Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Preamble

We, the members of the Democratic Party of Rock County, adhere to the general
principles of the Democratic Party. We take special interest in maintaining, preserving,
improving and advancing education, the environment, natural resources, our heritage,
agriculture, freedom, equality, stability, and peace.

To be a force for democracy, a political party must be a democracy. Its members must
have an equal voice, one with another. Its leaders must be freely chosen by its members and
must answer to them. Its program must arise from the free and full competition of ideas among
its members.

Article I – Name

The name of this organization shall be the Democratic Party of Rock County.

Article II – Purpose

It shall be the primary responsibility of the Democratic Party of Rock County to develop
the fullest possible party membership in the county, to hold regularly scheduled meetings, to
encourage and elect Democratic candidates for public office, to form and maintain an effective
campaign organization, to make recommendations for the party platform, and generally, to
promote the Democratic Party in the county.

Article III – Membership

Any resident of Rock County, at least fourteen (14) years of age, who generally
subscribes to the principles of the Democratic Party is eligible for voting membership and shall
become a member upon payment and receipt of membership dues. Such a person is
automatically a member of the Democratic Party of Rock County and the Democratic Party of
Wisconsin.

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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Article IV – Election of Officers

Section 1 – Membership: The elected officers of the Democratic Party of Rock County shall
include a chairperson, a deputy chairperson, a vice chairperson for communications, a vice
chairperson for membership, a vice chairperson for finance and fund raising, a vice chairperson
for elections, a secretary, a treasurer, and three (3) trustees. Such officers shall be elected for a
term of one (1) year.

Section 2 – Nomination: Nomination of a candidate for county party office may be made by an
appointed nominating committee or from the floor by a member. A member may self-nominate.
Nomination must have prior written consent of any absent nominee. Failure to obtain such prior
written consent shall invalidate the election of a person so nominated.

Section 3 – Election: Election of a county party officer shall require a majority of those
members present and voting. If two or more valid candidates are nominated for an office,
election for that office shall be by secret ballot. If a majority is not received by a candidate in the
secret ballot, then a run-off election shall be held among candidates receiving the two highest
vote totals.

Article V – Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

Section 1 – Chairperson: The chairperson shall be the presiding officer at all meetings and
shall act as the administrative head of the organization. The chairperson shall have the power to
appoint special ad hoc committees and their chairs. The chairperson, with the advice and
consent of the Executive Board, shall have the power to appoint a parliamentarian, a sergeant-at-
arms, and a legal counsel. Such special ad hoc committees and appointees shall serve until their
assignment is completed or the county chairperson’s term of office expires.

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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Section 2 – Deputy Chairperson: The deputy chairperson shall assist the chairperson with the
chairperson’s duties and responsibilities. The deputy chairperson, in the absence of the
chairperson, shall represent the county at party meetings and functions, and shall serve as acting
chairperson at county party meetings. The deputy chairperson shall assume the duties and
responsibilities of the chairperson, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, when the
chairperson can no longer serve. When the deputy chairperson so assumes these duties and
responsibilities, the deputy chairperson becomes the chairperson for the remaining term of office,
and, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, a person from the general membership
willing to serve is chosen as the deputy chairperson. The deputy chairperson shall coordinate the
Democratic Party of Rocky County booth at the Rock County Fair. The deputy chairperson shall
perform an annual inventory of the Democratic Party of Rock County property, materials and
supplies, and submit said inventory report at a general membership meeting prior to April 1 of
the current term of office.

Section 3 – Vice Chairpersons:

Vice Chairperson for Communications: The vice chairperson for communications
shall be responsible for the production of a newsletter on a schedule determined by the
chairperson and the Executive Board, maintain regular contacts with all Rock County area
media, generate such promotion and publicity as the Democratic Party of Rock County shall
require for special events, and shall be available for consultation with county candidates prior to
elections.

Vice Chairperson for Membership: The vice chairperson for membership shall be
responsible for efforts to recruit new members and retain present members, maintain complete
membership records, and supply membership application forms and other materials relating to
membership.

Vice Chairperson for Finance and Fund Raising: The vice chairperson for finance
and fund raising shall coordinate county party fund raising events, coordinate special activities
relating to fund raising, seek new ways to raise funds for the county party, coordinate the
spending of the budget with chairperson and treasurer, assist the treasurer with the finances of
the county party, and work with other officers and appointees on funding of special events.

Vice Chairperson for Elections: The vice chairperson for elections shall be responsible
for recruiting candidates for state and local offices, county campaign volunteers, and candidates
for officers of the Democratic Party of Rock County. The vice chairperson for elections shall
also act as a liaison between the Democratic Party of Rock County and federal, state, county, and
local candidate campaign committees.

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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Section 4 – Secretary: The secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at general meetings
and Executive Board meetings. The secretary shall keep and maintain meeting minutes, business
records, and all other county party records and correspondence.

Section 5 – Treasurer: The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the organization,
shall make financial reports in writing at each county meeting and shall expend funds in
accordance with the directives of either the Executive Board or the majority vote of the
members. The treasurer also shall prepare such financial statements as are required by law and
forward them to the proper state, county and local officials. In addition to the customary duties
of the treasurer, the treasurer shall keep a record of paid memberships in association with the
vice chairperson for membership. The treasurer’s books shall be submitted annually to the
trustees for audit. An additional audit of the books may be authorized at any time by majority
vote of the members.

Section 6 – Trustees: The trustees shall audit the fiscal records of the county party, and provide
advice and consent as members of the Executive Board.

Article VI – Executive Board

Section 1 – Membership: The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers of the
county party, the immediate past chairperson, and such appointees the chairperson shall ask to
serve. Voting members of the Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers of the county
party plus the immediate past chairperson.

Section 2 – Executive Board Chairperson: The chairperson of the Democratic Party of Rock
County shall be the Executive Board chairperson. In the absence of the chairperson, the deputy
chairperson shall serve as the Executive Board chairperson.

Section 3 – Immediate Past Chairperson: The immediate past chairperson merits the title
Chair Emeritus and shall provide necessary information and advice to the current chairperson.

Section 4 – Meetings: The Executive Board may meet regularly between regular county party
meetings. In the event a decision needs to be rendered prior to the next regular county party
meeting, the chairperson shall call a meeting of the Executive Board. Any action on urgent
matters that may be taken at a meeting of the Executive Board may also be taken without a
physical meeting and voted on by email.

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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Section 5 – Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Board shall have the power to continue
routine party business and authorize small expenditures. When a decision must be made on an
important matter or expenditure before the next regular county party meeting, the Executive
Board shall have the power to do so. The Executive Board shall be responsible for other duties
so directed by motions passed by the general membership. The Executive Board shall report its
decisions and actions to the general membership at the regular county party meeting immediately
following said decisions or actions.

Section 6 – Vacancies: If a vacancy other than the chairperson occurs, the vacancy shall be
filled for the remainder of the term by appointment by the chairperson.

Article VII – Dues and Finance

Section 1 – Dues: Membership dues shall be determined by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

Section 2 – Division of Dues: A portion of the membership dues received by the Democratic
Party of Rock County, as determined by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, shall be sent to the
Democratic Party of Wisconsin. That portion of the membership dues remaining within the
Democratic Party of Rock County may be used as the county party determines.

Section 3 – Additional Funding: Additional funding for the Democratic Party of Rock County
may be solicited or earned from sources other than membership dues.

Article VIII – Meetings

Section 1 – Parliamentary Authority: The latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall be
the parliamentary authority for all meetings of the Democratic Party of Rock County on all
questions not covered by this constitution.

Section 2 – Monthly Meetings: Unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Board, regular
meetings shall be held once per month on a day agreed upon by the members. Written or email
notice of regular meetings shall be sent to the county party members and Rock County media
before each meeting.

Section 3 – Lapse in Meetings: If three (3) months elapse without a meeting of the Democratic
Party of Rock County, twenty percent (20%) of the county membership may petition the
chairperson of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, who shall call a meeting of the Democratic
Party of Rock County giving ten (10) days written or email notice.

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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Section 4 – Annual Meeting for Election of Officers: The annual meeting for the purpose of
election of officers shall be held not earlier than November 1 and no later than December 31. At
least ten (10) days written or email notice of such election must be given. Only members shall
be eligible to vote. In the event the chairperson shall fail to call such an election meeting within
the period specified herein, the chairperson of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin shall be
authorized to call such an election meeting as soon as practicable.

Section 5 – Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the chairperson, the
Executive Board, or upon request of any eight (8) county party members. Written or email
notice of a special meeting shall be sent at least ten (10) days before such meeting and shall
contain a notice of the purpose of such meeting.

Section 6 – Quorum: Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum. A quorum shall be required
for official business to be conducted, but informal meetings may be held.

Article IX – Endorsements

The Democratic Party of Rock County shall neither endorse nor support any candidate
for any elective office in a primary election unless the Democratic Party of Rock County
recommends an endorsement because of extraordinary circumstances to the Administrative
Committee of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Administrative Committee approves
said recommendation.

Article X – Amendments

Section 1 – Proposed Amendments: Any proposed amendments to this consitition must be
read at one regular meeting and referred to the Executive Board for its recommendations. Copies
of the proposed amendments and the Executive Board recommendations shall be made available
at least ten (10) days before it is to be voted upon at the next regular meeting. Electronic posting
to the Democratic Party of Rock County’s website and email notice to the current general
membership electronic email address list at least ten (10) days before it is to be voted upon shall
be deemed to meet the copy requirement.

Section 2 – When Amending: This constitution shall be amended only at a regularly called
general membership meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members present and voting,
providing there is a quorum.

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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Section 3 - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Approval: This constitution and all amendments

shall be sent to the Democratic Party o f Wisconsin for approval before becoming effective.

Article X I - Constitutional Preference

Section 1 - Applicable Document: This constitution shall supersede any previous constitution,

by-laws, or rules adopted by the Democratic Party of Rock County.

Section 2 - Conflicts: I f and when this constitution is in conflict with the constitution o f the

Democratic Party o f Wisconsin, the latter shall prevail.

April 28, 1988, Adopted at Beloit College,

October 26, 2011, Amended at Regular Meeting, Union Labor Temple, Janesville.

January 15, 2012, Administrative Committee Approval, Democratic Party o f Wisconsin.

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October 26, 2011
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Constitution of the Democratic Party of Rock County

Preamble

We, the members of the Democratic Party of Rock County, adhere to the general principles of the Democratic Party. We take special interest in maintaining, preserving, improving and advancing education, the environment, natural resources, our heritage, agriculture, freedom, equality, stability, and peace.

To be a force for democracy, a political party must be a democracy. Its members must have an equal voice, one with another. Its leaders must be freely chosen by its members and must answer to them. Its program must arise from the free and full competition of ideas among its members.

Article I – Name

            The name of this organization shall be the Democratic Party of Rock County.

Article II - Purpose

It shall be the primary responsibility of the DPRC to develop the fullest possible party membership in the county, to hold regularly scheduled meetings, to encourage and elect, Democratic candidates for public office, to form and maintain an effective campaign organization, to make recommendations for the party platform, and generally, to promote the Democratic Party in the county.

Article III – Membership

            Any resident of Wisconsin, at least 14 years of age, who generally subscribes to the principles of the Democratic Party, is eligible for voting membership and to become a member upon payment of dues and receipt of such dues by the county. Such a person is automatically a member of the Democratic Party, of Rock County and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

Article IV - Election of Officers

Section 1 - The elected officers of the county shall include a chairperson, a deputy chairperson, vice chairpersons for Communications, Membership, Finance and Fund Raising, and Elections and Special Activities, a secretary, a treasurer, and three trustees. Such officers shall be elected for a term of one year.

Section 2 - Nomination of a candidate for county party office may be made by nominating committee or from the floor by a member.  Nomination must have prior written consent of any absent nominee.  Failure to obtain such prior written consent shall invalidate the election of a person so nominated.

Section 3 - Election of a county party officer shall require a majority of those members present and voting. If two or more candidates are nominated for an office, election shall be by secret ballot, the two highest nominees shall be the candidates in a run-off election.

Article V - Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

Section 1 - Chairperson: The Chairperson shall be the presiding officer at all meetings and shall act as the administrative head of the organization. He/she shall have the power to appoint special committee.

Article V - Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

Section 1 - Chairperson: The Chairperson shall be the presiding officer at all meetings and shall act as the administrative head of the organization. He/she shall have the power to appoint special committee chairpeople, and, if necessary, a parliamentarian, sergeant-at-arms or legal counsel, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board. Such special appointee shall serve until their assignment is completed or the county chairperson's term of office expires.

Section 2 - Deputy Chairperson: The Deputy Chairperson shall assist the county chairperson with the chairperson's duties and responsibilities, shall (a) represent the county chairperson at district and state party meetings and functions in the absence of the county chairperson, and (b) shall serve as the Acting Chairperson at county party meetings and functions in the absence of the county chairperson,  (c) coordinate the Democratic Party Booth at the Rock county Fair and (d) assumes the duties and responsibilities of the county chairperson when the county chairperson, for whatever reason, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, can no longer serve. When he/she assumes the duties and responsibilities of the county chairperson, he/she shall, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, choose from the general membership a person willing to serve as the Deputy Chairperson, until the next election.

Section 3 - Vice Chairpersons

Vice Chairperson for Communications: The responsibilities of the Vice Chairperson for Communications shall include the production of a newsletter on a schedule determined by the County Chairperson and Executive Board, maintain regular contacts with all Rock County area media, generate such promotion and publicity as the Democratic Party of Rock County shall require for special events, and shall be available for consultation with county candidates prior to elections.

Vice Chairperson for Membership: The Vice Chairperson for Membership shall be responsible for efforts to recruit new members and retain present members, maintain complete membership records, and supply membership application forms and other materials relating to membership.

Vice Chairperson for Finance and Fund Raising: The Vice Chairperson for and Fund Raising shall coordinate county party fund raising events and special activities relating to fund raising and seek new ways to raise funds for the county party, coordinate the spending of the budget with County Chairperson and Treasurer, assist the Treasurer with the finances of the county party, work with the Vice Chairperson for Elections and Special Activities on special events.

Vice Chairperson for Elections: The Vice Chairperson for Elections shall be responsible for recruiting county campaign volunteers and candidates, acting as a liaison between the DPRC and federal, state, county, and local candidate campaign committees, coordinating activities for the Democratic Party booth at the Rock County Fair, and any other duties as assigned by the Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Rock County.

Section 4 - Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at general meetings and Executive Board meetings, keeping and maintaining meeting minutes, business records and all other county party records, general correspondence, and shall have such other duties as the County Chairperson and/or Executive Board may assign.

Section 5 - Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the organization, shall make financial reports in writing at each county meeting and shall expend funds in accordance with the directives of either the Executive Board or the majority vote of the members. The Treasurer also shall prepare such financial statements as are required by law and forward them to the proper county and/or state officials. Besides the customary duties of the Treasurer, that officer shall keep a record of paid memberships in association with the Vice Chairperson for Membership. The Treasurer's books shall be submitted annually to the Trustees for audit. An additional audit of the books may be authorized at any time by majority vote of the members.

Section 6 - Trustees: The duties and responsibilities of the Trustees include auditing the fiscal records of the county party and providing advice and consent as members of the Executive Board.

Section 7 - Past Chairpersons: Past chairperson is an ex-officio member of the executive committee.  The immediate past chair shall be a voting member of the executive board and provide necessary information and advice to the current chairperson.

 Article VI - Executive Board

Section 1 - Membership:  The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officer of the county party and such appointed officers that the county chairperson shall ask to serve, i.e. Parliamentarian, Sergeant-At- Arms, Legal Counsel, and special committee chairpeople.

Section 2 - Executive Board Chairperson:   The Chairperson of the county party shall be the chairperson of the Executive Board.  In the absence of the County Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson shall serve as the Executive Board Chairperson.

Section 3 - Meetings: The Executive Board may meet regularly between county party meetings.  In the event of a decision needing to be rendered prior to the regular county party meeting, the chairperson shall call, as soon as possible, a meeting of the executive board.

Section 4. - Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Board shall have the power to continue and maintain routine party business, authorize small expenditures, and in an emergency, when a decision has to be made on an important matter and/or expenditure before the next monthly meeting, it shall have the power to do so.  It shall also be responsible for any other duties and responsibilities so directed by motion, passed by the general membership.

                                  Article VII - Membership and Finance

            Section 2 - State-County Division of Dues: A portion of the dues as set by the Constitution of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin shall be sent to the State Party Treasurer. That portion of the membership dues remaining within the county may be used as the county party determines.

Section 1 - Membership: The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers of the county party and such appointed officers that the County Chairperson shall ask to serve, i.e. Parliamentarian, Sergeant-at-Arms, legal counsel and special committee chairpeople.

Section 2 - Executive Board Chairperson: The Chairperson of the county party shall be the chairperson of the Executive Board. In the absence of the County Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson shall serve as the Executive Board Acting Chairperson.

Section 3 - Meetings: The Executive Board may meet regularly between county party meetings. In the event of a decision needing to be rendered prior to the regular county party meeting, the Chairperson shall call, as soon as possible, a meeting of the Executive Board.

Section 4 - Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Board shall have the power to continue and maintain routine party business, authorize small expenditures, and, in an emergency, when a decision has to be made on an important matter and/or expenditures, before the next monthly meeting, it shall have the power to do so. It shall also be responsible for any other duties and responsibilities so directed by motion, passed by the general membership.

Article VIII - Meetings

Section 1 - Monthly Meetings: Unless otherwise ordered by the DPRC, or its Executive Board, regular meetings shall be held once per month on a day agreed upon by the members. Written [or email] notice of regular meetings shall be sent to the members (and Rock County media) before each meeting.

Section 2 - Lapse in Meetings: When three months elapse without a meeting of the county party, 20 per cent of the county membership may petition the Congressional District Chairperson, who shall call a meeting of the county party giving a ten day written notice.

Section 3 - Annual Meeting for Election of Officers: The annual meeting held for the purpose of electing officers and other business shall be held in accordance with state law and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Constitution. At least ten days written notice, of such election must be given by the Secretary or the Vice Chairperson for Communications of the county party to each member entitled to vote, and to State Party Headquarters. At any such election meeting, only members whose dues are paid for the year in which the election is held shall be eligible to vote. In the event the County Chairperson shall fail to call such an election meeting within the period specified herein, the State Chairperson shall be authorized to call such an election meeting as soon as practicable, providing always that the provisions of this section with respect to notice shall be observed by the State Chairperson.

Section 4 - Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by the Executive Board, or upon request of any 25 members. Written notice of a special meeting shall be sent at least ten days before such meeting and shall contain a notice of the purpose of such meeting.

Section 5 - Quorum: Ten members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6 - District and State Convention Eligibility:  Any person who has paid their dues to the DPRC ten days prior to the election of delegates shall be eligible to be a candidate for delegate to the District.

 Article IX Endorsements

The Democratic Party or Rock County shall neither endorse nor support any candidate for any elective office in primary elections.

Article X Amendments

Section 1 - Proposed Amendments:  Any proposed amendments to this Constitution must be read at one meeting and referred to the Executive Board for its recommendation.  Copies of the changes and recommendations shall be mad available at the next regular meeting when the vote is taken.

Section 2 - When Amending:  This Constitution shall be amended only at a regularly called meeting by a two-thirds vote of all members present and voting, providing there is a quorum.

Article XI – State vs. County Constitutions

If and when it shall appear this Constitution is in conflict with the Constitution of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the latter shall prevail.

Article XII – Parliamentary Authority

The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, as outlined in Garfield Jones’ Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance, shall be the parliamentary authority for the DPRC on all questions not covered by this Constitution.

By- Laws

Article I - Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting of the DPRC provided that proposed amendments have been previously studied by the Executive Board, and that copies have been given to Democratic Party of Rock County members 14 days in advance of the meeting.

Article II Location of Monthly Meetings

Generally, monthly meetings shall be held in various locations.  The entire calendar shall be set by the February meeting.

Article III - Resolutions

Section 1 - Announcement of Resolutions:  All resolutions to be presented must be announced after the meeting is called to order by the Chairperson when he/she asks if there is any new business to be added to the agenda.

Section 2 -Written Resolutions:  Written copies of resolutions must be presented to the Chairperson and the Secretary before new business is started.

Section 3 - Acceptance:  A simple majority vote of those present, providing there is a quorum, is needed for acceptance.  If the resolution does not unanimously pass, then the record must indicate so.   A motion may be made for individual balloting; if passed the number of yeas and nays must be recorded.

As adopted 4/28/1988 at Beloit College