian
A. The appointed positions shall serve at the pleasure of the Chair and perform such duties as assigned by the Chair or Central Committee.
B. The County Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and the two appointments to the Executive Committee shall:
1. Be qualified electors, registered as affiliated with the Democratic Party, residing in Salt Lake County, and known to be members of the Democratic Party,
2. Serve to the best of their abilities, and maintain a viable, working County organization,
3. Meet regularly as a committee of seven (7) to determine administrative and other decisions,
4. Represent County Democrats in public and private matters involving the Democratic Party,
5. Act in their elected capacities with national, State and other Democratic organizations,
6. Actively encourage and promote qualified Democrats as candidates, and in the workings of the Party at all levels,
7. Organize County conventions, and designate committee assignments therefore,
8. Not personally endorse a Party candidate for public office until the final Party nominee is chosen,
9. Resign their respective office upon becoming a candidate for partisan public office,
10. Resign their position as soon as their schedule becomes such that they can no longer adequately support the committee in its programs and functions,
11. Serve for no more than four (4) consecutive terms in the same office.
12. Manage the day-to-day operations of the County Party.
C. The County Chair shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the Central and Executive Committees,
2. Preside at County Conventions when not a candidate for public or County Party office (if candidate, temporary Chair shall be designated for convention session only),
3. Call a caucus of Salt Lake County Democratic at State conventions, and during meetings of the State Central Committee as required,
4. Mediate disputes when elected officials or representatives of the County Party are involved,
5. Serve for County Democrats as liaison with the State Legislature and other government offices,
6. Lobby for Democratic programs,
7. Appoint an auditing committee to perform an annual audit,
8. Appoint a Parliamentarian,
9. Appoint a person to act as chief legal counsel,
10. Act as an ex officio member of all Standing Committees.
11. Appoint individuals to serve as Region Directors with the advice and consent of Central Committee.
D. The County First Vice Chair shall:
1. Act as Chair in the absence of the Chair,
2. Occupy the position of Chair in the event of the Chair’s death, resignation or other disqualification, until a successor is elected within thirty (30) days by the Central Committee,
3. Serve as Chair of the Rules Standing Committee,
4. Assist the County Chair with the specific duties of that office,
5. Keep informed on election laws and amendments thereto, notifying the Central Committee at the regular meetings of such changes,
6. Instruct Legislative officers as to their responsibilities and duties as prescribed by this Constitution, any By-laws, and other areas as assigned by the County Chair.
E. The County Second Vice Chair shall:
1. Act as the First Vice Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer in the absence of those officers,
2. Occupy the position of First Vice Chair, the Secretary, or Treasurer in the event of those officers deaths, resignations, or other disqualifications, until a successor is elected at the next central committee,
3. Serve as the Chair of the Platform Standing Committee,
4. Direct volunteers working in County headquarters,
5. Assist the County Chair with the specific duties of that office.
F. The County Treasurer shall:
1. Maintain the County Democratic Party financial records, accounting for all funds raised and received by the County, and their expenditure,
2. Submit the financial report to each meeting of the County Central Committee and make financial records available for annual audit,
3. Transfer all records and funds to the succeeding Treasurer,
4. Serve as the Chair of the Finance Standing Committee,
5. Shall be responsible for submitting financial disclosure reports to the State of Utah as dictated by the Utah State Election Code,
6. Assist Legislative officers in any and all fiscal responsibilities and methods, if needed.
G. The County Secretary shall:
1. Maintain the County Democratic Party records of minutes of meetings and other activities,
2. Compile a list of Precinct and Legislative officers, with addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses according to Precinct and District; keep records of County Central Committee members as well as State Central Committee members,
3. Maintain a list of election judges and Precinct Caucus,
4. Keep record of vacancies in the County Party Structure,
5. Transfer all records to the succeeding Secretary,
6. Certify all candidates selected by the Nominating Convention to the County Clerk.
H. The County Parliamentarian shall:
1. Be familiar with the Utah State laws governing political parties and activities, this Constitution, By-laws (if any), the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, and convention standing rules,
2. Be present at all Central Committee, Standing Committee and Rules Committee meetings and conventions, as an ex officio member without vote, to render advice as to rules of order and procedure to the person(s) acting as Chair of such meetings or convention.
ARTICLE VII CENTRAL COMMITTEE
A. The Central Committee is the governing body of the Party between conventions.
B. The following shall be full members of the Central Committee
1. Members of the County Executive Committee,
2. Chairs and Vice Chairs of Legislative Districts and Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs,
3. All elected officials who are elected on the Democratic ticket whose district or offices are wholly or partially in Salt Lake County, provided they are residents of Salt Lake County,
4. All immediate past Executive Committee Members.
5. Two (2) people from each club or caucus in good standing or on probation.
C. The County Executive Committee shall be the Officers of the Central Committee.
D. One twentieth (1/20) of the members of the Central Committee shall constitute a quorum.
E. The Central Committee shall be the policy and decision-making body of the County Party between Conventions. All policies and decisions made by the Central Committee shall then be referred to the Executive Committee for implementation. Upon implementation, a report shall then be made at the next scheduled meeting of the Central Committee.
F. The Central Committee shall meet regularly at least once each quarter and more often if the Chair deems it necessary. The dates of meetings shall be set by the County Officers, and written notice, including the preliminary agenda, shall be disseminated to all members at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
G. Items for the Agenda of a regular meeting may be submitted by any one member of the Central Committee to one (1) of the County Officers at any time before the meeting. Items submitted before preparation of the preliminary agenda shall be entered thereon; the agenda shall be amended to include items submitted thereafter, unless their appearance on the pre-agenda is required by Constitution, e.g. for an amendment to this Constitution. Any item not on the agenda of a regular meeting shall not be discussed at that meeting, except when presented by a member of the Central Committee and approved by a majority vote of those in attendance.
H. An emergency meeting of the Central Committee may be called by any two (2) County Officers, or by written notice of twenty (20) members of the Central Committee. A bona fide attempt to give at least one (1) day notice of an emergency meeting to all members shall be made.
I. The County Treasurer shall give budget updates at each Central Committee meeting explaining all major expenditures by the Executive Committee. Large and unusual expenditures should be approved by the central committee prior to the purchase, if possible.
J. In case of death, resignation, or the need for a Democratic candidate or candidates for public office in Salt Lake County or the County Chair, an emergency meeting of the Central Committee shall be called to select a replacement. If two candidates are on the ballot and one candidate receives sixty percent (60%) of the votes, that person shall be declared the nominee. If two or more candidates are on the ballot, and no candidates receives at least sixty percent (60%) of the vote, a second vote will take place between the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes. The candidate with a majority of votes on the second ballot shall be declared the nominee or County Chair. The County Chair, as stated in Article VI,D,5, shall act as the county party liaison and submit the one nominee name to the appropriate government entity or the state Democratic Party.
K. One (1) regular meeting of the Central Committee shall be held, no more than two (2) weeks before the County Organization Convention. The agenda of the meeting shall include the replacement of Precinct Delegates to the County Organization Convention who have resigned, died or otherwise become disqualified.
L. The County Central Committee shall rule on challenged Precinct Caucus elections and Legislative District elections referred to it by the Rules Committee.
M. A member may resign from the Central Committee or any office of the County Democratic Party. Unless some future date or condition is specified in the resignation, it shall be effective immediately upon receipt by the Secretary. A member shall be deemed to have resigned from office if such member ceases to reside in the district from which elected.
N. The Central Committee shall review all complaints referred to it by the Judicial Committee, determine the action to be taken, or recommit the matter to the Judicial Committee for further investigation or deliberation.
O. The Central Committee can go into a closed session by a 2/3rd vote of members present to consider issues brought to it by the Standing Judiciary Committee.
ARTICLE VIII STANDING COMMITTEES
The Standing Committees of the County Central Committee shall be the Finance Committee, the Rules Committee, the Platform Committee, and the Judicial Committee.
A meeting of a standing committee may be called by the Chair or by any four (4) members after due notice to its members. In the absence of the Chair, a Chair Pro Temp shall be elected by those attending.
A. The Finance Committee shall:
1. Be composed of the County Treasurer as Chair, and nine (9) to thirteen (13) other members appointed by the County Chair with the concurrence of the Treasurer and approved by the Central Committee,
2. Devise and coordinate means of raising money for the operations of the County Democratic Party,
3. Cooperate with State and national fund raising operations for the Democratic Party,
4. Raise funds for all candidates directly representing Salt Lake County. No funds shall be dispersed until the method of financial assistance to candidates is determined by the Central Committee,
5. A quorum shall be a simple majority of the committee members.
B. The Rules Committee shall:
1. Be composed of the First Vice Chair as Chair and the Chairs of the Legislative Districts,
2. Be responsible for submitting to the Central Committee any amendments to this Constitution, the By-laws (if any), the Party Rules and Procedures, the County Convention Rules and the procedures for the conduct of elections,
3. Monitor compliance with the rules that are set forth and submit alleged violations to the Judicial Standing Committee,
4. Receive challenges to the Precinct Caucus elections and to the elections of Legislative District offices and make recommendations to the Central Committee,
5. Meet with a quorum of any ten (10) members.
C. The Platform Committee shall:
1. Be composed of the Second Vice Chair as Chair, at least fifteen (15) members including: a designee of any Democratic Candidate for County Office, a member from each issue caucus of delegates represented at the preceding County Organizing Convention, and up to five (5) members of the Central Committee selected by the County Chair who can provide expert knowledge of the issues addressed by this Standing Committee,
2. Submit the platform or resolutions reports to the County Nominating Convention,
3. Create task forces to study issues for the Party,
4. Compile research on issues for use by candidates for public elected office,
5. Act as advocates for issues endorsed by the Central Committee,
6. Meet with a quorum of ten (10) members it deems necessary preceding the Nominating Convention.
D. The Judicial Committee shall:
1. Be composed of the County Chair as Chair, the County Parliamentarian, the chief legal counsel and two members appointed by the Central Committee,
2. Mediate in closed session disputes brought to it by the Rules Committee, ensuring all sides of an issue are heard and considered in a fair and just manner,
3. Present their recommendations, as listed in Article IX, to the Central Committee,
4. Meet with a quorum of four (4) members when called upon by the Rules Committee,
5. In the event that a complaint is filed against the County Chair then the First Vice Chair will serve as Chair.
ARTICLE IX DISCIPLINARY ACTION
A. Disciplinary action may be taken against any officer, Delegate, Central Committee member, Democratic County elected official, or candidate of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party who are responsible for any of the following offenses:
1. Aiding a candidate of an opposing political Party with intent to assist in electing, contribute to, solicit contributions for, give endorsements to, or cause endorsements to be made on behalf of the Party, or allow a Party title to be used in support of any candidate(s) other than official nominee(s) or person(s) seeking nomination of any recognized Democratic Party,
2. To knowingly and with malicious intent violate provisions of the rules of the Democratic Party which call for equal treatment, or
3. Fail to perform the duties of office as specified by this Constitution and/or breach the trust of such treatment.
B. Any officer, Delegate, Central Committee member, Democratic County elected official, or candidate of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party may institute charges under this section by reducing them to writing and submitting them to the Judicial Standing Committee.
C. No public disclosure of any charges made under this section shall be made until after an investigation has been held and a decision reached by the Judicial Standing Committee. Prior release of such charges or the existence of such charges, to any persons other than a member of the Judicial Standing Committee to the person(s) charged, shall constitute an automatic violation of this section resulting in the dismissal of any and all charges filed, and also subject the offending individual(s) to censure by the County Central Committee.
D. Release of said information by any individual(s) who are accused under the provisions of this section shall not result in a dismissal of charges, but shall constitute a separate offense under this section.
E. Upon receipt of such charges the Judicial Standing Committee shall notify any and all individual(s) charged of such charges and by who filed. The Judicial Standing Committee shall within fourteen (14) calendar days meet and review all evidence presented by the person(s) filing charges, and similar evidence gathered by its own investigation, as well as any evidence submitted by the individual(s) so charged.
F. If an individual shall be found guilty under this section, the Judicial Standing Committee shall recommend one of the following to the County Central Committee for approval and implementation:
1. No penalty, by majority vote of those present,
2. Censure, by majority vote of those present,
3. Withdrawal of all support, by majority vote of those present,
4. Expulsion or disqualification, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present with respect to officers, Delegate(s) or Central Committee members, or
5. A public call for impeachment or public statement of opposition to the candidacy of the individual(s), by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present with respect to an elected official or candidate.
G. The penalty shall not exceed a period of time longer than the current term of office, unless such recommendation is made by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a meeting of the County Central Committee.
ARTICLE X AFFILIATED CAUCUSES and CLUBS
A. Caucus and Club Status: Any Democratic organization may be chartered by the County Central Committee in accordance with Section C of this Article, including Democratic social clubs, are granted caucus status within the Party provided:
1. Its constitution and/or bylaws are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Democratic National Committee, Utah State Democratic Committee, and Salt Lake County Democratic Party.
2. The organization cooperates with the County Central Committee to promote the objectives of the Democratic Party.
3. Its primary purpose is supporting and promoting Democratic principles, candidates, and platforms.
B. Chartering: Any Democratic organization wishing to affiliate with and be chartered by the Salt Lake County Democratic Party may petition the County Secretary for chartering provided that:
1. The membership of the petitioning organization consists exclusively of registered Democrats or those unaffiliated with a political party unless the organization is a youth group;
2. The petitioning organization has a countywide membership of a minimum of twenty-five (25) members and the petition includes names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and signatures;
3. The petitioning organization submits a copy of their bylaws or other governing documents for approval; and
4. The petitioning organization submits a list of the organization’s officers.
C. Chartering Procedures
1. Any petition for chartering must be accompanied by the above documentation;
2. Upon receipt of the petition for charting, the Secretary shall immediately refer the petition to the County Executive Committee for investigation. At the next County Central Committee, the Secretary shall report the recommendation of the Executive Committee.
3. Only the County Central Committee shall have authority to charter or de-charter an organization.
4. Upon presentation to the County Central Committee of a mission statement and proposed Constitution and/or bylaws, the County Central Committee may, by a majority vote, grant any proposed Democratic organization official status as a Club or Caucus of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party.
5. Once a charter is approved, the chartered organization shall submit to the Party Secretary the name and contact information of the individual to serve on the County Platform Committee and the names and contact information of two (2) people to serve on the County Central Committee.
D. Status
1. Good Standing
a. Any organization currently chartered by the Party is deemed to be in good standing under the provisions of these policies; and
b. Good standing shall be maintained by these chartered organizations provided the following documentation to the Party Secretary within 30 days of a County Organizing Convention:
i. Names and addresses of members of the charter organization;
ii. A list of the organizations officers; and
iii. A copy of the current bylaws or other governing documents of the organization.
2. Probation
a. Any organization currently charted by the Party shall be considered on probation if:
i. The chartered organization fails to qualify for Good Standing; or
ii. The chartered organization fails to meet at an annual convention of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party
iii. Is placed on probation by the County Central Committee.
b. A notice of probation specifying the causes of probation shall be sent to the Chair and Secretary of the chartered organization.
c. The chartered organization shall have until the next scheduled County Central Committee meeting to submit the following to the Secretary of the Party:
i. Names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and signatures or at least twenty-five (25) members of the charter organization;
ii. A list of the organizations officers; and
iii. A copy of the current bylaws or other governing documents of the organization.
iv. A letter of explanation as to why the chartered organization fell from Good Standing and how it will remedy the causes of probation.
v. Complete any additional requirements placed upon the organization by the County Central Committee
d. The charting organization shall be considered in Good Standing upon favorable review by the County Executive Committee.
3. Suspension
a. The Executive Committee is authorized to suspend the charter of any organization if that organization:
i. Brings discredit to the Democratic Party;
ii. Is unable to conduct its business in an orderly fashion;
iii. Endorses or supports anyone other than a Democratic candidate for partisan elective office;
iv. Fails to maintain the minimum requirements for membership; or
v. Fails to meet the requirements for removing the chartered organization from Probation status.
b. The two votes on the County Central Committee shall be suspended.
c. Suspension shall be in effect until a review is completed by the County Executive Committee and recommendation is given to the County Central Committee at which time the County Central Committee may:
i. By majority vote continue the suspension.
ii. By majority vote remove the suspension and place the organization in either good standing or probation.
iii. By majority vote proceed with revocation of the charter.
4. Revocation
a. Any chartered organization granted status by the County Central Committee shall be subject to revocation by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the County Central Committee. The motion for revocation must be placed on the preliminary agenda and be included in the meeting notice to the Central Committee Members. The chartered organization’s Chair and Secretary shall be included in the meeting notice.
XI GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. The Salt Lake County Democratic Party shall be open to all that support it and wish to be known as Democrats. Discrimination in the conduct of Party affair on the basis of race, gender, age (if of voting age), color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status or disability is prohibited.
B. Any person who will be eligible to vote in Utah in the next general election, resides in the political subdivision for which the political activity is conducted, and participates in good faith, may be eligible to participate except as otherwise provided herein and in the Bylaws, in precinct caucuses, county conventions, Democratic Party primary elections, County Central and Executive Committees, and County Party office.
C. There shall be one (1) vote counted for each eligible person at all meetings of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party regardless of the number of positions the person holds.
D. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted at County conventions, or meetings of the County Central Committee.
E. All meetings of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party shall be open to the public, and votes not be taken by secret ballot, except as provided in this Constitution, any By-laws, or Utah State Law. Only members qualified herein, or invited guests may voice opinions and vote with respect to any issue or candidacy at any meeting or convention.
F. No Delegate or Central Committee member shall be mandated to vote contrary to his or her voice as expressed at the time elected. Delegates and Central Committee members who did pledge to a candidate or issue should in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.
G. No person shall be elected to any Party office or as a Delegate or Central Committee member unless they are present or provide their ex press written consent.
H. Should any part of the Constitution be found to be in violation of the laws of the United States or the State of Utah by judicial authority or to be in violation of the rules of the Democratic National Committee, such part alone shall cease to have effect and all other parts shall be considered wholly severable and remain in complete force. In such case, the Chair shall be empowered to remedy the situation until the earliest possible convocation of the Central Committee.
ARTICLE XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The Current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all phases of the organization of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party in all parliamentary situations not provided for by law, this Constitution, or adopted special rules of order, e.g., expulsion, vote of no confidence, motions to suspend the rules.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS
An amendment to this Constitution may be considered at any regular meeting of the County Central Committee, provided said amendment has first been submitted in writing to the Chair of the Rules Committee and bears the signatures of five (5) members of theCounty Central Committee. The Chair of the Rules Committee shall read the amendment,as presented, allowing discussion for further amendment. Said amendment shall thenappear for vote on the preliminary agenda of the next regular meeting followingpresentation, and shall require a two‐thirds (2/3) vote of those members of the County Central Committee present at said meeting, for passage.
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE
(Harris Vincent, Chair, 1971-1973)
Vee Carlisle (Chair), Lorille Miller, Jack Lunt, Attorney Naomi Woolley, Victor Kassel, John Roe, Charles E. Bennett, Kristi Heisel, Fred Geter, Frances Farley, Leonard Burke, George Trosper, Chiz Ishimatsu.
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE
(Ken Gardner, Chair, 1992 - 1995)
Michael Aaron, Robert Booker, Steven Chandler, Kelly DeBoard, James Gonzales, Joe Greenlief, Sherrie Hayashi, Sharon Hughes, Robert Jensen, Howard Johnson, Rod Julander, Enid Kalaher, Lorille Miller, (Co-Chair, 1992-1995) David Nelson, Janet Rose, Newell Standley, David Swan, David Thometz, Marc Young.
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE
(Philip V. Bernal, Chair, 2003-2004)
Nichole Adams, Lisa Alcott, Anna Archuleta, Arlyn Bradshaw, Ken Gardner, Joe Hatch, Howard Johnson, Charles Kimball, Erin Litvack, Lee Martinez, Lorelle Miller, Mike Picardi, Marcie Smith West, Michael Styles, Jason Yocom.
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE
(Arlyn Bradshaw, Chair, 2009)
Weston Clark, Justin Miller, Megan Risbon, Sheryl Ginsberg, Nichole Dunn, Joe Hatch
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