Table of Contents

ARTICLE I:  Name, Organization, and Purpose

ARTICLE II:  Membership

ARTICLE III: Voting

ARTICLE IV: Officers on the Executive Board

ARTICLE V: Appointment of Standing Committee Chairs

ARTICLE VI: Duties, Responsibilities, and Powers of Executive Officers 

ARTICLE VII: Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committees

ARTICLE VIII: DCC Meetings

ARTICLE IX: Vacancies

ARTICLE X: Removal of Elected Members, Officers, and DSCC (Democratic State Central Committee) Members

ARTICLE XI: Motions

ARTICLE XII: Resolutions

ARTICLE XIII: Dues

ARTICLE XIV: Rules of Conduct

ARTICLE XV:  Endorsements in Local Races

ARTICLE XVI: Accreditation of Democratic Clubs

ARTICLE XVII: Severability

ARTICLE XVIII: Amendment of These Bylaws

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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. Since these bylaws only apply to Nevada County, “DCC” will be used from here onward as an abbreviation for NCDCC.

I.B  All DCC voting members shall hold four - year term of office, commencing with the first meeting in January following the election of members at the Primary Election in Presidential election years, convened according to Article VI.G of these By-laws. DCC’s primary members are chosen in the Primary Election of Presidential election years. Other members shall be appointed or selected as prescribed in Article II. 

I.C The mission of the DCC is to rebuild our democratic institutions, enforce the rule of law, strengthen our Constitution to protect us from tyrants, protect the freedoms of "We the People", respect the dignity of each and everyone, and demand immediate protections of our planet.

I.C.1 We inform citizens about the principles and philosophy of the Democratic Party; 

I.C.2 We elect Democratic candidates;

I.C.3 We endorse Democrats in Nevada County for local offices;

I.C.4 We provide assistance to the California Democratic Party in electing candidates for local, state and federal offices;

I.C.5 We charter and assist local Democratic clubs;

I.C.6 We register Democrats to vote;

I.C.7. We raise funds for endorsed Democratic candidates; and

I.C.8 We elect members from Nevada County to be delegates to the Central Committee of the California Democratic Party.

ARTICLE II: Membership

The membership of DCC shall consist of the following persons who are registered to vote as Democrats in Nevada County. 

II.A  Primary Members:  Nevada County Central Committee members shall be elected by supervisorial districts.Publication of vacant positions on the DCC will be in the footnote of the regularly scheduled newsletter and announcements. Prior to the actual election of DCC members during the presidential election primary, information about that process will be in the regularly scheduled newsletter and announcements in an article beginning three months before the filing deadline. Information about vacancies and the qualification and selection procedure for membership and officers’ elections will be posted on our website, as well as the formal election procedure every four years.

II.B The number from each supervisorial district and the manner of their election shall be as prescribed by the California Elections Code. If there are vacancies in the prescribed number of seats, the Chair may appoint registered Democrats to fill the vacancies with the approval of the DCC.

II.C Primary Members are encouraged to:

II.C.1 Attend the DCC meetings once a month on the 3rd Wednesday of the month; 

II.C.2 Contact the chair if you can’t attend because of illness or being out of town, and ask one of your proxies from your district your secondary to attend and to vote for you, if necessary;

II.C.3 Pay $25 a year in dues prior to the March meeting of each year in order to be able to vote;

II.C.4 Serve on a “standing committee” that meets on a regular monthly schedule, and/or an “ad hoc committee” or a “task force committee” that are formed to address a particular issue;

II.C.5 Take a shift at the fair booth and/or other events;

II.C.6 Attend the fundraiser events; and

II.C.7 Attend other DCC sponsored activities as you are able.

II.D Ex-Officio Members: The following persons are Ex-Officio members of the Central Committee if they are registered to vote in Nevada County and are otherwise not a member:

II.D.1 The top vote-getting Democratic candidate in each election for State or National office; 

II.D.2 Each member of the Democratic National Committee; and

II.D.3 The Regional Director of the California Democratic Party.

II.E Secondary Members: Secondary members of the Central Committee shall be chosen as follows: Each Primary and Ex-Officio member should appoint a secondary member. who resides in the same district. In the event of a vacancy in the secondary position, the primary member shall have 30 days to appoint a substitute.  If he or she fails to do so within that time, the Chair may make the appointment with consultation with the other members from that district.

II.E.1 Secondary Members are encouraged to:

II.E.1.a Attend the DCC meeting once a month on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. They are voting members of this body;

II.E.1.b Are encouraged to serve on a standing and/or an ad hoc committee if able;

II.E.1.c Participate in other DCC sponsored activities; and

II.E.1.d Pay the $25 dues, necessary in order to vote. 

II.F Associate Members: The following persons shall be Associate Members of the DCC:

II.F.1 Club Members: One member from each Club chartered by the DCC who is not otherwise a member of the DCC shall be chosen by that Club to be an Associate Member.   

II.F.2  State Central Committee Members and Elected Officeholders:  Each member of the Central Committee of the California Democratic Party (ADEM delegates) and any registered Democrat who holds an elected office in Nevada County, excluding judicial offices, who is not otherwise a member, shall be an Associate Member.

ARTICLE III: Voting

III.A Primary, Ex-Officio Members/Alternates and Secondary members are voting members of the DCC. 

III.B Proxies may be designated by voting members, as follows:

III.B.1 Electronically transmit a notice to the Recording Secretary or the Chair prior to or during the DCC meeting in which the proxy is to be exercised.

III.B.2 The proxy can be given to any registered Democrat who is a resident of Nevada County in the same supervisorial district as the member giving permission to the proxy.

III.B.3 Secondary members are encouraged to appoint a proxy if they will be absent from a meeting. 

III.C No endorsement vote on candidates or resolutions shall be taken by a secret ballot. An endorsement vote shall be an aye or no vote.  

III.D The DCC is prohibited from endorsing candidates for county committees. 

ARTICLE IV: Officers on the Executive Board

The officers on the Executive Board 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 Chair, the Executive Board, or the DCC:

VI.A The Executive Board meeting is for the five elected officers to troubleshoot, problem solve, and prepare for the DCC meetings. Heads of committees could be invited to participate as needed.of the executive Board; 

VI.A.1 The Executive Board acts on behalf of DCC between the DCC meetings to carry out the work of the Democratic Party;

VI.A.2 The Executive Board may meet at other times as may be necessary at the call of the Chair or by request of a majority of the voting members of the Executive Board. 

VI.A.3 The quorum of the Executive Board is a simple majority of its elected office members, excluding vacancies.

VI.A.4 The Chair is the chair of the Executive Board and can break a tie.

VI.A.5 All members of the Executive Board should appoint an Alternate. Officer alternates can be any DCC member and who is a chair of a committee Alternates will have full voting rights when serving at an executive board meeting. An executive board member who will be absent should notify the Chair when their Alternate will be attending.

IV.B  Nomination of Officers to the Executive Board

IV.B.1 Nominations of the officers for the executive board will be taken every other year at the November meeting of the DCC (November of even numbered years).

IV.B.2 In September of the even numbered year, the Chair shall appoint a Nominations Committee of at least three members subject to approval of the Executive Board. 

IV.B.3 The Nominations Committee shall prepare a slate of officer candidates and announce it at the November meeting.

IV.B.4 Following the reading of the Nominations Committee slate, other nominations may be taken from the floor.

IV.B.5 Officers must be voting members of the DCC.

IV.C The following officers shall be nominated:

IV.C.1  Chair 

IV.C.2  First Vice Chair

IV.C.3  Second Vice Chair

IV.C.4   Secretary

IV.C.2.e Bookkeeper

IV.D Election of Officers

The election of officers will be taken at the organizational meeting of the DCC (during January of odd numbered years).

IV.D.1  Additional nominations may be made at the organizational meeting.

IV.D.2  If more than one person is running for a position, a vote will be taken by written ballot.  A nominee must receive more than 50% of the total of members voting to be elected.

IV.D.3 The new officers will be announced at the end of the vote and will take office immediately at the organizational meeting

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V.  Appointment of Standing Committee Chairs

V.A. The following eight standing committee chairs shall be appointed as described below in Article IV, section D:

V.A.1 GOTV Committee Chair

V.A.2 Communications Committee Chair

V.A.3 Community Outreach Committee Chair 

V.A.4 Community Events Committee Chair 

V.A.5 Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee Chair

V.A.6 Fundraising & Merch Committee Chair

V.A.7 Facilities Committee Chair

V.A.8 Youth Committee Chair

V.B. At the first DCC meeting after the organizational meeting at the February meeting of odd numbered years, the Chair shall present a slate of candidates, one candidate for each of the 8 committee chair positions.

V.B.1 A motion shall then be made that the slate be nominated for appointment to the 8 committee chair positions;

V.B.2 Additional nominations may then be made from the floor; and

V.B3 If more than one person is nominated for any of the chair positions, a vote will be taken by written ballot.  A nominee must receive more than 50% of the total of members voting to be elected. In the event no nominee receives more than 50% of the votes, a “run-off” written ballot vote between the two highest vote getters will take place immediately following the first vote.

VI. Duties, Responsibilities and Powers of Executive OfficersThe duties, responsibilities, and powers of the Executive Officers

VI.A  Chair

VI.A.1 To act as presiding officer at meetings of the Executive Board and the DCC;

IV.A.2 To lead the Executive Board meetings, including announcements of meetings, and creating and distributing the agenda; 

IV.A.3 To act as the Administrator and Leader of the Executive Board;

VI.A.4 To supervise the other Executive Officers and the Standing Committee Chairs of the DCC to ensure job performance; 

VI.A.5 To delegate and assign duties and responsibilities in accordance with these bylaws; 

VI.A.6  To mediate and settle disputes among other Executive Officers regarding duties, powers, and areas of responsibility; 

VI.A.7 To carry out the duly enacted policies of the DCC;

VI.A.8 To be the spokesperson for the DCC; 

VI.A.9 To serve as liaison to the clubs and other entities; and

VI.A10 The Chair shall be a member of all Committees.

VI.B. First Vice Chair 

VI.B.1 To assist the Chair in the performance of duties and to serve in the absence of the Chair;

VI.B.2 To periodically check in with the Executive Committee and DCC members and alternates to assess their satisfaction with their involvement and facilitate adjustments as necessary;

VI.B.3 To regularly monitor the attendance of voting members of the DCC and to report on their attendance to the Executive Board, with recommendations if necessary;  

VI.B.4 To create and maintain a sign-in sheet for recording attendance of members and collecting names and contact information of new attendees;

VI.B.5 To conduct periodic orientations to familiarize DCC members and other interested Democrats with DCC committees, policies, goals, and objectives;  

VI.B.6 To keep the DCC membership roll updated and inform the chair of vacancies;

VI.B.7 To keep a list of Primary & Secondary members, and proxies, with their district number, to assist members in finding Secondary members, Proxies, or replacements for themselves; and

VI.B.8 The First Vice Chair shall be a member of a committee.

VI.C Second Vice Chair

VI.C.1 To serve as Chair if both the Chair and the First Vice Chair are absent;

VI.C.2 To conduct special projects assigned by the Chair; and  

VI.C.3 The Second Vice Chair shall be a member of a committee.

VI.D Secretary 

VI.D.1 To take minutes of the Executive and DCC meetings;

VI.D.2 To maintain an up-to-date archive of DCC records, including bylaws, rules of procedure, minutes, reports, resolutions and motions enacted at all meetings; 

VI.D.3 To make recommendations on proposed motions with regard to style, syntax, and To provide copies of meeting minutes and/or reports to the DCC membership; and 

VI.D.4 The Secretary shall be a member of a committee.

VI.E Bookkeeper  

VI.E.1 To serve as bookkeeper of the DCC funds and to make fiscal recommendations regarding expenditures, allocations, fundraising, and custodianship of funds;

VI.E.2 To provide the Executive Board and the DCC with estimates of various overhead and other costs;  

VI.E.3 To make monthly reports to the DCC on the status of all DCC accounts and budgets; 

VI.E.4 To prepare the annual budget and supervise expenditures under that budget; 

VI.E.5To assure the filing of government required reports, either directly or through a professional treasurer; 

VI.E.6To report to the First Vice Chair and Secretary prior to the March meeting of each year and thereafter until everyone has paid which of the members and alternates have paid their $25 dues so the chair andsecretary will know who is eligible to vote; and

VI.E.7 The Bookkeeper is a member of the Fundraising Committee.

VI.F Additional Optional Appointments. The following non-voting officers may be appointed by the Chair, with approval by the Executive Board:

VI.F.1 Parliamentarian; and

VI.F.2 Historian.

ARTICLE VII:  Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committees

VII.A. GOTV Committee will be responsible for establishing and organizing the GOTV sub-committees, including:

VII.A.1 Phone banking, and the recruiting and training of volunteers for phone banking;

VII.A.2 Voter turnout, and the recruiting and training of volunteers for increasing voter turnout, in shopping centers, high schools, junior colleges, and similar locations;

VII.A.3 Canvassing, and the recruiting and training of volunteers for canvassing;

VII.A.4 Postcards, and the recruiting and training of volunteers for organizing, writing, and the mailing of postcards;

VII.A.5 Rallies and protests, and the recruiting of volunteers for community organizing and attending rallies and protests, including the design and constructing of signs and banners for such events; 

VII.A.6 To be responsible for coordinating efforts for the July 4th and Constitution Day parades; and

VII.A.7 Research the voting data, on what are the implications of the PDI and Secretary of State voting data, and how effective are the above methods on increasing voter turnout. 

VII.B Communications Committee will be: 

VII.B.1 Responsible for coordinating all communications efforts such as newsletters, websites, announcements, email, blogs, television, radio and news media; social media platforms, such as on our DCC Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and press releases;

VII.B. 2 Responsible for providing at least a monthly newsletter and announcement emails, featuring:  DCC news, announcements, events, memes, exemplary videos and social media, etc.

VII.B.3  Responsible for providing and maintaining an active and informative website: nevadacountydemocrats.org

VII.B.4  Responsible for encouraging the writing of letters to the editor and opinion pieces, for submission in local press as well as for distribution to Democratic county committees throughout CD3.

VII.B.5  Responsible for creating and publishing brochures, hand-outs and flyers as needed

VII.C.Community Outreach and Coalition Building Committee will be:

VII.C.1 Responsible for recruiting and involving volunteers in the promotion of the work of the DCC, including growing membership, expanding the number of volunteers on committees, and organizing events;

VII.C.2 Responsible for promoting activism, alliances, and coalitions with constituent groups in Nevada County and CD3, such as youth, seniors, LGBTQ+, Latinos, Mutual Aid, immigrants rights groups, pro-democracy groups, abortion protection groups, public health providers, anti-genocide groups, Black Lives Matter, churches, etc.;

VI.C.3 Responsible for promoting support, activism, and attendance at The Regional Organizing Council (ROC) with other CD3 DCC’s and similar groups that are already organized for change and resistance. 

VII.C.4 Responsible for signing up volunteers and collecting their data at events and providing Office staff with this data. 

VII.D. Community Events Committee will be:

VII.D.1. To be responsible for planning, creating and staffing of the booth at the county fair, at street fairs such as at Farmers Markets, and other community events, and coordinate with other committees on other events as needed;

VII.D.2 Responsible for signing up volunteers and collecting their data at events and providing Office staff with this data; 

VII.D.3 To plan and execute events specific to expanding our community’s awareness by:

VII.D.3.a Renting theaters (or organizing in people’s homes) for the showing of documentaries and feature films; 

VII.D.3.b Developing and running a Book Club that selects, reads, and discusses political books; and

VII.D. 3.c Hosting regular informative community events.

VII.E. Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will be:

VII.E.1 Responsible for facilitating the recruitment of Democratic candidates for all elective offices in Nevada County; 

VII.E.2 Responsible for facilitating the appointment of Democrats to School Boards and Commissions; 

VII.E.3 Responsible for serving as a supportive team that maintains contact and assistance between all Democratic office-holders in Nevada County and the DCC;

VII.E.4 Responsible for providing the Chair with a list of elected officers to be filled in the upcoming election cycle and to keep the DCC apprised of who has filed to run in those races;

VII.E.5 Responsible for creating and maintaining the master list of the elected officers in all the city councils, districts and school boards in Nevada County;

VII.E.6 Responsible for conducting the endorsement process as stated in Article XIV; and

VII.E.7 Responsible for assisting endorsed candidates by recommending financial support to the executive committee, for final approval by the DCC. 

VII.F  Fundraising and Merch Committee will be:

VII.F.1 Responsible for the planning and execution of fundraising events and drives; and

VII.F.2 Responsible for the planning and execution of the designing, purchasing and selling of all merchandise, including swag, tee-shirts, hoodies, etc.;and

VII.F.3 Responsible for outreach to our major endorsers. 

VII.G Youth Committee will be:

VII.G.1 Responsible for advocating for issues most important to youth;

VII.G.2 Responsible for inspiring Nevada County high schoolers and junior college students, who will turn 18 by the election, to vote, and to have their friends vote;

VII.G.3 Responsible for engaging and inspiring younger future voters; and

VII.G.4 Responsible for emphasizing the voices and viewpoints of rural youth who are an often-overlooked constituency in the state. 

VII.H Facilities Committee will have one chair and two subcommittee chairs:

VII.H.1 The chair of the Facilities Committee will be: 

VII.H.1.a Responsible for the overall operation of the Democratic office including scheduling and training of staff, assigning office tasks, keeping up bulletin boards, and cleaning; 

VII.H.1.b Responsible to coordinate the purchase, use and maintenance of equipment, supplies, swag, etc., as directed by the Chair and/or the Executive Board;

VII.H.1.c Responsible for the database maintenance needs such as training office staff in the entering into the database the contact information of new volunteers and members;

VII.H.1.d Responsible for reporting as needed to the DCC their findings and recommendations.

VII.H.2 One subcommittee chair of the Facilities Committee will be responsible for organizing and managing the shed, including storing and discarding of out-of-date supplies, updating the manual covering the organization and use of the shed, and training staff on procedures for retrieving and returning items to the shed.

VII.H.3 One subcommittee chair of the Facilities Committee will be responsible for researching alternative spaces for the office, the shed, and locations for hosting DCC meetings and other events

VII.I Committee Eligibility

VII.I.1 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 Chair as a member of any Standing Committee, Ad hoc Committee, or Task Force of the DCC, with full voting rights in the deliberations of that body.

VII.I.2 Ad hoc Committees and Task Forces shall be created for specific needs of the DCC or the Democratic Party by the Chair, the Executive Board, or the DCC. 

VII.I.3 The Chair is a member of every standing committee of the DCC.

VII.J. Enablement 

VII.J.1 Each committee shall perform its duties as prescribed, through appropriate activity, delegation, or as directed by the Chair, Executive Board and/or DCC.

VII.J.2 Except where otherwise provided, each committee chair shall report their relevant activities to the Secretary for inclusion in the DCC agenda monthly for review and approval.

ARTICLE VIII: DCC Meetings

VIII.A Meetings of the DCC are open to the public, although closed sessions can be held to discuss campaign strategies and personnel matters.  Every reasonable opportunity shall be given for any attendee to be heard. Minutes of all meetings shall be recorded by the Secretary and sent to all members that have paid their dues.

VIII.B Special DCC meetings may be called by the Chair, by a majority of the Executive Board, or by petition of twelve voting members of DCC. Notice of special meetings shall be sent to all DCC members who have paid their dues at least five days prior to the meeting. The notice 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. 

VIII.C A quorum for all DCC meetings shall be 12 voting members.

VIII.D In the absence of the Chair, the presiding officer of the DCC meeting shall be the First Vice Chair. In the absence of both the Chair and the First Vice Chair, the Second Vice Chair shall preside. In the absence of all three chairs, the Secretary shall act as Chair.

VIII.E The Parliamentarian shall advise the Chair on parliamentary inquiries and points of order as requested by the Chair.

VIII.F The DCC shall reorganize at its first meeting in January of odd-numbered years. This meeting shall be conducted as follows:

VIII.F.1 The outgoing elected officers shall preside until new officers are elected; 

VIII.F.2 If a county elections official or outgoing chair is present, newly elected members shall take their oaths of office immediately. If not, they will do so at the next meeting when an authorized person is available;

VIII.F.3 Outgoing officers, chairs, and others shall give their reports as usual;

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

VIII.F.4.a Filling of vacancies in the DCC; 

VIII.F.4.b Election of officers of the DCC;

VIII.F.4.c Call for accreditation of clubs;

VIII.F.4.d Election of delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC members) by adhering to the Equal Division Rule. Delegates shall be members of the DCC as of the date of the first regular DCC meeting of the California Democratic party.

VIII.4.2.e Formation of a Bylaws Review Committee. The Committee shall report back at a future meeting with an overall bylaws revision as specified in Article XVII; and

VIII.F.4.f Any other business that shall properly come before the DCC.

VIII.F.5 Notice of the organizational meeting shall be given to all incoming members of the DCC and to all outgoing members who have paid their dues, at least ten days in advance of the meeting. Such notice shall include the time, location, and tentative proposed agenda for the meeting.

ARTICLE IX: Vacancies on Executive Board and the DCC

IX.A Vacancies in the executive officer positions of Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and Bookkeeper, and of DSCC members, shall be referred to a nominating committee created by the Chair for the recommendation to be voted on and filled by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the DCC.

IX.B In the event of a vacancy in any other executive committee officer position, the Chair may designate another officer to temporarily assume the duties and responsibilities of the vacant position until such time as the vacancy is officially filled.

IX.C Vacancies among the Primary Members of DCC shall be announced at a regular monthly meeting of the DCC and shall be filled after making appropriate community outreach, including to Democratic Clubs and affinity groups. The Vice Chair will interview and nominate one member per opening to be voted on by the DCC.Additional nominations may be made from the floor of the DCC meeting at which the vacancy or vacancies are to be filled. The candidates for membership shall be elected by majority vote.

IX.D Vacancies in the Secondary membership category shall be filled by the appointed Primary members. If those people have not done so within 30 days, the Vice-Chair may interview and nominate a replacement to be voted on by the DCC.

IX.E During the presidential election year, those Primary Members who were elected, or filed for election but became “appointed electeds” because there were not enough people who filed to be put on the ballot, are tasked with the responsibility of filling the primary seats for the next four-year term. They should also encourage the Primary Members they chose to select their Secondary Member during this time. This responsibility returns to the First Vice Chair as stated in Article VIII.A.

IX.F Elections for vacant positions must be placed on the agenda of a regular monthly DCC meeting or a special DCC meeting.

ARTICLE X: Removal of Elected Members, Officers and DSCC (Democratic State Central Committee) members

X.A Members shall be removed from the DCC as provided by Article XIII, Section G, of these bylaws. 

X.B Members may be removed from office if not excused or has a proxy, for missing three consecutive regular monthly DCC meetings in a calendar year. 

X.C Members may be removed from office for misconduct provided that the member whose removal is being considered is sent written notice, at least ten days prior to a hearing, specifying the charges and the time and place of the hearing. The member shall have the right to be heard and to call witnesses to testify on his or her behalf.

X.D The hearing for removal of a member shall be placed on the agenda of a regular or special meeting of the DCC. A two-thirds majority vote of voting members and alternates present is required for removal. 

X.E The Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretary, Controller and DCC members may be removed for cause from office by a two-thirds majority of the voting members and alternates present at a regular monthly meeting of DCC, provided that written notice shall have been sent to every member of DCC at least ten days prior to the meeting at which the matter is proposed. The individual involved shall have the right to be heard at the meeting and to call witnesses to testify on his or her behalf.

X.F Any committee chair can be removed for cause by the Executive Board Chair with the approval of a majority of the Executive Board, provided that the committee chair 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 a removal vote.

ARTICLE XI: Motions

XI.A The internal business of the DCC shall be done according to Rosenberg’s Rules of Order and recorded as motions.  Robert's Rules of Order will be used as a backup in situations where Rosenburg’s Rules are silent. At a request from any voting member, a yay or nay roll call vote shall be taken.

XI.B To be enacted, motions must receive a majority vote of members voting. (If 15 DCC voting members attend a meeting, a quorum is present, and if 14 vote on a motion, then 8 votes or more would be needed for the motion to pass.)

ARTICLE XII: Resolutions (a formal statement of opinion or a decision to take action) 

XII.A Resolutions must be introduced in writing at a regular or special meeting by a voting member of the DCC. 

XII.B Resolutions shall be given a second reading at a subsequent regular or special DCC meeting at least fifteen days following the introduction of the resolution.

XII.C A simple majority of members present and voting at the second reading of the resolution is required for passage.

XII.D Because of timeliness, a second reading of a resolution may be waived. The resolution shall then be placed on the agenda for consideration by the DCC as an Emergency Resolution by a two-thirds vote of the DCC members present and voting

XII.E  A duly approved resolution shall be appropriately titled and entered into the minutes of the DCC.

XII.F Resolutions will take a form suitable for the audience for which it is intended.

ARTICLE XIII: Dues

XIII.A Dues for all voting members, excluding Proxies and ex-officio members, shall be twenty-five dollars ($25) per year. Payment using Act Blue is the easiest method for paying. 

XIII.B If a voting member is unable to pay dues because of legitimate hardship, the person may confidentially discuss the matter with the Executive Board Chair, requesting the Chair reduce or waive the dues. The decision of the Chair shall be final.

XIII.C Each member shall pay the prescribed dues by the third meeting of each year or the third meeting after becoming a member.

XIII.D Dues are not refundable.

XIII.E Voting members who are not current in dues and have not received a waiver shall be included in the report of the Bookkeeper at the regular monthly meetings of the DCC.

XIII.F Voting members who are delinquent in paying dues  and have not received a waiver, shall lose all voting rights in the DCC until they become current in payment. 

XIII.G Voting Members who have not paid their dues and have not received a waiver, may be removed by a vote of the DCC from the DCC membership roster after ten days of written notice.

ARTICLE XIV: Rules of Conduct

XIV.A Any other item not covered in these Bylaws or by motion enacted under these Bylaws or the Bylaws of the California Democratic Party or National Democratic Party, shall be governed by the latest issue of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, with Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, as a backup, on issues not covered in Rosenberg's Rules. 

XIV.B The democratic process assumes that decisions made with a majority vote are respectfully honored and faithfully acted upon.

XIV.C Official business conducted by the DCC shall be recorded by the Secretary in meeting minutes and/or reports. 

XIV.D Transmitting information by email shall be considered the equivalent of written notification, mailed notification, and any similar method of distributing information. The member may drop out of our email system at any time.

ARTICLE XV:  Endorsements in Local Races 

XV.A Criteria for Candidates 

XV.A.1 Candidates we endorse must be a currently registered Democrat and file an endorsement application/questionnaire and a signed DCC Code of Fair Campaign Practices document with the Chair of the DCC Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee by the specified deadline on the application/questionnaire. At any time during this process, prior to the actual vote by the DCC, a candidate may revoke his/her request for endorsement.

XV.A.2 Endorsements shall not be given to more candidates than there are seats open for the office in question.

XV.A.3 The DCC shall make no endorsement other than an official endorsement as expressly described in these By-Laws. 

XV.A.4 No vote on endorsement shall be taken by secret ballot.

XV.B Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee’s Role 

XV.B.1 The Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will: 

XV.B.2 Develop an application/questionnaire for all Democratic candidates in all targeted local races. The questionnaire must ask the candidate: 

1. Name, address, and cellphone number;

2. Why they believe that they should receive the endorsement;

3. Their past or present experience related to the office they seek;

4. Their activities as a Democrat;

5. Their campaign organization; and

6. Their positions on relevant issues.

XV.B.3 The Chair should send an application/questionnaire and a DCC Code of Fair Campaign Practices to all declared Democratic candidates in targeted local races in the Nevada County area within 30 days of the announcement of candidacy. 

XV.B.4 The Chair will send the application/questionnaire and a DCC Code of Fair Campaign Practices to all remaining Democratic Candidates in targeted local races within 5 days after the final filing deadline. 

XV.B.5 Candidates should apply for endorsement no later than sixty days before the election.

XV.B.6 The Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee, or his or her designee, shall be responsible for working with clubs in matters concerning endorsements.

XV.B.7 The Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will provide support to the Endorsement Committee (See XV.C below) and during the DCC endorsement meetings.

XV.B.8 The Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will contact the candidates, send each of the candidates a questionnaire, and set up an interview for the candidate with the Endorsement Committee.

XV.B.9 The Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Support committee will notify all members of the DCC of the interview dates and invite them to attend as observers. 

XV.C Endorsement Committee 

XV.C.1 The Endorsement Committee shall be composed of the Executive Board and one member of each Chartered Club.

XV.C.2 An Endorsement Committee member who is also a paid campaign staff member shall excuse him- or herself from interviewing candidates in that particular race.

XV.C.3 After completion of the reviewing of the application and interview, the Endorsement Committee shall provide a recommendation to the DCC in the form of a motion. Motions to endorse will be finalized by a majority vote of the Regular DCC members attending the meeting.

XV.D Early Endorsement

XV.D.1 Early endorsements may be requested by a candidate as early as 9 months before their election takes place.

XV.D.2 Early endorsements require a higher standard for the candidate to meet in terms of the early progress on their campaign, electability, qualifications, etc. The Endorsement Committee must vote by a 2/3 majority for an early endorsement. The rest of the process is the same as above.

XV.D.3 Lack of early endorsement does not preclude eventual endorsement.

XV.E  DCC Endorsement Procedures

XV.E.1 The DCC will work with candidates by publicizing his/her events, publishing materials, and using information from our database.  All candidates for the same office will be offered the same assistance.

XV.E.2 The time and place of the DCC endorsement meeting will be announced in writing to each voting member of the DCC no less than five (5) days before the regular or special meeting at which such endorsements are to be considered. 

XV.E.3 The DCC shall only endorse one candidate per seat. 

XV.E.4 The DCC shall meet to decide on all endorsements prior to forty five (45) days before the election, when practical. The Chair may call a special meeting or meetings to provide for endorsement decisions. 

XV.E.5  Endorsement requires a simple majority of those members present and voting. 

XV.E.6 Once a candidate has been endorsed for a seat, no other candidates may be considered for endorsement, and all assistance to competing candidates will cease. 

XV.E.7 The DCC shall not provide its name or campaign assistance to non-endorsed candidates. Statutory or accredited Democratic organizations shall be encouraged not, and the DCC expects that they shall not, lend or provide their name or campaign assistance to non-endorsed candidates.  

XV.E.8.The DCC may reconsider any endorsement action taken at any time. 

XV.E.9  An endorsement may be revoked if the candidate violates the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. The Executive Board shall review any complaints about a Code of Fair Campaign Practices violation. If the Executive Board agrees that there has been a violation, it shall recommend revocation of the endorsement to the DCC. The DCC shall make the final decision to revoke an endorsement by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. If time does not permit, the Executive Board will make the decision.

XV.E.10 An endorsement may be revoked in the event of the death or resignation of the candidate, falsification of information, or conviction of a felony.

XV.E.11 In the event endorsed candidates have their endorsements revoked, they must cease the use of any promotional material that includes a reference to an endorsement by the DCC.

XV.F Fast Track for Sole Democrats 

XV.F.1 After the close of filing in the case of a race for which the number of Democratic candidates does not exceed the number of seats, the Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee may place the name(s) of one or more of these candidates before the DCC for endorsement without requiring a questionnaire or an interview. 

XV.F.2  The names of all such "Sole Democrats" shall be voted on at the next meeting of the DCC by majority vote of those members present and voting.

XV.G California Democratic Party

XV.G.1 The designation of being endorsed shall carry the weight of the California Democratic Party (CDP) and means: 

XVG.2 The DCC may publicize such endorsements;

XV.G.3 The endorsed candidate has the authority to publicize such endorsement as he or she chooses; and

XV.G.4 The endorsed candidate shall be given other campaign assistance as the DCC deems appropriate. Statutory or accredited Democratic organizations shall be encouraged to, and the DCC expects that they shall, lend or provide their name or campaign assistance to endorsed candidates.  

XV.H  Democratic Clubs Endorsing Candidates 

XV.H.1 Clubs may endorse candidates in federal and state elections using their own endorsement procedures during primary elections.

XV.H.2 The DCC believes that the Democratic Party is strengthened when it speaks with a single voice. Thus, for local candidates, Democratic clubs are asked to appoint a member to serve on the DCC Endorsement Committee.  Such clubs are expected to support the endorsements of candidates by the DCC.

XV.H.3 Clubs may not endorse another candidate in the local contests in which the DCC has endorsed candidates. In all cases, should a Democratic club endorse a candidate, the club must have and use open, democratic and agreed upon endorsement procedures.

ARTICLE XVI: Democratic Club Accreditation 

XVI.A  Scope, Enabling Authority, and Definitions 

XVI.A.1 The DCC is the primary accrediting authority for the Democratic Clubs in Nevada County.

XVI.A.2 A Democratic Club, as defined by this article, is a local organization which supports Democratic Party candidates and principles. 

XVI.A.3 The Chair, or his or her designee, will be responsible for seeing that Democratic Clubs are properly accredited, should encourage the formation of such clubs, and will act as liaison between the DCC and the clubs.

XVI.B  Procedures for Accreditation

XVI.B.1 Democratic Clubs in Nevada County can be of any size.

XVI.B.2 Democratic Clubs must consider any registered Democrat residing in Nevada County as eligible for membership or as an associate member.

XVI.B.3 To be eligible for accreditation, a club must submit the following documents to the Chair: 

XVI.B.3.a  A membership list of registered Democrats residing in Nevada County which shall include their residence, Supervisorial District and Congressional District, provided it is not in conflict with club bylaws preserving member privacy; 

XVI.B.3.b  A list of current officers, provided it is not in conflict with club bylaws preserving member privacy; 

XVI.B.3.c  A set of current bylaws; 

XVI.B.3.d A financial statement indicating membership support for the club; and

XVI.B.3.e Clubs shall submit the same information annually to the Chair.

XVI.B.4  The Chair shall introduce a motion to accredit a prospective club at a regular meeting of the DCC. Accreditation must be approved by a majority of the voting members present. 

XVI.B.5 Once accredited, the Club President shall provide the Regional Director with a club membership list including each member’s residence, Supervisorial District and Congressional District. The clubs are responsible for continuously updating their membership lists. This provision applies when it is not in conflict with club bylaws preserving member privacy. 

XVI.B.6 A Democratic Club is accredited for the purpose of strengthening the Nevada County Democratic Party and will only endorse a candidate  who is either a Democrat, or a No Party Preference candidate when there is no registered Democrat running in a contest.

XVI.B.7 The Chair, or his or her designee, shall work with clubs to see that they fulfill their obligations to the DCC and the California State Democratic Party.

XVI.C Publications Accredited Democratic Clubs are encouraged to patronize union shop printers for all publications, stationery, and leaflets.

XVI.D  Sanctions The Chair, or his or her designee, shall be responsible for advising the DCC when an accredited club is in violation of these articles. An affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the voting members of the DCC at a regular meeting is necessary to remove a club's accreditation.

ARTICLE XVII: Severability

The invalidation of any section of these Bylaws or of any DCC 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 DCC internal legislation.

ARTICLE XVIII: Amendment of These Bylaws

XVIII.A The DCC shall review its Bylaws in each term of office.  A simple majority of voting members present at a regular meeting of the DCC is required to approve the first overall Bylaws revision each year.  Notice of the proposed Bylaws revision shall be sent to all members of the DCC at least five (5) days prior to the meeting at which the Bylaws revision is to be considered.

XVIII.B Any other amendment shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present either at a regular or special meeting of the DCC, provided that the notice requirements above have been met.

HISTORY

• Adopted by DCC, November 1998.

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

• Amended by DCC to permit preferential voting.

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

• Amended by DCC to add Regional Chair Members.

• Amended by DCC to provide for dues

• Amended by DCC to give Regional Chair Members voting rights.

• Amended by DCC to add Article VI.G on reorganization

• Amended by DCC to allow DNC and Regional Chair Members to appoint alternates

• Amended by DCC to add rules for non-partisan endorsements.

• Amended by DCC to clarify club chartering requirements.

• Amended by DCC to restructure the chairships

• Amended by DCC to allow DNC and Regional Chair Members to appoint proxies and associates.

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

• Amended by DCC 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 Articles pertaining to Resolutions, Legislation, club charters and of relevant Rules of Conduct. Adopted by DCC on Dec, 2004.

• Amended Article XV by DCC on August, 2006

• Amended by DCC to allow clubs to be of any size

• Amended Article IV April, 2007 

• Amended Article IV November, 2010 

• Adopted by DCC on April, 2011

• Amended Articles I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, XIII, XIV January 2014 

• Amended Article I March 2014 DCC

• Amended Articles I, II, & III April 2014 

• Amended Articles I & XIV June 2014 

• Amended almost all articles November 2017 

• Amended Article IV January 2023

• Amended Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, XI, XI, XIII May 2024

• Amended Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII  February  2025