By-Laws

NEVADA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: Name, Organization, and Purpose

I.A. The name of this organization shall be the Nevada County Democratic Central Committee (NCDCC) and it shall serve as the official Democratic Party organization in Nevada County and shall be affiliated with the California Democratic Party.

I.B. NCDCC shall be organized for two-year terms of office, commencing with the first meeting in January of odd-numbered years, convened according to Article VI.G of these by-laws. NCDCC is an ongoing body whose elected members are chosen in the biennial Primary Election of even numbered years and whose Ex-Officio Members are designated by the laws of the State of California.

I.C. The purpose of NCDCC shall be:

I.C.1. To promote the election of Democratic candidates;

I.C.2. To provide assistance to the California Democratic Party and Democratic candidates for local, state and federal elective offices;

I.C.3. To charter and assist local Democratic clubs;

I.C.4. To register Democrats to vote, and to educate and inform voters;

I.C.5. To raise funds for Democratic campaigns;

I.C.6. To organize, conduct, and supervise the Nevada County United Democratic Campaign;

I.C.7. To maintain an active base of volunteers for ongoing activities and encourage volunteers to become members of local Democratic organizations;

I.C.8. To make the official Democratic endorsement in Nevada County for non-partisan offices;

I.C.9. To elect members of the Central Committee of the California Democratic Party in a manner prescribed by rules and procedures of the California Democratic Party.

ARTICLE II: Membership

II.A. The membership of NCDCC shall consist of the following registered Democrats in Nevada County except as otherwise specified by California state law:

II.A.1. Elected Members: as prescribed by California State law;

II.A.2. Ex-Officio Members: as prescribed by California State law;

II.A.3. DNC Members: Each Member of the Democratic National Committee registered to vote in Nevada County who is not otherwise a Member of NCDCC;

II.A.4. Regional Chair Members: Each Regional Chair of the California Democratic Party registered to vote in Nevada County who is not otherwise a Member of NCDCC;

II.A.5. Alternate Members: each Elected Member shall appoint a Primary Alternate Member and a Secondary Alternate Member who reside in the same district; each Ex-Officio and DNC Member may appoint a Primary Alternate Member and a Secondary Alternate Member who are registered to vote in the County; each Regional Chair Member may appoint and Primary Alternate Member and a Secondary Alternate Member who reside in the same Region;

II.A.6. Associate Members:

II.A.6.a. Two Associate Members selected by and from each Assembly District Committee for each Assembly District which is wholly or partially within Nevada County;

II.A.6.b. Club Members: One member from each accredited organization who is registered to vote in Nevada County and is chosen by and serves at the pleasure of that organization. Each accredited organization may appoint an alternate who is registered to vote in the County and is a member of that organization.

II.A.6.c. Up to five residents of the same district, appointed by each Elected Member and Ex-Officio Member;

II.A.6.d. Up to five residents of the County, appointed by each DNC Member;

II.A.6.e. Up to five residents of the same Region, appointed by each Regional Chair Member;

II.A.6.f. Each Member of the Central Committee of the California Democratic Party and any registered Democrat who holds an elective non-partisan office in Nevada County, excluding judicial offices, who is not otherwise a Member of NCDCC and chooses to be an Associate;

II.A.6.g. Any other registered Democrat residing in Nevada County who may be appointed by a majority vote of those present and voting at a regular meeting of NCDCC.

II.B. Elected Members may be removed from office, pursuant to the laws of the State of California, if not present in person or through representation by the duly appointed Alternate Member or by proxy for three regular monthly meetings of NCDCC in a calendar year. II.C. Alternate and Associate Members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

ARTICLE III: Voting

III.A. Elected, Ex-Officio, DNC and Regional Chair Members are voting Members of NCDCC.

III.B. Primary Alternate Members may exercise the vote of the Members who appointed them when the Primary Alternate Member is present and the appointing Member is not. III.C. Secondary Alternate Members may exercise the vote of the Members who appointed them when the Secondary Alternate Member is present and both the appointing Member and the corresponding Primary Alternate Member are not.

III.D. Proxies may be designated by voting Members, as follows:

III.D.1. The proxy is designated in writing for a specific meeting of NCDCC, signed and dated; and given to the Secretary prior to or during the NCDCC meeting in which the proxy is to be exercised;

III.D.2. The proxy is given to any registered Democrat who is a resident of Nevada County and of that supervisorial district through which the member giving the proxy holds the NCDCC seat; and

III.D.3. A proxy may be designated by any voting member for no more than two meetings of NCDCC in any one calendar year.

III.E. No person may hold more than one vote at any one meeting of NCDCC or its subordinate bodies.III.F. No vote shall be taken by secret ballot.III.G. Instant runoff voting may be used in any contested election. A motion to use instant runoff voting shall be in order after the close of nominations, before ballots are distributed.

ARTICLE IV: Officers

The officers of NCDCC are as follows and are responsible for performing the normal functions usually assigned to their respective offices as well as duties which from time to time may be assigned by the County Chair, Executive Board, or NCDCC:

IV.A. Elected by NCDCC at organizational meeting of NCDCC (January of odd numbered years):

IV.A.1. Chair (herein called County Chair) who is the presiding, chief administrative and executive officer, and the official spokesperson for the Democratic Party in Nevada County

IV.A.2. First Vice Chair

IV.A.3. Second Vice ChairIV.A.4. Recording Secretary

IV.A.5. Correspondence Secretary

IV.A.6. Treasurer

IV.B. The following seven committee chairmen shall be appointed as described below in Article IV, section C:

IV.B.1. Political Outreach Committee Chairman

IV.B.2. Finance and Fundraising Committee Chairman

IV.B.3. Volunteer Committee Chairman

IV.B.4. Election Committee Chairman

IV.B.5. Candidate Recruitment and Endorsements Committee Chairman

IV.B.6. Media and Communications/ Chairman

IV.B.7. Headquarters Committee Chairman

IV.C. Appointment of Standing Committee Chairs

IV.C.1. By the second meeting after the organizational meeting of NCDCC (March meeting of odd numbered years) the County Chair elected at the organizational meeting of NCDCC shall present a slate of candidates, one candidate for each of the above named seven committee chairman positions. The County Chair shall give written notification prior to the meeting for which such appointment of committee chairmen is on the agenda to Members of NCDCC of the slate of candidates he or she shall present at the appointment meeting.

IV.C.2. A motion shall then be made that the slate shall be nominated for appointed to said seven committee positions.

IV.C.3. If no motion is made to separate out a particular nominee from the slate, appointment of the slate presented by the County Chair by a majority of members of NCDCC present and voting shall proceed.

IV.C.4. If any member of NCDCC present at said meeting so desires, that member may make a motion to separate a particular nominee from the slate presented by the County Chair.

IV.C.5. Said motion to so separate must be voted on by the members of NCDCC and in order to pass, must receive a majority of votes cast by those members of NCDCC present and voting. If said motion to separate does not receive a majority, then appointment of the slate presented by the County Chair by a majority of members of NCDCC present and voting shall proceed.

IV.C.6. If said motion to separate should pass, then additional nominations from the floor shall be opened for the committee chairmen position so separated.

IV.C.7. After nominations from the floor for said position have been closed, the members of NCDCC shall vote on those nominated (including the slate candidate) and choose one to fill the separated position on the slate. In order to fill a position so separated, a person must receive a majority of votes of those members of NCDCC present and voting.

IV.C.8. All motions to separate shall be heard and voted on separately for each committee chairman position.

IV.C.9. After all such motions to separate have been voted, and all nominations have been voted on, the election of the slate as composed at that pointed shall proceed.

IV.C.10. Regardless of the outcome, only one motion to separate may be made for each of the seven committee chairman positions.

IV.D. Duties, Responsibilities, and Powers The duties, responsibilities, and powers of the Executive Officers and the Standing Committee Chairs shall be as provided for as follows: IV.D.1. County Chair IV.D.1.a. To supervise the other Executive Officers of the NCDCC to ensure job performance; IV.D.1.b. To delegate and assign duties and responsibilities in accordance with these bylaws; IV.D.1.c. To mediate and settle disputes among other Executive Officers regarding duties, powers, and areas of responsibility; IV.D.1.d. To regularly evaluate the other Executive Officers and make recommendations on performance accordingly; IV.D.1.e. To carry out the duly enacted policies of the NCDCC; IV.D.1.f.To ensure that all diverse operations of the NCDCC are functioning together toward the stated goals of the NCDCC; and IV.D.1.g. To be the media spokesperson for the NCDCC. IV.D.2. First Vice Chair IV.D.2.a. To regularly evaluate the performance of the NCDCC staff, including the Chair, and to report such evaluations to the Executive Board with recommendations; IV.D.2.b To assist the Chair in the performance of duties, and to serve for and in the absence of the Chair. IV.D.2.c. To regularly evaluate the attendance of each elected member of the NCDCC and to report such evaluations to the Executive Board with recommendations; IV.D.2.d. To promote staff development for the NCDCC; and IV.D.2.e. To conduct an orientation session in the first quarter of each term of office, at which incoming officers, staff and other attendees shall formulate plans for the new term and become more familiar with NCDCC organizations, policies, goals, and objectives. IV.D.3. Second Vice ChairTo and serve for and in the absence of the Chair if the Chair and the First Vice Chair are absent. The 2^nd Vice Chair is automatically a member of the media and communication committee.IV.D.4. Recording Secretary IV.D.4.a. To maintain an up-to-date archive of NCDCC Bylaws, duly enacted legislation, rules of procedure, and minutes of all meetings; IV.D.4.b. To make recommendations on proposed legislation with regard to style, syntax, and uniformity to other enacted legislation; and IV.D.4.c.To maintain a consistent and uniform edition of all current NCDCC Acts with an indexed format, and to provide copies of same upon request of the NCDCC membership. IV.D.5. Correspondence Secretary IV.D.5.a. The secretary shall answer all correspondence and shall perform all duties and services as required by the chair. IV.D.6. Treasurer IV.D.6.a.To serve as chief fiscal officer and controller of the NCDCC funds and to make fiscal recommendations regarding expenditures, allocations, fundraising, and custodianship of funds.IV.D.6.b. To provide the Chair and the NCDCC with accurate estimates of various overhead costs; and IV.D.6.c. To make regular reports on the status of all NCDCC accounts. IV.D.6.a. To prepare the annual budget; IV.D.6.b. The treasurer is automatically a member of the Finance and Fundraising Committee. IV.E. Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committees IV.E.1. Headquarters Committee To be responsible for the over all operation of the headquarters including scheduling, assigning office tasks, keeping up bulletin boards and cleaning. The historian is a member of the Headquarters Committee.IVE.1.a. To coordinate the purchase, use, and maintenance of equipment, supplies, etc., as directed by the Chair and/or the Executive Board; IV.E.1.b. To be responsible for the overall operation of the headquarters, including scheduling and assigning office tasks. IV.E.2 Finance and Fundraising CommitteeTo promote fundraising for the NCDCC through events, email appeals, pledge drives, and any other means. Treasurer is an automatic member.IV.E.3. Media and Communications Committee IV.E.3.a. Coordinate with the DCC Chair all media and communications efforts such as websites, email, newsletters, television, radio and newspapers. Post press releases and signs for all major Democratic events. IV.E.3.b. To provide for a regular newsletter of party events and accomplishments; IV.E.3.c. To be responsible for the data base maintenance needs of the NCDCC. IV.E.3.d. 2nd Vice Chairperson is an automatic member. IV.E.4. Volunteer CommitteeIV.E.4.a. To involve registered Democrats in the work (membership, committees, events, GOTV, neighborhood captains program) of the NCDCC; IV.E.4.b To coordinate the establishment and maintenance of an on-going network of Democratic volunteers; IV.E.5. Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement CommitteeIV.E.5.a. To coordinate the recruitment of Democratic candidates for all elective offices in Nevada County; IV.E.5.b. To coordinate the appointment of Democrats to Boards and Commissions; IV.E.5.c To serve as liaison between the NCDCC and all Democratic office-holders in Nevada County.IV.E.6.d. To provide the NCDCC Chair with the list of elected offices to be filled in the upcoming election cycle and to keep the NCDCC apprised of whom has filed to run in those races.IV.D.11.f.To conduct the endorsement process as stated in Article XIV. IV.E.6. Community Outreach CommitteeIV.E.6.a. To serve as primary liaison between the NCDCC and Democratic clubs and affinity groups; IV.E.6.b. To promote activism within constituent groups such as youth, young adults, and seniors.IV.E.6.c.; To recommend chartering, active or inactive status of a club, or the removal of a charter.IV.E.6.d. To evaluate and make recommendations regarding NCDCC non-partisan groups with which we should affiliate.IV.E.6.e. To promote issue awareness on the NCDCC in regard to club and affinity group activities.IV.E.6.f. Be responsible for coordinating outreach events and voter registration at the county fair, street fairs, parades, and other such events. IV.E.7. Election Committee IV.E.7.a. To provide for the monitoring of elections in Nevada County. IV.E.7.b To work with the elections office to insure fair and just representation of Democrats on precinct election boards.IV.E.7c. To be responsible for allocation of resources (time, volunteers, and money) among endorsed and nominated Democrats.IV.E.7.d.. The chairs of the all the committees and the treasurer are the members of the committee. IV.E.8 Enablement IV.E.8.a. Each officer and each committee shall perform its duties as prescribed, through appropriate activity, delegation, or as prescribed by additional legislation.

IV.E.8.b. Except where otherwise provided, each officer and committee chair is expected to report their relevant activities to the full NCDCC on a monthly basis.

IV.E. The following officers may be appointed by the County Chair and approved by the Executive Board:

IV.D.1. Parliamentarian

IV.D.2. Historian

IV.E.3. Executive Chair

ARTICLE V: Executive Board

V.A. The Executive Board consists of the following as voting members: the six elected officers of NCDCC; and as non-voting members: the three appointed officers.

V.B. The Executive Board meets prior to each regular monthly meeting of NCDCC to set a proposed agenda for the NCDCC meeting and at such other times as may be necessary to carry out the work of the Democratic Party between NCDCC meetings, at the call of the County Chair, or by request of a majority of the voting members of the Executive Board. V.C. The Executive Board acts on behalf of NCDCC between NCDCC meetings.V.D. A quorum of the Executive Board is a simple majority of its voting members, excluding vacancies.V.E. The County Chair is chair of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VI: Meetings

VI.A. Regular monthly meetings shall be held at the permanent headquarters of the Democratic Party in Nevada County, unless specifically designated otherwise by the Executive Board or NCDCC. The tentative proposed agenda for the regular monthly meeting shall be sent to all Members who are current in their dues no fewer that three days in advance of the meeting.

VI.B. Special meetings may be called by the County Chair, by majority of the Executive Board, or by petition of six Elected Members of NCDCC. Notice of special meetings shall be sent to all NCDCC Members who are current in their dues no fewer than five days prior to the meeting and shall specify the time and place of the meeting and the nature of the business to be conducted. No other business shall be conducted at that meeting.

VI.C. A quorum for NCDCC meetings shall be 7 members.VI.D. In the absence of the County Chair, the presiding officer shall be the First Vice Chair. In the absence of both the County Chair and the First Vice Chair, the Second Vice Chair shall preside. In the absence of all three chairs, the Secretary shall act as President Pro Tempura until a presiding officer is chosen from the membership by majority vote of the Members present and voting.VI.E. All meetings of NCDCC are open to the public, except when absolutely necessary and authorized by California State Law to be restricted in attendance. Every reasonable opportunity shall be given for any attendee to be heard. Minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and sent to all Members who are current in their dues.VI.F. The Parliamentarian appointed by the County Chair shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority; and shall advise the Chair on parliamentary inquiries and points of order as requested by the Chair.

VI.G. The NCDCC shall reorganize at its first meeting in January of odd-numbered years. Such meeting shall be conducted as follows:

VI.G.1. The outgoing elected officers shall preside until new officers are elected.

VI.G.2. If the appropriate official is present, newly elected members shall take their oaths of office immediately after the roll call.

VI.G.3. Outgoing officers, chairs, and others shall give their reports as usual.

VI.G.4. The following items shall be conducted as New Business, in this order:

VI.G.4.a. Filling of vacancies in the NCDCC.

VI.G.4.b. Election of officers of NCDCC.

VI.G.4.c. Call for accreditation of clubs.

VI.G.4.d. Election of delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee.

VI.G.4.e. Formation of a bylaws review committee, such committee to report back at a future meeting with the first overall bylaws revision as specified in Article XIV.

VI.G.4.f. Any other business that shall properly come before NCDCC.

VI.G.5. Notice of the re-organizational meeting shall be to all incoming members of NCDCC, and to all outgoing members who are current in their dues, no fewer than ten days in advance of the meeting. Such notice shall include the time, location, and tentative proposed agenda for the meeting.

ARTICLE VII: Vacancies

VII.A. Vacancies in the membership of NCDCC shall be announced at a regular monthly meeting of NCDCC, and shall be filled as prescribed by California State Law. For vacancies in Elected Member positions, a caucus of the remaining Elected Members from the district with a vacancy shall be called by the First Vice Chair, and the Members shall recommend one or more candidates for each open position, after making appropriate community outreach, including to Democratic Clubs and affinity groups. Additional nominations may be made from the floor of the meeting at which the vacancy or vacancies are to be filled.

VII.B. Membership vacancies and vacancies in the officer positions of Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary and Treasurer shall be filled by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of NCDCC. VII.C. In the event of a vacancy in any of the Committee Chairman positions the County Chair shall appoint, with the approval of a majority of the Executive Board, a person to fill said vacant position for the remainder of the term.VII.D. In the event of a vacancy in the County Chair position, the Vice Chair shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the County Chair until such time as the vacancy is filled.VII.E. In the event of a vacancy in any other officer position, the County Chair may designate another officer to assume the duties and responsibilities of the vacant position until such time as the vacancy is filled.VII.F. Vacancies in appointed officer positions shall be filled by the County Chair and approved by the Executive Board.VII.G. Elections to vacant positions must be placed on the agenda of a regular monthly meeting or a special meeting.

ARTICLE VIII: Removal of Elected Members and Officers

VIII.A. Elected members shall be removed from NCDCC as provided by California State Law or by Article II, Section B or Article XII, Section F of these bylaws, provided that a Member whose removal is being proposed shall be sent written notice, no fewer than ten days prior to the hearing, by certified return receipt requested mail, specifying the charges and the time and place of the hearing, and shall have the right to be heard and to call witnesses to testify on his or her behalf prior to the vote.

VIII.B. A hearing for removal of a Member shall be placed on the agenda of a regular or special meeting of NCDCC. A two-thirds majority vote of Members present and voting is required for the removal of a Member. VIII.C. County Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer shall be removed from office by a two-thirds majority of the Members present and voting at a regular monthly meeting of NCDCC, provided that written notice thereof shall have been sent to every Member of NCDCC no fewer than ten days prior to the meeting at which the matter is proposed; and the individual involved shall have the right to be heard at the meeting and to call witnesses to testify on his or her behalf prior to the vote.VIII.D. Any of the seven Committee Chairmen can be removed, for cause, by the County Chair with the approval of a majority of the Executive Board, provided that said Chairman is given ten days written notice of the reasons for removal and provided with an opportunity to be heard by the Executive Board prior to removal vote.

ARTICLE IX: Committees and Task Forces

IX.A. Any registered Democrat, or any person who declares in writing that he or she will register as a Democrat immediately upon becoming eligible to register to vote, residing in Nevada County, may be appointed by the County Chair as a member of any Standing Committee, Ad hoc Committee, or Task Force of NCDCC, with full voting rights in the deliberations of that body, except where otherwise specified in these Bylaws or subordinate enactments, rules of procedure, or guidelines of NCDCC.

IX.B. Committees and Task Forces shall be created for specific needs of NCDCC or the Democratic Party by the County Chair, the Executive Board, or NCDCC. IX.C. The County Chair is an Ex-Officio member of every subordinate body of NCDCC.IX.D. NCDCC Members shall constitute at least a simple majority of each Standing Committee and Task Force of NCDCC.

ARTICLE X: Procedures for Enacting NCDCC Internal Legislation

X.A. NCDCC shall by enactment of appropriate legislation, define and regulate various programs and operations for the following areas, and for other purposes:

X.A.1. A United Democratic Campaign to organize and conduct a voter registration program and get-out-the-vote field operation; and

X.A.2. An Endorsements Committee to recommend official Democratic endorsements for non-partisan offices as prescribed by the Bylaws of the California Democratic Party and applicable law; and

X.A.3. A Fundraising and Financial Committee to facilitate the raising of funds for NCDCC and to advise in the expenditure of funds.

X.B. Legislation (which shall be the internal policy and rules of NCDCC) shall be drafted and introduced as follows:

X.B.1. By any voting member of NCDCC;

X.B.2. By any group of Members of NCDCC as cosponsors, provided that at least one cosponsor is a voting Member of NCDCC;

X.B.3. By majority approval of any NCDCC Committee, which has been organized to draft and recommend legislation, or for other purposes; such legislation must have at least one voting Member of NCDCC as a cosponsor.

X.C. Proposed legislation shall be presented to the Executive Board as follows:

X.C.1. Proposed legislation may be submitted to an Executive Board member for formal presentation at the next Executive Board meeting; or

X.C.2. Proposed legislation with at least five cosponsors may be formally presented at an Executive Board meeting by one cosponsor; or

X.C.3. Proposed legislation by a majority of an NCDCC Committee shall be presented at the next Executive Board meeting by either the First Vice Chair or a cosponsor of the legislation.

X.D. The Executive Board shall consider legislation which has been properly presented as follows:

X.D.1. The Executive Board may place on the agenda the legislation for consideration at the next meeting of NCDCC with the following recommendations:

X.D.l.a. approval by NCDCC,

X.D.l.b. rejection by NCDCC,

X.D.l.c. referral to appropriate committee for amendment,

X.D.l.d. approval by NCDCC with specific amendment(s) or

X.D.l.e. no recommendation.

X.D.2. The Executive Board may place the proposed legislation on the agenda for action at the next meeting of NCDCC provided that:

X.D.2.a. the proposed legislation is placed on the agenda as an informational item or committee report, or

X.D.2.b. the proposed legislation is to be placed on the agenda for other than the next meeting of NCDCC, and the Executive Board reports such action at the next meeting of NCDCC.

X.E. If for any reason, after proper presentation to the Executive Board, the Executive Board has not placed on the agenda for consideration before NCDCC proposed legislation, the proposed legislation may be presented at the next meeting of NCDCC, before approval of the agenda, with a petition of ten voting Members’ signatures. A majority of those present and voting is required to place the proposed legislation on the agenda for consideration.X.F. Unless otherwise provided, a simple majority vote of NCDCC Members present and voting is required for enactment of any legislation.X.G. All duly enacted legislation shall be appropriately enumerated as an Act, and shall become part of the ongoing body of NCDCC.X.H. Legislation which does not materially alter an existing Act, but serves to provide further refinement or guidelines for the programs or operations in an Act shall be approved in the same manner prescribed for legislation, and shall be classified under the appropriate Act, as Rules of Procedure.

ARTICLE XI: Resolutions

Resolutions shall be approved in the same manner as prescribed for legislation except that a proposed resolution, which because of timeliness, has not been submitted to the Executive Board, may be placed on the agenda for consideration by NCDCC as an Emergency Resolution by a two-thirds majority vote of the Members present and voting. A simple majority vote of Members present and voting is required for passage. A duly approved resolution shall be appropriately titled and enumerated, and entered into the permanent record of NCDCC.

ARTICLE XII: Dues

XII.A. Dues Schedule:

XII.A.1. Regular dues for all classifications of membership shall be Twenty-five Dollars per year.

XII.A.2. Dues may be reduced or waived in case of financial hardship in accordance with Section D of this Article.

XII.B. Each Member shall pay the prescribed dues by the third meeting of each year, or the third meeting after becoming a Member, except that the Member may choose to pay one-half at this time and one-half by the first meeting of the second year in the term of office. A Member appointed during the second year of a term of office shall be required to pay one-half the prescribed dues.

XII.C. Dues are not refundable in whole or part.XII.D. If a Member is unable pay dues by virtue of legitimate hardship, the Member may confidentially discuss the matter with the County Chair, with a request to have the char reduce or waive the dues. The decision of the chair shall be final and no report to the committee shall be required.XII.E. Members who are not current in dues and have not received a waiver may be included in the report of the Treasurer at regular monthly meetings of the NCDCC.XII.F. Elected members other than Ex-Officio Members, who have not paid their dues and have not received a waiver may be removed from NCDCC.XII.G. Voting members who are delinquent in dues payment and have not received a waiver, may lose all voting rights in NCDCC until they become current in the payment of their dues.

XII.H. Members who are delinquent in dues payment and have not received a waiver may not receive mailings.

ARTICLE XIII: Rules of Conduct

XIII.A. Any other item not covered in these Bylaws or legislation enacted under these Bylaws (or by California State Law or Bylaws of the California Democratic Party or National Democratic Party) shall be governed by the latest issue of Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.

XIII.B A Sense of Committee action may be taken on any item from the floor of a meeting of NCDCC. XIII.C. For the purpose of these bylaws, transmitting information by e-mail shall be considered the equivalent of written notification, mailed notification, mailings, and any similar method of distributing information.

ARTICLE XIV: Endorsements in Non-Partisan Races

XIV.A. Criteria for races in which candidates will be considered for Endorsement by the Nevada County Democratic Central Committee (NCDCC). XIV.A.1. The NCDCC will send an application/questionnaire and an NCDCC Fair Campaign Pledge to all Democratic candidates in targeted non-partisan races in Nevada County as soon as possible after the final filing deadline. XIV.B. Criteria for Candidates XIV.B.1. The candidate must be a currently registered Democrat and file an endorsement application/questionnaire and a signed NCDCC Fair Campaign Pledge with the NCDCC Candidate Services Chair prior to the specified deadline on the application/questionnaire. XIV.B.1.a. At any time during this process prior to the actual vote by the NCDCC, a candidate may revoke his/her request for endorsement.XIV.B.2. In the case where no candidate for a particular non partisan race is a registered Democrat, the NCDCC, at its sole option, may consider for endorsement a candidate registered as Independent or Decline to State.XIV.C . Candidate Services Committee XIV.C .1. The NCDCC Chair shall appoint a Candidate Services Committee before the filing date closes. XIV.C .2. The Committee shall: XIV.C.2.a. Develop an application/questionnaire for all Democratic candidates in all targeted non-partisan races. XIV.C.2.a.(1). The questionnaire must ask the candidate: XIV.C.1.a.(2). Name, address, work and home phone numbers. XIV.C.1.a.(3). Why they believe that they should receive the endorsement. XIV.B.1.a.(4). Their past/present community service related to the office they seek. XIV.B.1.a.(5). Their activities as a Democrat. XIV.B.2.b. The questionnaire may include other items as deemed appropriate by the Committee. XIV.B.2.c. Identify and mail an application/questionnaire to all Democratic candidates in targeted non-partisan races. XIV.C.3 The Candidate Services Committee will provide support to the Endorsement Committee and during the NCDCC endorsement meetings, as needed. XIV.D. Endorsement Committee XIV.D.1. The NCDCC Chair, no later than the final filing deadline, shall appoint an Endorsement Committee consisting of the following members of the NCDCC: XIV.D.1.a. Seven (7) members appointed by the NCDCC Chair and approved by the Executive Board. XIV.D.1.d. The Chair of Candidate Services. XIV.D.2. The Endorsement Committee shall, as soon as practical, separately interview each candidate for whom an endorsement is considered. XIV.D.2.a. An Endorsement Committee member who is also a paid campaign staff member shall excuse him- or herself from interviewing candidates in that particular race. XIV.D.3.a. An interview sub-committee for a race shall, whenever possible, be composed of members who are neither actively supporting a candidate nor are employed by an elected official who has endorsed or is actively supporting a candidate in that particular race. XIV.D.3.a. The interview schedule shall be provided to all voting members of the NCDCC. XIV.D.3. For each office sought, the Endorsement Committee shall provide an endorsement assessment to the NCDCC. XIV.D.4. The Chair of Candidate Services Committee shall provide to the Chair of Volunteer Committee a summary of endorsement assessments for use in determining levels of campaign assistance. XIV.E. NCDCC Endorsement XIV.E.1. The NCDCC will meet to decide on endorsements at least one month prior to the election. The Chair may call a special meeting, or meetings, to provide for endorsement decisions. XIV.E.2. The time and place of the endorsement meeting will be announced in writing to each voting member of the NCDCC no less than ten (10) days before the regular or special meeting at which such endorsements are to be considered. XIV.E.3. The NCDCC may endorse a candidate who, from the Democratic perspective, will best serve the community. Should the NCDCC decide to endorse in a non partisan race, the NCDCC shall only endorse one candidate per open seat. Endorsement categories are: endorsed, acceptable, and not endorsed. Voting shall be done first on motions to endorse followed by motions to declare acceptable. XIV.E.3.a. Endorsed - By a simple majority of those present and voting, the NCDCC may endorse a candidate. At most one candidate per available seat may be designated Endorsed. Once a candidate has been declared Endorsed, no other candidates may considered for endorsement or as being acceptable for this seat, either at the endorsement meeting or at subsequent meetings, unless the endorsement has been revoked. A designation of Endorsed may carry the weight of the California Democratic Party (CDP) and means: XIV.E.3.a.1. That the NCDCC may publicize such endorsements. XIV.E.3.a.2. That the endorsed candidate has the authority to publicize such endorsement as he/she chooses. XIV.E.3.a.3. Such other campaign assistance as the NCDCC deems appropriate. Statutory or accredited Democratic organizations shall be encouraged to, and the NCDCC expects that they shall, lend or provide their name or campaign assistance to Endorsed candidates. XIV.E.3.b. Acceptable – If an endorsement is not awarded in a given race, by a simple majority of those present and voting, the NCDCC may state that one or more Democratic candidates in a given race are acceptable to the NCDCC, but not endorsed. XIV.E.3.b.1. In the case of an acceptable declaration, the candidate is free to get an endorsement from statutory or accredited Democratic organizations. XIV.E.3.b.2. The candidate cannot state or publish that he or she is endorsed by the NCDCC or the Democratic Party. XIV.E.3.c. Not Endorsed - All remaining candidates shall be designated not endorsed. The NCDCC shall not lend nor provide its name or campaign assistance. Statutory or accredited Democratic organizations shall be encouraged not to, and the NCDCC expects that they shall not, lend or provide their name or campaign assistance to Not Endorsed candidates. XIV.E.4. The NCDCC may reconsider any endorsement action taken, at any time. XIV.E.4.a. An endorsement shall be revoked in the event of a Fair Campaign Pledge violation. Any complaints about a Fair Campaign Pledge violation shall be reviewed by the NCDCC Executive Board. If the Executive Board agrees that there may be a violation, and if time permits, the complaint shall be forwarded to the Endorsement Committee for a recommendation about the alleged ethics violation. The NCDCC, by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, shall make the final decision about revocation of an endorsement. If time does not permit, the decision will be made by the Executive Board, and the actions taken shall be reported to the NCDCC at its next meeting for its approval by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. XIV.E.5. Fast-Track for Sole Democrats XIV.E.5.a. In the case of a race for which the number of Democratic candidates does not exceed the number of seats, the Chair of Volunteer Committee may place the name(s) of one or more of these candidates before the NCDCC for endorsement without the requirement of a questionnaire or an interview. XIV.E.6. The names of all such "Sole Democrats" shall be placed on a consent calendar. Such consent calendar shall be voted on by the NCDCC in a single motion that may be approved by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. XIV.E.7. Any candidate may be removed from the consent calendar by any voting member of the NCDCC. For each candidate removed from the consent calendar, a separate vote shall be taken by the NCDCC, which may, by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting, endorse such candidate. XIV.E.8. Any candidate who fails to receive an endorsement through the process described in this section shall be allowed to go through the questionnaire and interview process, without prejudice.

ARTICLE XV: Political Outreach

XV.A. Scope, Enabling Authority, and Definitions XV.A.1. This article will serve to supplement and further define the duties and responsibilities of the Outreach Committee Chair as specified in Article IV.B. XV.A.2. This article will outline the procedures for chartering and accrediting Democratic Clubs in Nevada County by the Nevada County Democratic Central Committee (NCDCC) as specified in Article I.C.3 of these Bylaws. XV.A.3. This article shall also outline the procedures for re-accrediting Democratic Clubs, specify how a club may lose its accreditation, specify the regulations concerning endorsements of candidates, and provide for the accreditation of all Democratic Clubs. XV.A.4. The NCDCC is the primary accrediting authority for the Democratic Clubs in Nevada County. XV.A.5. A Democratic Club, as defined by this article, is a grassroots organization which supports Democratic Party candidates and principles and meets the requirements stated in XIV.B. XV.A.6. The Community Outreach Committee Chair will be responsible for seeing that Democratic Clubs are properly accredited, should encourage the formation of clubs and will act as liaison between the NCDCC and the Clubs.XV.B. Procedures for Accreditation XIV.B.1. Chartered Democratic Clubs can be of any size.XV.B.2. Democratic Clubs in Nevada County must consider any registered Democrat residing in Nevada County as eligible for membership. XV.B.3. To be eligible for accreditation a club must submit the following documents to the Chair of Community Outreach: XV.B.3.a. A membership list registered Democrats residing in Nevada County who designate this as their primary club; XV.B.3.b. A set of current bylaws; XV.B.3.c. A list of current officers; XV.B.4.d. A financial statement indicating membership support for the club; XV.B.3.e. Documentation of ongoing programs; XV.B.3.f. A list of members that identifies their respective residence and Supervisorial District. XV.B.4. The Community Outreach Committee Chair shall at a regular meeting of the NCDCC introduce a motion to accredit a prospective club. This must be approved by a majority of the members present. XV.B.5. Once accredited, the Club President should contact the Chair of the California Democratic Party Assembly District Committee in Nevada County in which club members reside and provide the Chair with club membership lists. The clubs are responsible for continuous updating of their membership lists. This provision applies when it is not in conflict with club bylaws preserving member privacy. XV.B.6 It is understood that a Democratic club is organized for the purpose of strengthening the Democratic Party and will never publicly endorse a candidate other than a candidate of the Democratic Party or a Declined to State candidate if there is no registered Democrat running in a contest.XV.B.7 If a club fails to meet eligibility under XV.B.3, it will be declared inactive pending re-activation.XV.B.9. The Chair of the Community Outreach Committee shall work with clubs to see that they fulfill their obligations to the NCDCC and the California State Democratic Party.XV.C. Endorsement of Candidates XV.C.1. Clubs may endorse a candidate for partisan election using their own endorsement procedures during primary elections.XV.C.2.However, the NCDCC believes that the Democratic is strengthened when it speaks with a single voice. Thus, for non-partisan candidates, clubs are asked to appoint a member to serve on the NCDCC Endorsement Committee. The NCDCC Endorsement Committee, following the procedure outlined in Article XIV will meet as soon as possible after the filing closure date in March of election years, and in August for the City of Grass Valley and Special District elections. It will complete its work in time to report to the April meeting for primary elections or the September meeting for the general election at which time the endorsement, acceptable candidates, and the contests in which no Democrat sought an endorsement or the NCDCC decided not to make endorsements or there were no candidates acceptable will be decided upon. If the NCDCC has not used the process in Article XIV or completed it by the monthly meetings mentioned above, the clubs may proceed to make endorsements on their own using their agreed upon procedures in the non-partisan elections. Once the NCDCC makes its endorsements, clubs are requested to not invite opposition candidates in endorsed contests to meetings or otherwise promote them. XV.C.3 Clubs may choose to and are encouraged to also endorse the candidates endorsed by the NCDCC, but may not endorse another candidate in the contests in which the NCDCC has endorsed candidates. Clubs may choose to endorse candidates that are declared acceptable in non partisan races or in races wherein no Democratic candidates sought the endorsement of the NCDCC. In all cases, should a club endorse a candidate, the club must have and use open, democratic and agreed upon endorsement proceduresXV.C.4..In all cases should the club endorse a candidate declared acceptable by the NCDCC, the club must make it clear that it is only a club endorsement and not that of the Democratic Party. XV.C.5. The Chair of the Community Outreach Committee shall be responsible for working with clubs in the development of candidates and in matters concerning endorsements.XV.D. Publications Accredited Democratic Clubs are encouraged to patronize union shop printers for all publications, stationery, and leaflets. The County Chair of the NCDCC and the Chair of the Community Outreach Committee shall be responsible for working with union printers to develop Democratic Club rates whenever possible.XV.E. Sanctions The Chair of the Community Outreach Committee shall be responsible for advising the NCDCC when an accredited club is in violation of these articles. An affirmative vote of sixty per cent of the voting members of the NCDCC at a regular meeting of the NCDCC is necessary to remove a club's accreditation.XV.F. Miscellaneous The Chair of the Volunteer Committee shall provide, in conjunction with the Chair of the Community Services Committee, periodic updates of services that the NCDCC can provide to clubs. The Chair of the Community Services Committee shall, by the July NCDCC meeting of every year, contact accredited clubs for help at the NCDCC fair booth. The Chair of Community Services Committee shall brief accredited clubs every year on voter registration and encourage clubs to be involved in this important activity. The clubs should inform the Chair of the Community Outreach Committee of their activities and should send any regular publications such as newsletters to this officer as well as to the County Chair. The Chair of Community Outreach shall, in conjunction with the County Chair, be the liaison of the NCDCC to the California Democratic Council.

The clubs should be aware that the County Chair is the official Democratic Party spokesperson for the county and that when club officers talk to the media they are speaking as club representatives, not officials of the Nevada County Democratic Party or the California Democratic Party.

ARTICLE XVI: Severability

The invalidation of any section of these Bylaws or of any NCDCC internal legislation by California State Law or Bylaws of the California Democratic Party or National Democratic Party shall not affect the validity of any other item or section of these Bylaws or any other NCDCC internal legislation.

ARTICLE XVII: Amendment of These Bylaws

The Bylaws of NCDCC may be revised by a two-thirds majority vote of the Members present and voting, provided that notice' of the proposed bylaws amendment is sent to all Members of NCDCC no fewer than fifteen days prior to the meeting at which the Bylaws proposal is to be considered. A simple majority vote of Members present and voting is required for the first overall Bylaws revision in each term of office, provided that due notification is given as prescribed above. A two-thirds majority vote of the entire NCDCC voting membership shall be required to adopt a Bylaws amendment or revision at other than a regular monthly meeting of NCDCC, provided due notification as above.

History

Adopted by NCDCC, 19 November, 1998.

Revisions proposed by the Ad-Hoc Bylaws Committee, 18 November, 2004.

Amended by NCDCC to permit preferential voting.

Amended by NCDCC to change names of certain chairs, to permit preference voting in more cases

Amended by NCDCC to add Regional Chair Members.

Amended by NCDCC to provide for dues

Amended by NCDCC to give Regional Chair Members voting rights.

Amended by NCDCC to add Article VI.G on reorganization

Amended by NCDCC to allow DNC and Regional Chair Members to appoint alternates

Amended by NCDCC to add rules for non partisan endorsements.

Amended by NCDCC to clarify club chartering requirements.

Amended by NCDCC to restructure the chairships

Amended by NCDCC to allow DNC and Regional Chair Members to appoint proxies and

associates.

Amended by NCDCC to allow Voting Members to appoint both a Primary and a Secondary Alternate

Amended by NCDCC to allow Clubs to have associate members, prohibit secret ballots, specify email as acceptable communication, refine quorum requirement and vote required to remove an elected member. Also, other cleanup of the bylaws, including addition of Article pertaining to Resolutions, Legislation, club charters and of relevant Rules of Conduct.

Adopted by NCDCC on 16 Dec, 2004.

Amended Article XVby NCDCC on 17 August 2006

Amended by NCDCC to allow clubs to be of any size

Amended Article IV April 19, 2007 NCDCC