Bylaws
Canton Democratic Club Constitution and Bylaws
Article I: Name
This organization shall be known as the “Canton Democratic Club”. The C.D.C. shall be organized in accordance with and shall abide by the rules of the Michigan Democratic Party and in compliance with the appropriate laws of the State of Michigan.
Article II: Purpose and Community Served
Section 1
The purpose of the Canton Democratic Club is to promote social and economic justice in the Democratic Party and in our government; to further the philosophy of the Democratic Party; to elect Democrats who support this philosophy and to unite and to aid in the activities of all precinct delegates, committees, candidates and all other Democrats working to promote active participation in the Democratic Party
Section 2
The Canton Democratic Club shall serve the people of the Canton Community.
Article III: Fundamental Principles
Section 1
All public meetings of the Canton Democratic Club shall be open to attendance by all members of the Democratic Party regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance or disability.
Section 2
No tests for membership in, nor any oaths of loyalty to, the Canton Democratic Club shall be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current member of the Club to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance or disability.
Section 3
The time and place for all public meetings of the Canton Democratic Club on all levels shall be publicized fully and in such a manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all Club members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons.
Section 4
The Canton Democratic Club shall support the broadest possible participation without discrimination on grounds of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance or disability.
Section 5
The Canton Democratic Club shall publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a full description of the legal and practical procedures for selection of Canton Democratic Club officers and representatives. Publication of those procedures shall be done in such a fashion that all prospective and current members of the Canton Democratic Club will be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent procedure in time to participate in each selection procedure of the Canton Democratic Club.
Section 6
The Canton Democratic Club shall publicize in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a complete description of the legal and practical qualifications for all officers and representatives of the Canton Democratic Club. Such publication shall be done by the meeting prior to the February Club Elections, so all prospective candidates or applicants for any elected or appointed position within the Canton Democratic Club will have opportunity to compete for office.
Section 7
All rules and bylaws of the Canton Democratic Club at all levels shall be consistent with the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party and shall be available on request in writing to any member of the Canton Democratic Club.
Section 8
No rule shall be adopted by the Canton Democratic Club which would require a person to cast a vote or be recorded a voting contrary to that person’s judgment.
Section 9
On all questions of procedure not resolved by the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party or these Bylaws, the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used.
Section 10
Votes shall not be taken by secret ballot at any meeting of the Canton Democratic Club at any level. Written ballots which are signed, counted publicly and available for inspection by any member in good standing are acceptable.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1
Membership in the Canton Democratic Club shall consist of all dues paying members of the Canton Democratic Club in good standing. All members must be members of the Michigan Democratic Party
Section 2
Members of the Canton Democratic Club (C.D.C.) shall do the following:
1. Commit to support the purposes of the C.D.C and MI Democratic Party
2. Sign an application for membership
3. Pay the established dues of the C.D.C
Section 3
A voting member of the Club must have attended at least two meetings (including the club picnic and/or holiday party) from July through January prior to the election, and be current on the payment of annual dues prior to the day of the annual meeting.
Section 4
The activities of the Canton Democratic Club shall be open to all members of the Canton Democratic Club and the Michigan Democratic Party regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, or disability.
Section 5
Honorary membership may be granted by the Canton Democratic Club to individuals who have rendered exceptional service in the furtherance of the objectives of the Democratic Party and the Club, and shall be conferred by majority vote of those present at any meeting of the Canton Democratic Club; such honorary members shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the membership at any meeting.
Article V: Officers and Executive Board
Section 1
The Officers shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson of the opposite sex of the Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Membership Officer. They shall have 2 year terms.
Section 2
The Executive Board shall consist of the following President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Officer and eight trustees each serving two year terms.
Section 3
The president of this organization shall preside at all membership and board meetings, and transact such other duties as are usual to the office of the Canton Democratic Club President or that may be required by this organization
Section 4
The Vice President shall assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties and shall assume the responsibilities of the President in his/her absence. The Vice President must be the opposite sex of the President or the President and the Vice President must be of the opposite sex.
Section 5
The Secretary of this organization shall keep an accurate record and minutes of the proceedings of all the meetings of the officers and membership. She/he shall keep and preserve all books, documents, correspondence, records, minutes, effects and any other property of this organization, and when a new secretary is elected the past secretary shall forthwith deliver to the newly elected secretary all the previous items kept and preserved during his/her tenure of office. She/he shall reasonably notify, and see that proper notification is given to all of the membership of its meetings and to the officers of their meetings.
Section 6
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial receipts and disbursements of this organization subject to the approval of the officers. The funds of this organization shall be deposited in banks and shall be drawn upon by two of the following officers: President, and Treasurer. The Treasurer shall make financial reports to the officers as the officers so direct and make financial reports to the membership at all regular monthly meetings. The Treasurer shall file required PAC reports with the State of Michigan or the County of Wayne, and amend any errors or omissions as required. When a new Treasurer is elected, the past Treasurer shall forthwith deliver to the new treasurer the funds and all the financial books and records of the Canton Democratic Club.
Section 7
The Membership Officer shall work, along with the board, to ensure the growth of club membership meets the goals of the Canton Democratic Club. The Membership officer shall make reports to the officers, board and general membership as so directed. Also the Membership Officer shall convey to the Secretary any new member information so that timely communications are sent. When a new Membership Officer is elected, the past Membership Officer shall forthwith deliver to the new Officer all membership information of the Canton Democratic Club.
Section 8
The eight (8) Trustees shall assist the officers of the Canton Democratic Club in promoting the programs and projects of the Canton Democratic Club. When electing Trustees, the voting members should strongly attempt to elect a Board of Trustees that is equitably reflective of the geographic district served by the Canton Democratic Club.
Section 9
The Executive Board may conduct the business of the Canton Democratic Club including questions of policy, between regular monthly meetings of the Canton Democratic Club Membership. Except that the Executive Board may not:
· Remove or Elect officers and board members or trustees
· Remove persons from membership rolls of the Canton Democratic Club
· Amend this constitution and bylaws of the Canton Democratic Club
· Endorse on behalf of the Canton Democratic Club
· Appropriate monies of the Canton Democratic Club to candidates for public office, party office or to political action committees
· Appropriate any monies in excess of two hundred ($200.00) dollars for any purpose
When conducting the business of the Executive Board, the presence of one third (1/3) of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum. At least seven (7) days’ notice shall be given to the Executive Board prior to any meeting of the Executive Board.
Section 10: Eligibility
The offices described in sections 1 thru 9 above, shall be filled only by members eligible to vote (per Article IV section 3 of these bylaws) in the club elections who have held such active membership for a period of not less than four (4) months.
Section 11: Election
The Executive Board, pursuant to Article V, Section 2, shall be elected by the members eligible to vote and present at the annual meeting in odd numbered years and shall hold office for a period of (2) two years or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Candidates for Executive Board positions shall be nominated by the membership starting at the January meeting immediately prior to the annual meeting up until the February annual meeting (immediately prior to the election of the Executive Board).
Nominations can be taken verbally at either meeting or via Email to the club email address in between the meetings. A majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for election to office. If no candidate receives a majority a run-off shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.
Written ballots which are signed, counted publicly and available for inspection by any member in good standing are acceptable.
Voting by acclamation is permitted if there are an equal number or fewer candidates than there are available spots for a certain position.
The club president will appoint a voting club member, who is not currently seeking a position on the board, to run the election.
Section 12: Removal from Office
Members of the Executive Board may be removed from their position only by majority vote of members eligible to vote and present at a regular or special meeting, provided that notice of the removal effort is given in writing to all members at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting at which the vote is held. Removal shall be for cause only. Cause shall be defined as malfeasance, misfeasance or a pattern of substantial nonfeasance in office, action taken in the name of the club if such action is taken without approval of the Executive Board, and conviction of a felony. The officer who is the subject of the removal effort shall have the right to a hearing before the membership and an opportunity to speak in her/his defense prior to the vote being taken. This right can be waived in writing only.
Section 13
Vacancies in any office shall be filled by majority vote of eligible voting members present at the next regular meeting. Vacancies will be announced at any general meeting of the club with a vote being held at the following meeting of the club. Nominations to fill the position will be taken at either meeting or any time in between.
Section 14
Each officer or trustee must be a resident of Canton Township, Plymouth Township, Northville Township, the City of Northville, the City of Plymouth, or the City of Livonia.
Article VI: Club Meetings
Section 1: Regular Meetings
Regular membership meetings of the Canton Democratic Club shall be held monthly, at such time and place as the Executive Board shall decide, except that as many as four (4) regular meetings may be omitted during one calendar year, at the direction of the Executive Board. The regular meeting date shall be the third Wednesday of each month, subject to change by the Executive Board. Notice of regular meetings shall not be required unless special business is to be conducted, such as the amendment of the by-laws, election and removal of a person from the Executive Board or endorsement of candidates for public or party office.
Section 2
The regular meetings of the Canton Democratic Club Executive Committee shall be on the date and at the location and time set forth by meeting notice. At least five (5) days’ notice shall be given of the date, time and place of the meeting. Notice will be given by email. Postings on social media and website may also be provided. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive Committee.
Section 3: Annual Meetings
The annual meeting of the Canton Democratic Club shall be held together with the regular club meeting in the month of February. Notice of the annual meeting shall be given at least ten (10) days in advance of the meeting, to all members of the Canton Democratic Club whom have provided an email address.
Section 4
Special meetings of the membership may be called by the president or upon written request by any three (3) members of the Executive Board. At least ten (10) days’ notice shall be provided to all members and the call for a special meeting must specify the special business to be transacted at the meeting. No business other than that stated in the call for the meeting may be transacted at the special meeting.
Section 5
Subject to the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party and these Bylaws, all meetings shall be conducted according to simplified Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition).
Article VII: Order of Business
Section 1
At meetings the business of the organization can include:
1. Roll call of officers and members
2. Minutes of the previous meeting
3. Reports of committees
4. Old business
5. New business
6. Announcements
7. Adjournment
Article VIII: Quorum of Membership Meetings
Section 1
The members eligible to vote who are present at annual membership meeting pursuant to notice or a regular membership meeting shall constitute a quorum, provided that meeting notices are communicated at least ten (10) days prior to the meetings which take place at a time or place other than the regularly established meeting time and place.
Article IX: Committees
Section 1
Standings committees shall include but not be limited to the following:
- Nominations and Endorsements
- Budget and Fundraising
- Bylaws
- Political Action Committee
- Communications, Membership and Volunteers
- Campaign Planning and Candidate Recruitment
- Rules and Credentials
- Resolutions and Policy
The President shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees
Article X: Endorsements
Section 1
The endorsement of candidates for partisan or nonpartisan public office or party leadership position by the Canton Democratic Club should represent the best judgment of club members that the candidate’s life, work, education, political activity, community service and platform set forth in the standards in this article. To promote unity within our club and to enable club members to endorse candidates who truly represent the values of our club and the Democratic Party the Canton Democratic Club may only endorse candidates for public office or party leadership positions who meet the standards set forth below. The club shall comply with the endorsement procedures and standards set forth in this article. Candidates can be considered for endorsement either by recommendation by a Canton Democratic Club member or by written request of the Candidate.
Section 2
To be eligible for endorsement candidates must meet the following requirements:
A. Candidates must be members of the Michigan Democratic Party prior to the primary election or party officer election.
B. Candidates for national public or party office or public or party office in another state must be members of the National Democratic Party or the state Democratic Party organization of the state of their residence recognized by the Democratic National Committee.
C. By prior work experience, education, political activity, community service, writings, platform and other similar criteria, a candidate must demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality, economic justice, social justice, civil rights, environmental justice, and the related principles of the Democratic Party, a commitment which has existed for a substantial period of time before the candidacy.
D. Candidates who are Canton residents should already be or become a member of the Canton Democratic Club. This requirement can be waived by a vote of the majority of the active members eligible to vote and present at an endorsement meeting.
Section 3
If a specific candidate has failed, due to excusable neglect or lack of funds, to meet the requirements, set forth in section 2 (a) and section 2 (b) of this article, that the candidate has been a Democratic Party Member prior to the primary election or party officer election, said candidate may become eligible for endorsement only if all the following requirements are met.
A. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of all eligible voting members present at a regular monthly meeting of the club vote to suspend temporarily and only as to the specific candidate at issue, the three (3) month continuous Democratic Party membership requirement set forth in section 2 (a).
B. The specific candidate has become a member of the Michigan; national or other state (as applicable) Democratic Party prior to the date on which the candidate submitted a written application or recommended for endorsement by a club member for the endorsement of the Canton Democratic Club
C. The specific candidate at issue meets all requirements of section 2(c) of this article.
D. Provided further written notice that endorsements of candidates for public or party office will be considered at said regular monthly meeting, has been communicated to all eligible voting members at least ten (10) days prior to said meeting.
Section 4
At a regular monthly membership meeting, the club shall adopt policies to govern in a manner not inconsistent with this article, the manner and procedures to be used when considering candidates requests for endorsements including applications, questionnaires, campaign finance reviews, interviews, time requirements and reports of the Nominations Committee to the Club Membership.
The membership shall adopt policies and rules to govern the operation of the organization, the method of transacting business, and specifying any additional or special duties of officers, provided that no policy or rule is contrary to the Canton Democratic Club Constitution and Bylaws or Michigan Democratic Party Rules.
Article XI: Policies and Rules
Section 1
This Canton Democratic Club Constitution and Bylaws may be amended at a regular membership meeting and only by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all eligible voting members present at a regular membership meeting, provided that the amendment(s) (was) (were) submitted in writing and read to the membership at the immediate prior regular membership meeting and further provided that written notice that the amendment(s) will be considered, has been communicated to all members at least ten (10) days prior to a regular membership meeting.
Section 2
Standing rules may be amended or repealed at any regular membership meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present.
Article XII: Amendments
Section 1
In the event of the dissolution of the Canton Democratic Club, all real and personal property shall revert to the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee.
