donkeyThe El Cerrito Democratic Club ("ECDC") is the officially chartered Democratic Club serving El Cerrito, Kensington, and neighboring communities in California.

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El Cerrito Democratic Club


Bylaws


Approved 2002 and Amended August 26, 2003

I. Name: The name of this organization is the EL CERRITO DEMOCRATIC CLUB (ECDC).

II. Purpose: The ECDC is a political organization, for residents of El Cerrito, Kensington, and neighboring communities, chartered by the California Democratic Party, which:

  1. Provides a forum for area residents to discuss and explore issues of local, state, national, and/or international importance.
  2. Provides an opportunity for area residents to participate in a significant way in the election campaign process.
  3. Coordinates the exchange of ideas, plans, and information for the mutual benefit of its members.
  4. May endorse candidates and take positions on legislation and issues of interest to its members.
  5. Acts to promote the public welfare, serve the principles of democracy, oppose unfairness and discrimination, and does this by reason and with justice.

III. Membership: Any registered Democrat becomes a member upon payment of annual dues. Dues may be waived by the Executive Board for good cause, such as inability to pay. ECDC administrative information about members (e.g., name, address, phone number, e-mail address) is confidential except when disclosure would serve or promote ECDC activities or administration.

IV. Annual Dues: Dues shall be determined by the membership and shall be at least $5/year.



V. Officers:

A. Positions. Administration of ECDC shall be conducted by the following officers:

  1. President: responsible for overall administration and management of ECDC, conducting meetings of the members and the Executive Board, assuming responsibilities of other offices that are vacant or not otherwise being performed, and representing ECDC positions as spokesperson. Committee chairs may be appointed by the President, subject to member confirmation.
  2. Executive Vice President: in addition to acting in the absence of the President, is responsible for encouraging the development of action plans to achieve ECDC policy objectives, overseeing those plans, maintaining the ECDC policy platform and updating the platform to include policies approved by the membership in accordance with Section VI.E.
  3. Immediate Past President: in addition to acting as President in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President, shall chair the nomination committee.
  4. Vice President-Membership: responsible for membership lists, membership development and recruitment, affiliation with other Democratic organizations, and annual re-chartering of ECDC.
  5. Vice President-Treasurer: responsible for keeping and maintaining adequate and correct accounts of ECDC financial transactions, depositing all ECDC funds, distributing ECDC funds as authorized, and drafting a budget.
  6. Vice President-Publications: responsible for the publication and distribution of ECDC News, ECDC miscellaneous publications, and development of an ECDC presence on the Internet.
  7. Vice President-Records: responsible for member and Executive Board meeting minutes, meeting attendance records, and maintenance of ECDC’s permanent records.
  8. Vice President-Programs: responsible for planning, scheduling, and arranging ECDC programs and speakers for ECDC meetings and special events, including the annual dinner.
  9. Vice President-Media: responsible for relations with print and other media, monitoring press coverage, preparing press releases regarding ECDC meetings and actions, and acting as corresponding secretary preparing or overseeing ECDC correspondence.
In performing their duties, officers shall adhere to and be guided by the decisions of the members and Executive Board. The members may elect additional officers as needed. Any officer may appoint an assistant or assistants to aid in the performance of the officer's duties.

B. Election of Officers. Officers shall be ECDC members and elected by a majority vote of the members present at the January organizational meeting. No member shall be elected to serve in more than one office concurrently.

C. Vacancies.

  1. Filling of Vacancy. A vacancy in an office (for instance, by death or resignation) shall be filled by majority vote of the members present at any meeting the notice of which shall have specified the proposed action as provided in Section VI.B.1 (a) or (b) (Notice).
  2. Removal. A petition to remove an officer for cause may be submitted by ten members or the Executive Board. Reasons for removal include, but are not limited to, missing three consecutive Executive Board meetings without a valid excuse, or failure to faithfully perform the duties of the office. Members shall vote on the removal petition at a meeting the notice of which shall have specified the proposed removal as provided in Section VI.B.1 (a) or (b) (Notice). Removal shall require the majority vote of the members present at the meeting. The vacancy created by removal of an officer shall be filled as provided in Section V.C.1.

VI. Meetings.
A. Meetings. Members shall meet regularly, usually monthly but at least quarterly, at times, dates, and locations to be determined by the membership. Unless otherwise noticed, meetings shall include discussion of and action upon ECDC business. The January organizational meeting shall include the election of officers and setting of the calendar. Additional meetings may be called by the Executive Board or by a vote of the members at any meeting. Notice of an additional meeting shall be mailed to the members pursuant to Section VI.B.1 (a) (Notice), or given at least 72 hours in advance by telephone, electronic mail, or any combination of means.

B. Notice. Members have a right to notice and to deliberate on proposed ECDC actions.

  1. Notice Defined: Notice exists when the text of a proposed action and its implementation plan is either:
    (a) mailed to the members, in the ECDC News or otherwise, at least ten days prior to the meeting at which action is proposed, or
    (b) presented at a member meeting, informing the members that the members will be asked to act upon the proposal at a subsequent meeting.
    2. Notice Unnecessary: No notice is required when a proposed action is fairly encompassed by an ECDC action previously taken that is still in effect.
  2. Waiver of Notice: Notice of a proposed action may be waived by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting at a meeting, provided that those voting for the waiver constitute at least a majority of the required quorum for the meeting.

C. Conduct of Meetings. The members shall designate a Rules of Order to guide matters not specifically covered by these Bylaws or standing rules.

D. Quorum. Quorum at a meeting consists of five per cent of the membership, but not less than 10 members.

E. Voting.

  1. Any proposal that has been properly presented as specified in Section VI.B 1(a) or (b). (Notice) may be adopted by a simple majority of the members present and voting at the meeting, provided that those voting for the proposal constitute at least a majority of the required quorum for the meeting.
  2. Any proposal for which Notice has been waived as provided by Section VI.B.3 (Waiver) may be adopted by the 2/3 vote of the members present and voting at the meeting, provided that those voting for the proposal constitute at least a majority of the required quorum for the meeting.
  3. Members may not vote by proxy.<.li>

VII. Newsletter: ECDC shall distribute a newsletter to all members and newsletter subscribers, usually monthly preceding each member meeting. Within the limits of the budget, the newsletter shall include information on ECDC business, such as action taken at member and Executive Board meetings, notice of proposed actions as provided in Section VI.B. (Notice), and any other matters as specified in these Bylaws.

VIII. Executive Board: The Executive Board shall consist of the Elected Officers specified in paragraph V.A (Positions).
The Executive Board is empowered to act for the membership between member meetings on:

  1. administrative details,
  2. follow-up actions on issues upon which ECDC has taken a position,
  3. time sensitive issues that must be decided before the next member meeting, and
  4. calling additional meetings as specified in Section VI.A (Meetings).
The Executive Board shall act with restraint and discretion. The Executive Board may act in a meeting or by a poll. Prior notice of meetings shall be given to all Executive Board members. A quorum shall be five officers. An action may be adopted by a majority of the Executive Board present and voting at the meeting.

If acting by poll, notice of the proposed action shall be given to all Executive Board members. A majority of all Board members is required to approve an action taken by poll. The Executive Board may not vote by proxy. All actions of the Executive Board shall be reported at the next member meeting, the membership confirming, when appropriate, the actions taken.

IX. Endorsements of Candidates, Taking Positions on Ballot Issues, and Making Campaign Contributions: ECDC may endorse candidates for public office, take positions on ballot issues, and contribute to political campaigns (“Endorsement Actions”). All Endorsement Actions shall be taken in accordance with ECDC Standing Rules on Endorsement.

Prior to endorsing a candidate for an office, except a candidate for state or federal office elected on a statewide basis, ECDC shall inform all registered Democrats who are candidates for that office that ECDC may endorse, and shall offer each Democratic candidate or his or her representative an opportunity to meet with the ECDC membership.

An Endorsement Action may only be taken at a meeting of members after notice has been provided as specified in section VI.B.1 (a) or (b). The affirmative vote of 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the members or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary for an Endorsement Action.

IX. Endorsements of Candidates, Taking Positions on Ballot Issues and Making Campaign Contributions: ECDC may endorse candidates for public office, take positions on ballot issues and contribute to political campaigns ("Endorsement Actions"). All Endorsement Actions shall be taken in accordance with ECDC Standing Rules on Endorsement.

Prior to endorsing a candidate seeking an office for which ECDC has scheduled a candidates’ forum and endorsement vote by secret ballot, ECDC will communicate with the Democratic candidates or their campaigns, and invite them or their representatives to participate in a Candidates’ Forum. For all other candidates, notice of such a forum shall be determined by the Executive Board.

An Endorsement Action may only be taken at a meeting of members after notice has been provided to members in the ECDC News or otherwise, mailed at least 10 days prior to the meeting at which action may be taken. ECDC can only endorse candidates who are Democrats. The affirmative vote of 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary for an Endorsement Action. Voting on candidates may be accomplished by use of a ranked-choice or instant runoff system.

X. Use of ECDC Identity: No person may use or authorize the use of the ECDC name, address, mailing permit, or any other item that would identify ECDC, except as follows:

  1. listing ECDC as an endorser when endorsement has been properly obtained pursuant to section IX, or
  2. upon receiving the approval of 60% of the members present and voting at a meeting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, provided notice of the exact use and the materials in which the item is to be used are provided pursuant to section VI.B.1(a) or (b).
    3. No use may extend beyond the time specified by the members.

XI. Amendments: An amendment to these Bylaws may be considered at any member meeting in which notice is provided under sections VI.B.1(a) and (b). The affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members present and voting at the meeting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary to adopt an amendment.

The members may adopt, amend, or waive any of the ECDC Standing Rules by a majority of those present and voting at a meeting. ECDC shall not promulgate standing rules inconsistent with these bylaws.

El Cerrito Democratic Club (ECDC)

ECDC Standing Rules on Endorsement Procedures


Effective: August 26, 2003

ECDC may endorse candidates for public office, take action on ballot issues, and contribute to political campaigns according to the procedures set by the ECDC Bylaws and these ECDC Standing Rules.

A. Definitions. As used in these rules:

  1. "Action" on a ballot issue means endorsement or disapproval. However, ECDC may also decide to take no position on a ballot issue or not to consider a ballot issue, which are not considered "actions".
  2. "Ballot Issue" means an initiative, referendum or measure placed before voters.
  3. "Candidate" means a person seeking elected public office. There are various types of elected public offices, as specified in Chart A of these standing rules.
  4. "Candidates’ Forum" means an ECDC meeting at which 1) candidates or representatives of candidates are heard and questioned and/or 2) reports and recommendations are made regarding the election of candidates. The type of Forum for a particular office is specified in Chart A of these standing rules.
  5. "Democrat" means a person whose voter registration reflects that he or she is a member of the Democratic Party at least 30 days prior to a Candidates’ Forum.
  6. "ECDC member" or "member" means a Democrat listed for at least 30 days on the membership roll of ECDC who is current in payment of ECDC dues.
  7. "Election" is either a "general" or "special" election, in which voters make a final selection of candidates for elected public office and/or determine ballot issues, or a "primary" in which candidates are selected by the Democratic Party as nominees for Legislative and State/Federal offices.
  8. "Endorsement meeting" means an ECDC meeting to which members have received notice that ECDC will vote on whether to endorse candidates. This is held after or concurrent with a candidate’s forum.

B. Candidate Endorsements:
  1. 1. Election Schedule: By August of each year, the Executive Board will identify offices to be filled in any elections scheduled for the next calendar year. Based on this information the Board will present, no later than at the September ECDC meeting, a tentative schedule for candidates’ forum(s) and endorsement meeting(s), if any, for the next calendar year. Unless rejected by ECDC or later amended, this schedule governs the timing of ECDC endorsement determinations. In addition, members will receive notice of the date, place and time for a candidates’ forum or an endorsement meeting, in the ECDC News or otherwise, mailed at least ten days prior to the meetings.
  2. 2. Scope of Candidates’ Forums: Unless otherwise directed by ECDC, the nature of any particular candidates’ forum will reflect the Forum Type specified by Chart A.
  3. 3. Notice of Candidates’ Forums. ECDC shall provide notice to candidates eligible to participate in a forum as specified in Chart A. The notice shall include a copy of these Standing Rules on Endorsement Procedures and shall invite the candidate to provide written material for those attending the meeting. .
  4. 4. ECDC Endorsement. ECDC may endorse a candidate for elected public office when:
    1. a. five days have passed from the deadline for filing a statement of intention, if applicable, and if not applicable, filing for the office;
    2. b. notice has been provided to Democratic candidates as required by section B.3 (Notice of Candidates’ Forums) of these standing rules;
    3. c. the candidate is a Democrat;
    4. d. at least 15% of ECDC membership are eligible to vote in the election for which the candidate is to be endorsed; and
    5. e. the endorsed candidate receives an affirmative vote of at least 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater.

    5. ECDC Endorsement Voting:

    1. Date for Endorsement Vote: An endorsement vote should not occur before members have an opportunity to hear about the candidates at a candidates’ forum.
    2. Candidate Endorsement: Before an endorsement vote occurs, members should have a reasonable opportunity to present and hear arguments for and against endorsement of candidates.
    3. Method of Voting: All members present at the endorsement meeting are eligible to vote on all endorsements. Balloting on candidates for the primary for legislative offices, or for traditionally-endorsed or regional offices shall be by secret ballot. All votes for other elected public office endorsements shall be by show of hands, unless a secret ballot for that particular office is approved by the ECDC at a meeting prior to the date of the endorsement vote. All voting shall contain the option of "no" endorsement for any office. If a member votes for no endorsement, that vote is to be counted in the total present and voting. For each office in which endorsement is considered, the voting shall consider only candidates who are Democrats.
    4. Voting Administration: The Executive Board shall select a member to act as a judge for the election. The election judge shall administer the process for voting, arrange for the format, printing and security of the ballots, and shall monitor the fairness of the voting. The election judge shall enlist other members to help administer and count the vote, ensuring that members of opposing candidates’ campaigns have the same opportunity to assist.

    6. Endorsement Voting Methods for the secret ballot shall be as follows:

    1. Where the number of Democratic candidates does not exceed the number of seats to be filled in the election for an office, all candidates meeting the requirements of Section B.4 (ECDC Endorsement) shall be endorsed.
    2. When the number of Democratic candidates exceeds the number of seats to be filled, ECDC shall determine endorsement through use of a ranked-choice or instant runoff ballot. Before such balloting, the ECDC election judge shall explain to members how ECDC’s ranked-choice or "instant runoff" voting method works.
      1. The Ballot: The ballot shall allow members to rank candidates in order of preference. When there are several seats open for Democratic candidates, the ballot will allow members to vote as many first choices in a race as there are open seats; however, a member cannot give the same candidate more than one vote.
      2. Endorsement Count: The ballot count will proceed as follows:
        (i) only first-preference rankings are counted as an affirmative vote, and
        (ii) once the first place votes on all ballots are counted and those gaining 60% affirmative vote determined, only one instant run off count will occur for those seats where no candidate received 60%. The candidate(s) receiving the lowest number of votes before the runoff will be eliminated and the ballots designating the eliminated candidates as the first preference will be transferred to the candidate marked next in preference.
      3. Endorsement Determination: All candidates meeting the requirements of Section B.4 (ECDC Endorsement) shall be endorsed.

      7. Endorsement Voting Methods for non-secret voting (show of hands) shall be as follows:

      1. Show of Hands: Voting on candidates for the general election for legislative offices, or for State /Federal office, or judicial office (as indicated on Chart A of these standing rules) shall be by show of hands and in conformity with Section B.5(c) (Method of Voting).
      2. Show of Hands Runoff: If upon a show of hands vote no candidate(s) receive(s) the votes necessary to endorse, one runoff will be conducted as follows:
        a) if there are more than two Democratic candidates for a seat, a runoff election between the two candidates with the most votes shall be conducted.
        b) if an office has multiple seats to be elected and for at least one seat no candidate received the votes necessary to endorse, a runoff will be conducted by eliminating the candidate(s) with the least number of votes.
        c) In any show of hands balloting or runoff, all candidates meeting the requirements of Section B.4 (ECDC Endorsement) shall be endorsed.

      C. Ballot Issue Actions

      1. Schedule: Action on a ballot issue can be considered by members only after notice is provided to members of the date, place and time for considering endorsement of the ballot issue(s) in the ECDC News or otherwise, mailed at least ten days prior to the meeting. Before taking action, members shall have a reasonable opportunity to present and hear arguments for and against taking action.

      2. ECDC Action: ECDC may take an action on a ballot issue when:

      1. notice has been provided to members as required by Section C.1 (Schedule).
      2. at least 15% of ECDC membership are eligible to vote in the election on the ballot issue; and
      3. the proposed action receives an affirmative vote of at least 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater.

      3. Voting Method: All members present at the meeting are eligible to vote on a ballot issue. The vote shall be by show of hands, unless a secret ballot is approved by ECDC at a meeting prior to the date of the vote. It will be conducted by the presiding officer, with the assistance of other members as the presiding officer may consider appropriate. Members will be asked to: a) endorse, b) oppose, or c) take no position. If the requirements of C.2 (ECDC Action) are met, ECDC will have acted to take a position. If the requirements of C.2 are not met, ECDC will have taken no position.

    D. Contributions to Political Campaigns

    1. ECDC Contribution: ECDC may contribute money to a political campaign when:

    1. notice has been provided to members of the date, place and time for considering a political contribution in the ECDC News or otherwise, mailed at least ten days prior to the meeting. Such notice shall specify the amount to be contributed and the expected impact of such contribution on the ECDC budget,
    2. ECDC previously endorsed the candidate or issue to which a contribution is proposed, pursuant to sections B or C of these standing rules; and
    3. at least 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, affirmatively vote to contribute.

    2. Voting Method: All members present are eligible to vote on a contribution to a political campaign. The vote shall be by show of hands, unless a secret ballot is approved by ECDC. The vote to be put to members regarding any contribution shall be to: a) contribute the proposed amount; b) oppose the contribution; or c) take no position. The vote will be conducted by the presiding officer, with the assistance of other members as the presiding officer may consider appropriate.