CONSTITUTION OF THE WAYNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

 

 

ARTICLE I -  NAME AND ORGANIZATION

 

                The name of this organization shall be the Wayne County Democratic Party.  It shall be composed of the Central Committee whose members are elected to represent the Democrats of their precinct, and an Executive Committee to include all Central Committee members, plus elected Democrat officials and members selected to represent different party constituencies. 

 

ARTICLE II -  CENTRAL COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 1. SELECTION OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE  

                                                             

      All members of the Central Committee shall be elected by direct vote of the members of the Democratic party in each precinct. Candidates’ names shall be placed on the official ballot under rules established by the Ohio Secretary of State.  Persons receiving the highest number of votes in each precinct shall collectively comprise the membership of the Wayne County Democratic Central Committee. 

 

SECTION 2.  MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

 

      Each candidate and member must be a member of the Democratic Party and a resident and qualified elector of the precinct that the member is elected to represent.  The term of office shall be for four (4) years with elections to take place at the gubernatorial primary election.

      

      Central Committee members are not considered public officials or employees

 

SECTION 3. VACANCIES IN THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

 

            Vacancies in any precinct shall be filled with a nomination by any Central Committee member and a majority vote of the Executive Committee at any Executive Committee meeting.  These members must meet the same requirements as in Section II and fill the remainder of the term until the next election. 

 

SECTION 4. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

 

            Each Central Committee member has a responsibility to vote in every Democratic Primary, attend Central and Executive Committee meetings, recommend poll workers as needed and assist people in their precinct to become regular, informed voters; support Democratic Party activities; support Democratic candidates and their campaigns; and be an active and enthusiastic Democrat.

 

SECTION 5. CENTRAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

 

            As provided by statute, (ORC 3517.04) the membership-elect of the Central Committee shall meet not earlier than six (6) nor later than fifteen (15) days following the date of certification of the results of the party primary election by the Wayne County Board of Elections, at a suitable time and place to be designated by the immediate, past Chair of the Central Committee.  

 

            Notice of such meeting, giving the time and place, shall be sent to each member-elect by the immediate, past Secretary of the Central Committee, by mail at least five (5) days prior to any such meeting.  A copy of the notice shall be posted in the office of the Wayne County Board of Elections for the same period of time.  

 

SECTION 6.  ORDER OF BUSINESS / ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

 

            Pursuant to statute, the meeting shall be called to order by the immediate past Chair of the Central Committee.  If that person is absent and no other immediate past officers of the Central Committee are present, then the meeting shall be called to order by the Central Committee Member designated by the Democratic Members of the Board of Elections.

                                                            

            In its first order of business, members of the committee will be sworn into office.  The Central Committee shall then proceed to organize by the election of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and such other officers, as may be deemed necessary. Officers must be members of the Central Committee.

 

SECTION 7. DUTIES OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE OFFICERS

 

CHAIR:  Shall call and preside over any meetings of the Central Committee, as provided for by state law and this constitution; shall perform all the other duties prescribed by statute, or duties usually exercised by the Chair, not conflicting with this constitution.

 

VICE-CHAIR:  Shall perform all the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. In the case of the death, resignation, or any other reason creating a vacancy in the Chair’s position, the Vice-Chair of the Central Committee may serve out the balance of the Chair’s term if they so choose to do so. The Vice-Chair shall not be the same gender as the Chair.

 

SECRETARY:  Shall keep the official minutes of all meetings of the Central Committee and shall send notices of any special and the next organizational meeting to all members. 

 

TREASURER:  Shall receive and deposit all funds; pay for all bills authorized by the Central Committee; file all financial reports required by law, and shall perform all other duties accorded a Treasurer that are not inconsistent with this constitution.

 

ARTICLE III - AUTHORITY FOR DELEGATION TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

            As allowed by statute, the Central Committee shall create an Executive Committee that shall have the powers granted to it by the party central committee, and provided to it by law. The Executive Committee shall manage the affairs of the Wayne County Democratic Party; direct and conduct campaign activities; promulgate and carry out the general policies of the party organization; promote the best interests and ideals of the Democratic Party; and, perform all party duties required by statute.

 

ARTICLE IV -  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

             Membership on the Executive Committee shall consist of

 

            (A) All Democratic precinct Central Committeepersons, including those elected and those selected by the Executive Committee to fill vacancies.

 

            (B) All Democrats elected at partisan elections to represent some or all Wayne County residents. They do not include non-partisan village or board of public affairs, township, or board of education offices. 

 

            (C) The Executive Committee may appoint additional members to total up to one fewer than the number of elected/appointed central committee members. These appointments must be representative of the broad base of support of the Democratic Party and will be inclusive to all constituencies of the Democratic Party.

 

 

SECTION 2. ABSENCES OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

            Members appointed under Section 1 (C) may be removed by vote of the Executive Committee if they have missed three (3) or more consecutive, unexcused meetings. 

 

SECTION 3. FULL PARTICIPATION; ELIGIBILITY FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICE

 

            (A) The Wayne County Democratic Party shall be open to all who desire to support the Party and who wish to be known as Democrats. 

 

            (B) Discrimination in the conduct of Democratic Party affairs on the basis of sex, race, age (if of voting age), color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic identity or physical disability is prohibited, to the end that the Democratic Party at all levels be an open party. 

 

            (C) Any Wayne County resident who is a registered Democrat in good standing is eligible to serve as an officer of the Executive Committee.

 

SECTION 4. ORGANIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

 

            After the organization of the Central Committee, the Chair of the Central Committee shall call for the holding of an organizational meeting of the Executive Committee.  The Chair of the Central Committee shall preside, announce the Officers elected by the Central Committee and ask if there is a motion to select separate officers for the Executive Committee.  If there is none, or the motion fails to obtain a simple majority of the present central committee members, the Central Committee officers will be declared officers of the Executive Committee as well.  If a motion to select separate officers is approved, the Central Committee Chair will ask for nominations and conduct the elections.

 

SECTION 5. DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS 

 

CHAIR: Shall call and preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee; shall direct the operations of the Wayne County Democratic Party and Executive Committee; shall report to the Committee on party activities at each regular meeting; shall perform all other duties prescribed by statute, or duties usually exercised by the Chair, not conflicting with this Constitution, including but not limited to the appointment of such committees as deemed necessary to carry on the work of the Party.

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VICE-CHAIR:  Shall perform all the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. In the case of the death, resignation, or any other reason creating a vacancy in the Chair’s position, the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee may serve out the balance of the Chair’s term if they choose to do so. The Vice-Chair shall not be the same gender as the Chair.

 

SECRETARY: Shall keep the official minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee; shall keep and be the custodian of the permanent books, records and correspondence; shall notify all members of any special and all regular meetings and, shall handle all correspondence of the Executive Committee, as required by law shall file with the office of the secretary of state and Ohio Democratic Party a copy of this constitution within thirty (30) days of adoption or amendment; shall file with the office of the Secretary of State and local Board of Elections a list of members Central and Executive Committees and officers within thirty days of their election or appointment. ORC 3514.02

 

TREASURER:  Shall receive, deposit and invest all funds; pay out all monies owed by the Committee; shall submit for approval a written report of the financial condition of the Committee at each regular meeting of the Committee; file all financial reports required by law; shall perform all other duties accorded a Treasurer that are not inconsistent with this constitution.

 

SECTION 6. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS’ VACANCIES

 

            Except as otherwise provided herein, any vacancy which occurs in an officer’s position of either the Central or Executive Committee for any reason, shall be filled by a majority vote of the members present of the respective body at any duly called and convened meeting.       

 

SECTION 7. MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

REGULAR MEETINGS

 

             The Executive Committee shall meet monthly at a time and place approved by the Committee. All meetings of the Wayne County Democratic Party are open to the public.  

                                                

QUORUM  

 

             Eight (8) members of the Executive Committee present at any regularly called or special meeting of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided notice requirements detailed herein are met.

 

MEETING NOTICES

 

            All special meetings, except adjourned meetings shall require at least three (3) days written or electronic notice to all members. 

 

SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

            Special meetings may be called by the Chair or any member with a petition signed by ten (10) members. If the Chair refuses to attend, a temporary Chair, chosen by the group may act in that post, providing that all members are notified oursuant to Article 5.

 

 

 

SECTION 8. LIMITATIONS ON OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

 

            No officer or member may obligate the Party, Central or Executive Committees in any agreement, political, financial, or any other form without being officially granted the authority by a majority vote of the proper committee, properly recorded.   

 

SECTION 9. VOTING AND RULES OF ORDER FOR CENTRAL AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES. 

 

               All votes on all matters shall be in person.  No proxy voting shall be allowed on any issue.

 

              All votes of the Central or Executive Committees shall be open and may not be taken by secret ballot.

  

RULES OF ORDER

 

             The newest, abridged version of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all proceedings not specifically otherwise provided herein.

 

ARTICLE V -  BOARD OF ELECTIONS

 

           The Executive Committee shall recommend appointments to the Wayne County Board of Elections in accordance with ORC 3501.07 of the Ohio Revised Code and any other applicable law.  

 

ARTICLE VI -  CONSTITUTION

 

            As a newly elected governing body, and in accordance with Section 3517.04 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Wayne County Democratic Central Committee shall adopt at its Reorganization Meeting such rules and procedures, including a Constitution, as it may consider appropriate. Such rules, procedures and Constitution are not binding, however, upon a subsequently elected Wayne County Democratic Central Committee that meets to organize that Committee.

 

            A copy of the proposed Constitution shall be open to review to members of the newly elected Central Committee prior to the Reorganization Meeting. A copy of the Constitution as adopted, shall be available for members by the next Central Committee meeting following the Reorganization Meeting.

 

            The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by resolution presented to the Secretary at any regular meeting of the Executive Committee.  It shall be read to all members present, then tabled until the next regular meeting of the Executive Committee.  At this next meeting, it shall be read for a second time and a vote on the resolution shall be taken.  A simple majority vote of the members present shall be required to approve the amendment. 

 

          The Constitution must be reviewed with possible amendments added at the end of each Central and Executive Committee term and be ready for adoption by the new Committees.

           

ARTICLE VII -   EFFECTIVE DATE OF CONSTITUTION

 

            Upon adoption, this Constitution shall supersede any and all previous Constitutions and Bylaws of the Wayne County Democratic Central and Executive Committees and shall remain in effect until amended or revised according to Article VI Amendments. 

 

            Adoption of this constitution certifies that all requirements under the Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3517 have been reviewed and met. 

 

           Adopted at Wayne County, Ohio, the 8thday of June, 2022, by the Wayne County Democratic Central Committee assembled in special session for reorganization. 

 

 

 

K. William Bailey                                               

CHAIR                                                                                   

 

Linda Houston

SECRETARY