Constitution

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Western Washington University Young Democrats (WWUYD) or Western Democrats.

Article II - Purpose

The purpose of the Western Washington University Young Democrats shall be to promote political awareness and activism, and foster values of equality and social justice.

Article III - Affiliation

The Western Washington University Young Democrats shall be affiliated with the Young Democrats of Washington (YDWA), but shall remain an autonomous organization. Additionally, The Western Democrats will be chartered with both the Young Democrats of America (YDA) and College Democrats of America (CDA), and maintain a affiliation with the Democratic National Committee of the United States of America (DNC). The Western Washingto University Young Democrats shall recieve 1 (ONE) vote on the Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee Executive Board as per WCDCC by-laws.

Article IV - Membership

Section 1: Membership in the Western Washington University Young Democrats shall be open to any Democrat not younger than fourteen and not older than thirty-five who attends or has attended Western Washington University.

Section 2: Members shall pay dues or obtain a hardship waiver from the Western Washington University Young Democrats President.

Section 3: Any person who meets the requirements of sections 1 and 2 of this Article is a member of the Western Washington University Young Democrats. Voting privileges will apply to those that attend concurrently 2 or more meetings.

Section 4: The Western Washington University Young Democrats shall not restrict membership based on any personal characteristics other than age or partisan affiliation.

Article V - Officers

Section 1: The officers of the Western Washington University Young Democrats Executive Board shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2: The officers named in Section 1 of this Article shall be considered the Executive Board of the Western Washington University Young Democrats.

Section 3: The President, or a two-thirds vote of a quorum as defined in Article VI, Section 5, may, from time to time, establish other offices. If established by the President, these offices shall be filled by Presidential appointment, subject to majority approval of the Executive Board. If established by a vote of the membership, these offices shall be filled by special election. However, special offices shall not out-last the current election cycle. These officers shall not be considered executive board members unless specifically and separately approved by a two-thirds vote of a quorum as defined in Article VI. The President may appoint a person as an acting special officer until an election can be held, if such an election is necessary under the provisions of this section.

Section 4: Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of quorum for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance. Notice that charges are to be brought must be given to members 7 days prior to a vote. If charges are submitted at a scheduled meeting, a special meeting must be held within 15 days, but no sooner than 7 days.

Section 5: The term of office shall begin one week proceeding the final day of class for the Western Washington University Spring quarter, and conclude one week proceeding the final day of class for the Western Washington University Spring quarter the next calendar year.

Section 6: Regular elections shall be held in the month of April or May.

Section 7: Any constitutionally established position for which no candidate runs during a regular election may be filled by Presidential appointment, subject to the approval of a majority of the Executive Board members.

Section 8: All voting members shall be notified of the date, time, and place for regular elections at least 7 days in advance. All voting members shall be notified of the date, time, and place for special elections at least 5 days in advance.

Section 9: Midterm vacancies in the office of President shall be filled by the Executive Vice-President until a special election can be held, which should occur not more than 30 days after the office is vacated. All other midterm vacancies will be filled by the appointment of the President, subject to a majority approval of the Executive Board.

Section 10: The primary duties of the officers shall be as follows:

A. President

1. Act as the chief executive of the Western Washington University Young Democrats;

2. Act as the official representative to the Young Democrats of Washington, the media, and other groups;

3. Carry out the mandates, policies and directives of the Western Washington University Young Democrats;

4. Preside over all official meetings;

5. Maintain an accurate record or all members;

6. Take such actions as deemed necessary to promote the purpose of the Western Washington University Young Democrats as -described in Article 1, as long as not in violation of the provisions of this constitution.

B. Vice-President

1. Perform the duties of the chair in the President's absence.

2. Assume the office of the President upon the President's death, removal, resignation, or incapacitating disability.

3. Represent the WWUYDs on the YDW Executive Board in all cases where the president holds another position that already grants him or her a YDW Executive Board vote.

4. Perform such duties as the President may reasonably assign.

C. Treasurer

1. Collect membership dues.

2. Direct efforts to petition ASWWU and other constituencies for funds.

3. Maintain complete record of all expenditures and all receipts.

4. Perform such duties as the President may reasonably assign, or as are customarily performed by a treasurer.

D. Secretary

1. Take minutes at all meetings

2. Keep a record of all club activates (ie any newspaper articles)

3. Research and raise issues of importance to fulfilling the Purpose (Article II) of the WWUYDs, and vital to the interests of the WWU student community.

4. Perform such duties as the President may reasonably assign.

Article VI - Meetings

Section 1: The Western Washington University Young Democrats shall meet at the call of the President, and shall meet at least once every thirty days during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters of the Western Washington University school year.

Section 2: At least five days written or electronic notice of a club meeting will be given to each voting member, including date, time, and location.

Section 3: Failure of the President to comply with Section 1 of this Article twice during one term shall be considered misfeasance.

Section 4: Failure of any officer to attend two consecutive, properly called meetings shall be considered nonfeasance, and shall make the officer subject to removal at the pleasure of the Executive Board. For the purposes of this section, a majority vote of the Executive Board can remove the officer.

Section 5: Voting is allowed by members who are in good standing as defined in Article VI Section 3.

Section 6: No proxy voting shall be allowed

Section 7: A quorum shall be a majority of the voting members, one of which must be an WWUYD executive board member; or, three WWUYD executive board members when five or more total voting members are present.

Article VII - Committees

Section 1: From time to time the President or a majority vote of a quorum, as defined in Article VI, Section 5, may establish a committee for a set time and purpose.

Section 2: Participation in committees will be voluntary.

Article VIII - Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Western Washington University Young Democrats in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws of the Western Washington University Young Democrats, or any special rules of order this organization adopts.

Article IX - By-Laws

The Western Washington University Young Democrats may adopt such bylaws as, from time to time, it shall deem necessary. Bylaws shall be adopted when approved by a majority vote of a quorum as defined in Article VI, Section 5. All members shall receive advance notice of no less than 7 days that changes are to be proposed.

Article X - Amendment to the Constitution

The Constitution of the Western Washington University Young Democrats can only be amended by a two-thirds vote of a quorum, as defined by Article VI, Section 5. Members must be notified at least 7 days in advance that changes will be proposed to the constitution

Amendments

1. Amendment I - Revised Chapter Election Code. (.doc form)

Passed 5-0-0 winter 2005. Revised Chapter Election Code (Amendment I) shall supersede sections  Article IV.3, Article V.5, 6 and Article VI.5 , 6.

2. Amendment II – Executive Board Membership (4-0-0 Fall 2005)

The Western Washington University Young Democrats Executive Board shall consist of the President, Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additional Officers appointed under the appointment process shall not be part of the Executive Board unless otherwise specified and passed in accordance with Article V. Officers appointed to the Executive Board shall bear the title beginning with “Vice President for“ and shall report to the Executive Vice President. Appointments to the Executive Board should be exceptional terms only, and may only last for ONE academic year, where it will then become an elected office. Officers not appointed to the Executive Board may have titles beginning or ending with, but not limited to, “Director”.

3. Amendment III – Steering Committee (4-0-0 Fall 2005)

The Western Washington University Young Democrats Steering committee shall consist of the entire membership of the Executive Board plus all additional officers appointed by the President. The Steering Committee shall be an advisory body to the Executive Board and assist the Executive Board in chapter business.

4. Amendment IV - Endorsements Committee (pending)

The Western Washington University Young Democrats shall appoint an endorsements committee when the need arises. The Endorsements committee shall be comprised of 1 (one) The President, 1 (one) additional Executive officer, 2 (two) additional supporting officers, Up to 5 members at the discretion of the Chapter President. The Endorsements committee shall interview candidates in a democratic manner determined by the President, all endorsements must be approved by a simple majority of the Executive Board before they are final.

Elections Code

Internal Elections Procedure (Amendment to the Constitution):
This procedure status: Winter 05
Purpose: To establish a detailed elections procedure

This amendment procedure supersedes all previous articles and amendments passed prior to its enactment. This amendment can be superseded by future amendments if passed by a 2/3 majority passed by the Executive Board.

Article I.
Elections Chair   
The Elections Process for chapter executive officers will be overseen by an appointed elections chair. The Chair will be selected from amongst existing officers not seeking reelection and can be nominated by any Executive Board member and must be confirmed by a simple majority in both the Executive Board and Supporting Committee (the combined executive and supporting officers). The Chair will have the authority to manage and to coordinate the elections in accordance with the elections code.

Removal
The Chair can be removed for violation of the elections code, by a 2/3 vote in the Executive Board with majority quorum. The chair will be replaced by appointment of the board in accordance with article I.

If no Chair is appointed or approved, the senior ranking officer (executive or supporting) not seeking reelection will be automatically selected to serve as chair.
 
Article II
Duties
The chair is to keep a record of candidates as well as count and announce the ballot results. The chair is to keep a paper record of all votes cast by voting members and shall be able to provide them if challenged. The Elections Chair shall resume normal functions as an officer after the elections process is confirmed.

The Chair is to announce and swear in newly elected officers.

Article III
Elections Procedure
The elections will take place during the middle week of Spring Quarter. The chair is responsible for overseeing the elections process, but not for advertisement of offices, that is the job of the executive board.

1.    Application for election
Potential candidates must file for election 2 full weeks before the election in order to allow time for the elections chair to coordinate the process. The elections chair is responsible for announcing the election schedule and deadlines. Existing officers seeking re-election do not need to file.

2.    Candidates
Candidates running for office must be active members of the chapter. Candidates must have attended a majority of that quarter’s meetings, and must have volunteered in at least 1 event or venue. The candidates must also declare themselves democrats.

Candidates for President
Candidates for President must fulfill one of the following requirements:
1.    Receive a nomination by 2 active chapter members. (as defined in Article 3.2)
or
2.    Receive a nomination by an officer, (Supporting or Executive)
or
3.    Be a former or current serving officer (Supporting or Executive)
or
4.    Must demonstrate extensive experience and qualifications. As determined and approved by a simple majority of all members present.

3.    Voter credential
a.    Voters must be members of the chapter and must have attended at least a total of 5 meetings throughout the calendar year.
b.    Voters must be declared democrats and members of the chapter prior to the elections.
c.    Voter credentials may be challenged.
d.    If voter credential is challenged the issue will be resolved by the sole discretion of the Elections Procedures Chair.

4.    Election
Election speeches will be given by all candidates at the meeting prior to the election.

The election will be conducted the middle meeting of the spring quarter. The election meeting will start with the president announcing the candidates, as well as final comments by the candidates before the ballots are cast. The ballots will be filled out by all members and officers present, and collected by the elections chair. The chair will tally the votes and announce the winners.

5.    Absentee votes
Absentee votes may be cast by current members of the executive board and supporting officers with previous permissions of the elections chair. Members may not cast absentee ballots. If a candidate cannot make it to the election due to an emergency, the issue will be sent to the chair to determine the action at his/her discretion. The chair can either choose to allow for that candidate’s position one postponement until the next meeting, or can disqualify said candidate. The decision of the chair can be overturned by a simple majority of the voting membership with a 2/3 majority in the Executive Board.

6.    Confirmation
New officers will be confirmed at the meeting following the elections. The new officers are required to shadow and receive training from their predecessors. The new officers will remain ‘officers elect’ until the end of the academic year, and will serve as official executives at the beginning of the summer term or fall term. Candidates will be officially confirmed by the sitting executive board upon completion of all officer training and orientation procedures.

7.    Tie (pending)
In the event of a tie, the chapter shall go into special closed caucus. All voting member, excluding candidates shall be included in the special closed causus. All voting members will have the oppurtunity to discuss their support or concerns of each candidate, the caucus shall last until the Chair calls for a vote but shall not exceed 24 hours. He/She may do so at any time. If the caucus vote is tied, the decision shall be made by coin toss.

Article IV
Offices for election
Only Executive Offices are up for election. These positions include, President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. These four positions make up the executive board and are elected for 1 year terms. All other officers must be appointed by the president with approval of a simple majority by the Executive Board.

For Positions that are not contested, officers do not need to formally apply for reelection and may continue their terms without disruption into the next term if they are not challenged for office.

An executive officer may challenge another position in the executive board. If the challenging officer loses the election, and their former positions were not contested, they can resume that seat without disruption. If their former positions were contested, they shall forfeit that seat.

Any Executive Board vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the President with a 2/3 majority in the Executive Board.

Article V
Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be comprised of the President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Executive officers shall be the only elected positions within the chapter and will serve as the chief administrative entity that guides the leadership within the party. Should the Executive Board votes be tied, a tiebreaker vote will be cast by the next most senior supporting officer or committee chair. The Chapter President will serve as the Presiding Chair of the Executive Board. Additional members may be appointed to the Executive Board with a 2/3 majority approval.