Table of Contents

• ARTICLE I:  Name, Organization, and Purpose

• ARTICLE II:  Membership

• ARTICLE III: Voting

• ARTICLE IV: Officers

• ARTICLE V: Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committee

• ARTICLE VI: Executive Board

• ARTICLE VII: Meetings

• ARTICLE VIII: Vacancies

• ARTICLE IX: Removal of Elected Members and Officers

• ARTICLE X: Committees and Task Forces

• ARTICLE XI: Motions

• ARTICLE XII: Resolutions

• ARTICLE XIII: Dues

• ARTICLE XIV: Rules of Conduct

• ARTICLE XV:  Endorsements in Local Races

• ARTICLE XVI: Club Accreditation

• ARTICLE XVII: Severability

• ARTICLE XVIII: Amendment of These 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. 

I.B  NCDCC members shall hold four-year terms 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.  NCDCC’s 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 purpose of NCDCC shall be:

I.C.1 To advocate for and inform citizens about the principles and philosophy of the Democratic Party; 

I.C.2  To elect Democratic candidates;

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

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

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

I.C.6  To register Democrats to vote;

I.C.7.  To raise funds for endorsed Democratic candidates; andI.C.8 To elect members from Nevada County to the Central Committee of the California Democratic Party.

ARTICLE II: Membership

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

II.A  Regular Members:  Nevada County Central Committee members shall be elected by supervisorial districts.  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 NCDCC.

II.B  Ex-Officio Members:   The following persons are Ex-Officio members of the Central Committee:

II.B.1  The top vote-getting Democratic candidate in each election for State or National office who is not otherwise a member;

II.B.2  Each member of the Democratic National Committee registered to vote in Nevada County who is not otherwise a member;

II.B.3  The Regional Director of the California Democratic Party for Nevada County who is not otherwise a member.

II.C Alternate Members:  Alternate members of the Central Committee shall be chosen as follows:

Each regular and Ex-Officio member shall appoint a primary alternate member and a secondary alternate member who reside in the same district. If the elected member fails to make such appointment within 30 days after his or her election, the Chair may appoint a primary and/or secondary member to fill that position with the majority approval of the Central Committee.   In the event of a vacancy in the primary or secondary alternate position, the elected 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.

II.D Associate Members: The following persons shall be Associate Members of the Central Committee:

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

II.D.2  State Central Committee Members and Elected Officeholders:  Each member of the Central Committee of the California Democratic Party 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. 

II.D.3  Persons appointed at the discretion of the Chair: Any resident of Nevada County who provides significant assistance to the Committee during the regular year outside of election season may be appointed an Associate Member at the discretion of the Chair.

ARTICLE III: Voting

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

III.B Primary Alternate Members may also vote.

III.C Secondary Alternate Members may exercise the vote of the members who appointed them or the corresponding Primary Alternate Member when either the appointing member or the corresponding Primary Alternate Member is not present.

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 Recording Secretary prior to or during the NCDCC meeting in which the proxy is to be exercised.

III.D.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 the proxy.

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.F No endorsement vote shall be taken by secret ballot. 

ARTICLE IV: Officers

The officers of NCDCC, known as 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, Executive Board, or NCDCC:

IV.A  Nomination of Officers

IV.A.1 Nominations of officers of the NCDCC will be taken every other year at the November meeting of the NCDCC (November of even numbered years).

IV.A.1.a In September of the even numbered year of the term, the Chair shall appoint a Nominations Committee of three members subject to approval of the Executive Board.

IV.A.1.b The Nominations Committee shall prepare a slate of officer candidates and announce it at the November meeting.

IV.A.1.c Following the reading of the Nominations Committee slate, other nominations may be taken from the floor.

IV.A.1.d Officers must be voting members of the NCDCC.

IV.A.2 The following officers shall be nominated:

IV.A.2.a  Chair 

IV.A.2.b First Vice Chair

IV.A.2.c Second Vice Chair

IV.A.2.d Recording Secretary

IV.A.2.e Corresponding Secretary

IV.A.2.f Controller

IV.B  Election of Officers

IV.B.1 The election of officers will be taken at the organizational meeting of the NCDCC (January of odd numbered years).

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

IV.B.1.b If more than one person is running for any position, a vote will be taken by written ballot.  A nominee must receive more than 50% of the total of members voting in order to be elected.  In the event no nominee receives more than 50% of the votes, a “run-off” ballot vote between the two highest vote getters will take place immediately following the first vote.

IV.B.1.c In the event only one person is nominated for any office and the person accepts the nomination, the Recording Secretary shall cast a unanimous ballot for that candidate.

IV.B.1.d The new officers will be announced at the end of the vote and will take office at the organizational meeting.

IV.C The following five committee chairs shall be appointed as described below in Article IV, section D:

IV.C.1 Political Outreach Committee Chair 

IV.C.2 Fundraising Committee Chair

IV.C.3 Volunteer/Headquarter Committee Chair

IV.C.4 Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee Chair

IV.C.5 Communications Committee Chair

(The Fiscal Committee is automatically chaired by the Controller)

IV.D. Appointment of Standing Committee Chairs

IV.D.1 At the first meeting after the organizational meeting of NCDCC (February meeting of odd numbered years) the Chair shall present a slate of candidates, one candidate for each of the five committee chair positions. Prior to the meeting, the Chair shall give written notification to members of NCDCC of the slate of candidates he or she shall present. 

IV.D.2 A motion shall then be made that the slate be nominated for appointment to the five open committee chair positions

IV.D.3 Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

IV.D.4  If more than one person is nominated for any of the chair positions, a vote will be taken by ballot.  A nominee must receive more than 50% of the total of members voting in order to be elected.  In the event no nominee receives more than 50% of the votes, a “run-off” ballot vote between the two highest vote getters will take place immediately following the first vote.

IV.D.5.In the event only one person is nominated for any chair position and the person accepts the nomination, the Recording Secretary shall cast a unanimous ballot for that nominee.

IV.E 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.E.1  Chair 

IV.E.1.a To act as presiding officer at meetings of the NCDCC and Executive Board;

IV.E.1.b  To act at the Administrator and Executive Officer of the NCDCC;

IV.E.1.c To supervise the other Executive Officers and Committee Chairs of the NCDCC to ensure job performance; 

IV.E.1.d To delegate and assign duties and responsibilities in accordance with these Bylaws; 

IV.E.1.e  To mediate and settle disputes among other Executive Officers regarding duties, powers, and areas of responsibility; 

IV.E.1.f  To carry out the duly enacted policies of the NCDCC;

IV.E.1.g  To be the spokesperson for the NCDCC; and

IV.F.1.h  To serve as liaison to the clubs and other entities.

IV.E.1.i  The Chair shall be a member of all Committees.

IV.E.2 First Vice Chair 

IV.E.2.a To assist the Chair in the performance of duties and to serve in the absence of the Chair;

IV.E.2.b To evaluate the performance of the NCDCC staff, including the Chair, and to report such evaluations to the Executive Board with recommendations; 

IV.E.2.c To regularly monitor the attendance of voting members of the NCDCC and to report on their attendance to the Executive Board with recommendations; 

IV.E.2.d To conduct an orientation session in the first quarter of each term of office, to familiarize incoming officers and other attendees with NCDCC organizations, policies, goals, and objectives; and 

IV.E.2.e  To orient new members regarding NCDCC structure, roles, policies and procedures.

IV.E.2.f  The First Vice Chair shall be a member of a committee.

IV.E.3  Second Vice Chair

IV.E.3.a To serve as Chair if both the Chair and the First Vice Chair are absent: and

IV.E.3.b  To conduct special projects assigned by the Chair.  

IV.E.3.c  The Second Vice Chair shall be a member of a committee.

IV.E.4. Recording Secretary 

IV.E.4.a  To take minutes of NCDCC and Executive Board meetings.

IV.E.4.b  To maintain an up-to-date archive of NCDCC records, including Bylaws, rules of procedure, minutes, reports, resolutions and motions enacted at all meetings; 

IV.E.4.c To make recommendations on proposed motions with regard to style, syntax, and uniformity to other enacted motions; and 

IV.E.4.d To provide copies of meeting minutes or reports to the NCDCC membership. 

IV.E.4.e The Recording Secretary shall be a member of a committee.

IV.E.5. Corresponding Secretary

IV.E.5.a To answer all correspondence, including thank you notes to speakers and other people as directed by the Chair or the Executive Board; and

IV.E.5.b To perform all duties and services as required by the Chair.

IV.E.5.c  The Corresponding Secretary shall be a member of a committee

IV.E.6 Controller 

IV.E.6.a To serve as chief fiscal officer of the NCDCC funds and to make fiscal recommendations regarding expenditures, allocations, fundraising, and custodianship of funds.

IV.E.6.b To provide the Chair and the NCDCC with estimates of various overhead and other costs; and 

IV.E.6.c To make monthly reports on the status of all NCDCC accounts; 

IV.E.6.d To prepare the annual budget and supervise expenditures under that budget; and

IV.E.6.e To assure the filing of government required reports either directly or through a professional treasurer.

IV.E.6.f The Controller shall automatically be the chair of the Fiscal Committee.

IV.F.6.g The Controller should be a member of the Fundraising Committee.

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

IV.G. 1 Parliamentarian

IV.G. 2 Historian

ARTICLE V:  Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committees

V.F.1. Volunteer/Headquarters Committee To be responsible for the overall operation of the headquarters including scheduling, assigning office tasks, keeping up bulletin boards and cleaning. 

VF.1.a. To coordinate the purchase, use and maintenance of equipment, supplies, swag, etc., as directed by the Chair and/or the Executive Board;

V.F.1.b To be responsible for the data base maintenance needs of the NCDCC and collect names at all events;

IV.F.1.c To involve volunteers in the promotion of the work of the NCDCC, including membership, committees, and events;

V.F.1.d   To oversee GOTV, phone banking, neighborhood captains program and other such programs;

V.F.1.e To coordinate the establishment and maintenance of an on-going network of Democratic volunteers; and

V.F.1.f   To organize voter registration, including the CPD Bounty Program.

V.F.2 Fundraising Committee: To promote fundraising for the NCDCC through events, email appeals, pledge drives, and any other appropriate means. 

V.F.3 Communications Committee 

V.F.3.a  Coordinate all communications efforts such as websites, email, blogs, television, radio and newspapers; and

V.F.3.b To provide for a monthly newsletter. 

V.F.4 Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee

V.F.4.a To facilitate the recruitment of Democratic candidates for all elective offices in Nevada County; 

V.F.4.b To facilitate the appointment of Democrats to Boards and Commissions; 

V.F.4.c To serve as liaison between the NCDCC and all Democratic office-holders in Nevada County;

V.F.4.d To provide the 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;

V.F.4.e To conduct the endorsement process as stated in Article XIV; and

V.F.4.f  To assist endorsed candidates with materials and financial support as approved by the Executive Committee.

V.F.5 Political Outreach Committee

IV.F.5.a To be responsible for coordinating our efforts at the county fair, street fairs, parades, educational forums and other such events; and

IV.F.5.b To promote activism within constituent groups such as youth, young adults, and seniors.

V.F.6 Enablement 

IV.F.6.a. Each committee shall perform its duties as prescribed, through appropriate activity, delegation, or as directed by the Chair or Executive Board.

IV.F.6.b. Except where otherwise provided, each committee chair shall report their relevant activities to the full NCDCC monthly.

ARTICLE VI:  Executive Board 

V1.A The Executive Board consists of the following as voting members: the six elected officers of NCDCC, chairs of the five standing committees (Political Outreach Committee, Fundraising Committee, Volunteer/Headquarter Committee, Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee, and Communications) and as non-voting members, the two appointed officers, the parliamentarian and the historian.

VI.B The Executive Board meets prior to each 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 Chair or by request of a majority of the voting members of the Executive Board.

VI.C The Executive Board acts on behalf of NCDCC between NCDCC meetings.

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

VI.E The Chair is the chair of the Executive Board.

VI.F All members of the Executive Board are encouraged to appoint an alternate. Officer alternates can be any DCC member and chair alternates should be members of their committee. Alternates will have full voting rights when serving in an executive board meeting. The chair should be notified by the member when their alternate will be attending an executive board meeting in their stead.

ARTICLE VII: Meetings

VII.A All meetings of NCDCC are open to the public.  Every reasonable opportunity shall be given for any attendee to be heard. Minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and sent to all members that are current in their dues.

VII.B Special meetings may be called by the Chair, by majority of the Executive Board, or by petition of twelve voting 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. 

VII.C A quorum for NCDCC meetings shall be 12 voting members.

VII.D In the absence of the Chair, the presiding officer 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 Corresponding Secretary shall act as Chair.

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

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

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

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

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

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

VII.F.4.a Filling of vacancies in the NCDCC. 

VII.F.4.b Election of officers of NCDCC.

VII.F.4.c Call for accreditation of clubs.

VII.F.4.f Election of delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee.

VII.F.4.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.

VII.F.4.f Any other business that shall properly come before NCDCC.

VII.F.5 Notice of the organizational meeting shall be given 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 VIII: Vacancies

VIII.A Vacancies in the membership of NCDCC shall be announced at a regular monthly meeting of NCDCC and shall be filled as set forth below. 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 NCDCC meeting at which the vacancy or vacancies are to be filled.  The candidates for membership shall be elected by majority vote.

VIII.B Vacancies in the officer positions of Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary and Controller shall be filled by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of NCDCC.

VIII.C In the event of a vacancy in any of the Committee Chair positions, the Chair shall appoint a person to fill the vacant position for the remainder of the term with the approval of a majority of the Executive Board.

VIII.D In the event of a vacancy in the Chair position, the Vice Chair shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chair until the vacancy is filled.

VIII.E In the event of a vacancy in any other officer position, the Chair may designate another officer to assume the duties and responsibilities of the vacant position until such time as the vacancy is filled.

VIII.F Vacancies in appointed officer positions shall be filled by the Chair and approved by the Executive Board.

VIII.G Elections to vacant positions must be placed on the agenda of a regular monthly meeting or a special meeting.

ARTICLE IX: Removal of Elected Members and Officers

IX.A Members shall be removed from NCDCC as provided by Article XIII, Section G, of these bylaws, 

IX.B Members may be removed from office if not present in person or through representation by the duly appointed Alternate Member or by proxy for three consecutive regular monthly meetings of NCDCC in a calendar year. 

IX.C Members may be removed from office for misconduct provided that the member whose removal is being is sent written notice no fewer than 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.

IX.D 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 voting members and alternates present is required for the removal of a member. 

IX.E The Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretaries and Controller 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 NCDCC, provided that written notice shall have been sent to every member of NCDCC no fewer than 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.

IX.F Any committee chair can be removed for cause by the 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 X: Committees and Task Forces

X.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 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.

X.B Committees and Task Forces shall be created for specific needs of NCDCC or the Democratic Party by the Chair, the Executive Board, or NCDCC. 

X.C The Chair is a member of every subordinate body of NCDCC.

ARTICLE XI: Motions

XI.A  The internal business of the NCDCC shall be done according to Roberts Rules of Order and recorded as motions.  At a request from any voting member, a roll call vote shall be taken..

XI.B To be enacted, motions must receive a majority vote of members voting.

ARTICLE XII: Resolutions

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

XII.B Resolutions shall be given a second reading at a subsequent regular or special meeting no less than 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, resolutions may be placed on the agenda for consideration by NCDCC as an Emergency Resolution by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. A simple majority vote of members present and voting is required for passage. 

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

ARTICLE XIII: Dues

XIII.A Regular dues for all voting members and alternates, excluding ex-officio members and their alternates, shall be twenty-five dollars ($25) per year.

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

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

XIII.C. Dues are not refundable.

XIII.E. Members or alternates who are not current in dues and have not received a waiver shall be included in the report of the Controller at regular monthly meetings of the NCDCC.

XIII.F Members and alternates who are delinquent in dues payment and have not received a waiver shall lose all voting rights in NCDCC until they become current in the payment of their dues.

XIII.G Members and alternates who have not paid their dues and have not received a waiver, may be removed from NCDCC with ten days written notice.

ARTICLE XIV: Rules of Conduct

XIV.A Any other item not covered in these Bylaws or motion enacted under these Bylaws 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.

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 NCDCC shall be recorded in its general and committee meeting minutes and/or reports. 

XIV.E. For the purpose of these Bylaws, transmitting information by e-mail shall be considered the equivalent of written notification, mailed notification, and any similar method of distributing information.

ARTICLE XV:  Endorsements in Local Races 

XV.A The Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will send an application/questionnaire and an NCDCC 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  The Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will send an application/questionnaire and an NCDCC Code of Fair Campaign Practices to all remaining Democratic Candidates in targeted local races within 5 days after the final filing deadline. 

XV.C Criteria for Candidates 

XV.C.1 The candidate must be a currently registered Democrat and file an endorsement application/questionnaire and a signed NCDCC Code of Fair Campaign Practices with the Chair of the NCDCC 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 NCDCC, a candidate may revoke his/her request for endorsement.

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

XV.C.3   NCDCC shall make no form of endorsement other than an official endorsement as expressly described in these By-Laws.  

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

XV.D Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee 

XV.D.2 The Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee shall: 

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

(1) Name, address, work and home phone numbers

(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

(6) Their positions on relevant issues

XV.D.2.b Identify and mail an application/questionnaire to all Democratic candidates in targeted local races. 

XV.D.2.c The questionnaire may include other items as deemed appropriate by the Committee. 

XV.D.2.d  Candidates must apply for endorsement no later than sixty days before the election.

XV.D.3 The Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will provide support to the Endorsement Committee and during the NCDCC endorsement meetings, as needed.

XV.E Endorsement Committee 

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

XV.E.2 Within 30 days after a Democratic candidate announces his/her intention of running for a targeted local office the Chairperson of the Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee will notify the candidate of the NCDCC’s interest in interviewing him or her.

XV.E.2.a The Chairperson of the Candidate and Recruitment Committee will contact the candidate, send the candidate questionnaire, and set up an interview with the candidate for the Endorsement Committee.

XV.E.2.b All members of the NCDCC will be notified of the interview dates and may attend as observers. 

XV.E.2.c Once endorsements are made; all assistance to competing candidates will cease. Until such time, the NCDCC 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.3  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.E.4  After the interviews are complete,  the Endorsement Committee shall provide an endorsement assessment to the NCDCC. 

XV.F. NCDCC Endorsement 

XV.F.1.  The NCDCC shall meet to decide on endorsements at forty five days prior to the election, when practical. The Chair may call a special meeting or meetings to provide for endorsement decisions. 

XV.F.2. The time and place of the NCDCC 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. 

XV.F.3. Should the NCDCC decide to endorse, the NCDCC shall only endorse one candidate per open seat. 

XV.F.3.a. Endorsement requires a simple majority of those present and voting. Once a candidate has been endorsed, no other candidates may be considered for endorsement for that seat unless the endorsement has been revoked. A designation of endorsed shall carry the weight of the California Democratic Party (CDP) and means: 

XV.F.3.a.1. That the NCDCC may publicize such endorsements;

XV.F.3.a.2. That the endorsed candidate has the authority to publicize such endorsement as he or she chooses; and

XV.F.3.a.3.  That the endorsed candidate shall be given 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.  

XV.F.3.b The NCDCC shall not lend nor provide its name or campaign assistance to non-endorsed candidates. 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 non-endorsed candidates.  

XV.F.4. The NCDCC may reconsider any endorsement action taken at any time. 

XV.F.4.a.  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 may be a violation, it shall recommend revocation to the NCDCC. The NCDCC 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.F.4.b.  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.F.4.c. 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 NCDCC.

XV.F.5.  Fast Track for Sole Democrats:  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 NCDCC for endorsement without requiring a questionnaire or an interview. 

XV.F.6.  The names of all such "Sole Democrats" shall be voted on at the next regular meeting of the NCDCC by majority vote of those members present and voting. 

XV.G Early Endorsement

XV.G.1    The NCDCC may decide on the endorsement of a candidate earlier than the filing deadline for any election.  Early endorsements of candidates may be made as early as nine months before either a primary or general election.

XV.G.2    In order to be eligible for early endorsement, in addition to the ordinary criteria for endorsement, the candidates must have publically declared their candidacy, developed a campaign structure, achieved substantial visability and have strong positions aligned with Democratic values.

XV.G.3  After  completion of the application and interview process, the Endorsement Committee shall decide whether to recommend a candidate for early endorsement.  A recommendation of early endorsement will require a vote of two thirds of the Endorsement Committee members present. The NCDCC shall decide whether to endorse a candidate early or not.

XV.G.4  Lack of early endorsement does not preclude eventual endorsement.

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

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

XV.H.4  If a club chooses to 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.H.5. The Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee or designee shall be responsible for working with clubs in matters concerning endorsements.

ARTICLE XVI: Club Accreditation 

XVI.A.  Scope, Enabling Authority, and Definitions

XVI.A.1  The NCDCC 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 designee 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.

XVI.B. Procedures for Accreditation

XVI.B.1 Chartered Democratic Clubs can be of any size.

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

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 who designate this as their primary club, which shall include their respective residence, Supervisorial District and Congressional District;

XVI.B.3.b A set of current bylaws; 

XVI.B.3.c A list of current officers; 

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

XVI.B.3.e. Documentation of ongoing programs; 

XVI.B.4. Clubs shall submit the same information annually to the Chair.

XV1.B.5  The Chair shall introduce a motion to accredit a prospective club at a regular meeting of the NCDCC. Accreditation must be approved by a majority of the members present. 

XVI.B.6 Once accredited, the Club President shall provide the Regional Director with club membership list. 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. 

XV1.B.7 A Democratic club is organized for the purpose of strengthening the Democratic Party and will never endorse a candidate other than a Democrat, or a No Party Preference candidate when there is no registered Democrat running in a contest.

XV1.B.8 The Chair or his or her designee shall work with clubs to see that they fulfill their obligations to the NCDCC 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. The Chair of the NCDCC or his or her appointee shall be responsible for working with union printers to develop Democratic Club rates whenever possible.

XVI.D.  Sanctions 

The Chair or his or her appointee shall be responsible for advising the NCDCC when an accredited club is in violation of these articles. An affirmative vote of sixty percent of the voting members of the NCDCC 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 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 XVIII: Amendment of These Bylaws

XVIII.A  The NCDCC shall review its Bylaws in each term of office.  A simple majority vote of members present at a regular meeting of the NCDCC is required to approve the first overall Bylaws revision in each term of office.  Notice of the proposed Bylaws revision shall be sent to all members of the NCDCC no fewer than 10 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 vote of the members present either at a regular or special meeting of the NCDCC, provided that the notice requirements above have been met.

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 Articles pertaining to Resolutions, Legislation, club charters and of relevant Rules of Conduct. 

• Adopted by NCDCC on 16 Dec, 2004.

• Amended Article XV by NCDCC on 17 August 2006

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

• Amended Article IV April 19, 2007 NCDCC

• Amended Article IV November 18, 2010 NCDCC

• Adopted by NCDCC on April 21, 2011

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

• Amended Article I March 2014 NCDCC

• Amended Articles I, II, & III April 2014 NCDCC

• Amended Articles I & XIV June 2014 NCDCC

• Amended almost all articles by NCDCC on November **, 2017

• Amended Article VI on 2023