lacdp by-laws

8/13/2019 LACDP BY-LAWs

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

As amended February 11, 2014. (021314) COST $5.00



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I. DEFINITION .................................................................................................................... 1Section A. NAME ............................................................................................................................... 1Section B. CONTINUITY .................................................................................................................... 1Section C. PURPOSES ...................................................................................................................... 1Section D. DEMOCRATIC VOTERS .................................................................................................. 2Section E. HIGHEST FINISHING DEMOCRAT .................................................................................. 2

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................. 2Section A. TYPES OF MEMBERS ..................................................................................................... 2

1. Elected Members .............................................................................................................. 22. Appointed Members .......................................................................................................... 23. Ex-Officio Members .......................................................................................................... 34. Regular Members ............................................................................................................. 45. Alternate Members ........................................................................................................... 46. Associate Members .......................................................................................................... 5

Section B. SEATING OF MEMBERS .................................................................................................. 6Section C. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................... 6

1. Voluntary Termination ....................................................................................................... 62. Termination for Lack of Attendance .................................................................................. 63. Termination for Failure to Pay Dues ................................................................................. 74. Termination for Additional Grounds .................................................................................. 7

Section D. FILLING OF VACANCIES ................................................................................................. 8

ARTICLE III. DUES............................................................................................................................... 9Section A. PAYMENT OF DUES ........................................................................................................ 9Section B. DEFERRAL OR WAIVER OF DUES ................................................................................. 9

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS ..................................................................................................................... 9Section A. OFFICERS OF THIS COMMITTEE .................................................................................. 9

Section B. DUTIES OF OFFICERS ................................................................................................. 101. Chair .............................................................................................................................. 102. Vice-Chair (Male) and Vice-Chair (Female) ................................................................... 103. Regional Vice-Chair ....................................................................................................... 104. Recording Secretary ...................................................................................................... 115. Corresponding Secretary ............................................................................................... 116. Controller ....................................................................................................................... 117. Parliamentarian ............................................................................................................. 12

ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS AND RECALL ........................................................................................... 12Section A. OFFICERS OF THIS COMMITTEE ................................................................................. 12Section B. REGIONAL VICE-CHAIRS .............................................................................................. 12

Section C. ASSEMBLY DISTRICT DELEGATION OFFICERS ......................................................... 12Section D. REPRESENTATIVES TO STATE COMMITTEE ............................................................. 13Section E. RECALL OF OFFICERS ................................................................................................. 13

ARTICLE VI. TREASURER AND LEGAL COUNSEL ........................................................................ 13Section A. TREASURER .................................................................................................................. 13Section B. LEGAL COUNSEL .......................................................................................................... 14



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ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES .............................................................................................................. 14Section A. POLICY COMMITTEE .................................................................................................... 14Section B. OTHER STANDING COMMITTEES ............................................................................... 15Section C. NOTICE AND RULES ..................................................................................................... 16Section D. AUDIT COMMITTEE ....................................................................................................... 17Section E. CHAIR'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ................................................................................ 17Section F. REMOVAL OF MEMBERS FROM POLICY COMMITTEE .............................................. 17

ARTICLE VIII. BUDGET AND FINANCE ............................................................................................ 18Section A. BUDGET ......................................................................................................................... 18Section B. EXPENDITURES ............................................................................................................ 18Section C. RECEIPTS ...................................................................................................................... 19

ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS.................................................................................................................... 19Section A. REGULAR MEETINGS ................................................................................................... 19Section B. SPECIAL MEETINGS ..................................................................................................... 19Section C. EMERGENCY MEETINGS ............................................................................................. 20Section D. PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 20Section E. GENERAL POLICIES ..................................................................................................... 21Section F. EMAIL NOTICE ............................................................................................................... 21

ARTICLE X. CANDIDATE NOMINATION ........................................................................................... 22

ARTICLE XI. ENDORSEMENT .......................................................................................................... 22Section A. GENERAL PROVISIONS ............................................................................................... 22

1. Definition and Jurisdiction of Endorsement Recommendation Committee ..................... 232. Percentage Required for Endorsement or Recommendation for Endorsement .............. 233. Validity of Written Ballot ................................................................................................. 244. Calculation of Percentages ............................................................................................ 245. Prohibition on Multiple Endorsements ............................................................................ 246. Only One Form of Endorsement .................................................................................... 247. Prohibition on Supporting or Endorsing Non-Democrats ................................................ 24

8. Notice of Endorsement Proceedings, Service of Standard CandidateQuestionnaire & Proof of Service……………………………………………………. ............ 24

9. Special Notice Provisions for Ballot measures ............................................................... 2510. Application of the Open Meetings Rule to Endorsement Recommendation

Process; Notification of Committee Actions and Recommendations ............................... 2511. Conflict of Interest Provisions ........................................................................................ 2612. Quorum ......................................................................................................................... 2713. Participation of Alternate Members ................................................................................ 2814. Exclusive Procedure ...................................................................................................... 2815. Binding Nature of Rules ................................................................................................. 28

Section B. PREREQUISITES TO CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT PROCESS ................................. 281. Initiation of Endorsement Process ................................................................................. 28

2. Restriction on Timing of Endorsement ........................................................................... 293. Administrative Fees for Endorsement & Waiver ............................................................. 294. Submission of Completed Candidate Questionnaires .................................................... 295. Eligibility of Candidates for Endorsement ....................................................................... 306. Candidate Recruitment Track and Early Endorsement Procedure ................................. 30

Section C. ENDORSEMENT RECOMMENDATION COMMITTEES AND PROCESS ..................... 321. Regional Endorsement Coordinators ............................................................................. 322. Calendar ........................................................................................................................ 32



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3. Endorsement Recommendation Committee Meetings, Options and Actions .................. 32Section D. ENDORSEMENT PROCESS .......................................................................................... 33

1. Presentation of Endorsement Recommendation Committee Report .............................. 332. Severance ..................................................................................................................... 343. Order of Consideration .................................................................................................. 344. Debate ........................................................................................................................... 355. Failure to Adopt Endorsement Committee Recommendation ......................................... 356. Separate Procedure for Consideration by This Committee of an Endorsement

Recommendation Committee Report Reflecting a “No Consensus” Result as to aRace or Seat Involving Candidates for Public Office ....................................................... 36

7. Waiver of Written Ballot ................................................................................................. 368. Failure to Endorse ......................................................................................................... 369. Determination of Publication .......................................................................................... 37

Section E. CHALLENGES ................................................................................................................ 371. Challenges to Recommendation and Endorsement Process ......................................... 372. Appeals and Determinations of Challenges ................................................................... 38

Section F. COMMUNICATION OF REGISTRATION STATUS ......................................................... 38Section G. SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR RUNOFF/GENERAL ELECTIONS IN WHICH

THIS COMMITTEE HAS NO ENDORSED CANDIDATE AND A CANDIDATEELIGIBLE FOR ENDORSEMENT IN THE INITIAL/PRIMARY ELECTION

REMAINS ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION ........................................................................... 381. Continued Endorsement of Candidates Still Eligible for Election Who Were

Endorsed in the First Round of Voting ............................................................................ 382. Endorsement in the Second Round of Voting for Races in Which No Endorsed

Candidate is Still Eligible for Election .............................................................................. 39Section H. PROVISIONS FOR POLICY COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT IN SPECIAL ELECTIONS 40Section I. RECALL .......................................................................................................................... 40

1. Motion to Support or Oppose Recall .............................................................................. 402. Motion to Endorse Successor Candidate ....................................................................... 40

Section J. PROCEDURE FOR RECONSIDERATION, RESCISSION OR REVOCATIONOF ENDORSEMENT ..................................................................................................... 40

1. Intent ............................................................................................................................. 40

2. Sole Method .................................................................................................................. 403. Process for Reconsideration, Rescission, or Revocation of an Endorsement Position ... 40

ARTICLE XII. RESOLUTIONS ........................................................................................................... 44Section A. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 44Section B. PASSAGE ...................................................................................................................... 44

ARTICLE XIII. REGIONS .................................................................................................................... 45Section A. COMPOSITION ............................................................................................................. 45Section B. DUTIES .......................................................................................................................... 45Section C. MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................................... 45Section D. MEETINGS .................................................................................................................... 46

ARTICLE XIV. ASSEMBLY DISTRICT DELEGATIONS .................................................................... 46Section A. MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................................................. 46Section B. MEETINGS ................................................................................................................... 46Section C. RULES .......................................................................................................................... 47

ARTICLE XV. CHARTERS ................................................................................................................ 47Section A. AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................. 47



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Section B. GRANTING ................................................................................................................... 48Section C. DENIAL AND REVOCATION ........................................................................................ 49Section D. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................. 49

ARTICLE XVI. AMENDMENTS .......................................................................................................... 51



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(Amended February 11, 2014)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE1CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 2

34

ARTICLE I. DEFINITION 56

Section A. NAME 7

8The name of this organization shall be the LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEMOCRATIC9CENTRAL COMMITTEE (LACDCC). It shall be referred to herein as This Committee.10

11Section B. CONTINUITY 12

13This Committee is, and shall function as, a continuing body. To that end, upon the election14of new officers or appointment of new chairs, of their removal from office, resignation or15protracted illness, the Chair shall appoint two (2) officers or chairs of This Committee,16whose responsibility shall be to ensure the safe and intact transfer of all records,17correspondence, files, books, financial records and documents as they pertain to This18Committee to the newly elected or appointed officers or chairs to ensure the continued19

operation and function of said office and/or committee.2021

Section C. PURPOSES 2223

1. To serve as the official governing body of the Democratic Party in the County of24Los Angeles in cooperation with the State and National Committees.25

262. To conduct the Democratic Party campaign in the County of Los Angeles under the27

general direction of the State Central Committee.2829

3. To build party organization on district, regional, and county levels to register voters30as Democrats and turn out Democratic voters.31

324. To encourage the fullest possible participation of all Democratic voters.33

345. To develop party policies and positions and to communicate them to the public35

and to all officeholders.3637

6. To provide a forum for the study and discussion of public issues.3839

7. To conduct a public relations program for the Democratic Party throughout40Los Angeles County and to represent the Democratic Party within the county.41

428. To interview, develop and endorse Democratic candidates for public office.43

449. To nominate a qualified Democrat to fill any vacancy occurring in a party nominee45

position within this county where applicable law so allows.4647

10. To charter Democratic organizations within Los Angeles County.4849

11. To ensure, as far as possible, the election of the Democratic Party50Nominees for President and Vice-President of the United States and candidates51endorsed by the National, State or applicable County Democratic Party.52



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12. To perform such other duties and services as will benefit the Democratic1Party.2

3Section D. DEMOCRATIC VOTERS4

5As used in these Constitution and By-Laws, the terms “Democrat,” “Democratic voter” and6“registered Democrat” refer to a voter who has indicated a preference for the Democratic7

Party on her/his voter registration form.89

Section E. HIGHEST FINISHING DEMOCRAT1011

As used in these Constitution and By-Laws, the term “Highest Finishing Democrat” refers12to the registered Democrat who receives the most votes in the most recent general13election for the offices of United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, a14California state constitutional office, the California State Senate or the California Assembly.15In the event no registered Democrat appears on the ballot in the most recent general16election for one (1) of these offices, the “Highest Finishing Democrat” shall be the17Democrat who received the most votes in the primary election for the most recent general18election for that office.19

20ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP 21

22Section A. TYPES OF MEMBERS 23

24There are five (5) types of members of This Committee: Elected Members, Appointed25Members, Ex-Officio Members (all of which are classified as "Regular Members"),26Alternate Members, and Associate Members. Their rights and duties are as specified27within.28

291. Elected Members 30

31

a. In accordance with Section 7203 of the Election Code each Assembly32District contained wholly or partially within Los Angeles County shall be33entitled to be represented by seven (7) members residing in and elected34from that portion of the Assembly District contained within Los Angeles35County.36

37b. In accordance with Section 7205 of the Election Code This Committee may38

provide for the division of some or all of its constituent Assembly Districts39into divisions. A resident of each division will be elected to represent that40division, but will be elected at-large from the Assembly District. Upon41petition by a majority of the Regular Members of an Assembly District42Delegation This Committee will authorize that District to be divided into43

seven (7) equally populated divisions effective at the next election of44members of This Committee (subject to the deadline imposed by the County45Registrar of Voters). Upon petition to This Committee by a majority of the46Regular Members of an Assembly District divided into divisions, that District47will no longer be so divided.48

492. Appointed Members 50

51a. A registered Democrat residing in an Assembly District may be appointed52



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by This Committee to fill a vacancy occurring in that Assembly District.12

b. This Committee may appoint only a person who has been recommended by3the Delegation of that District, except that if the Delegation fails to make a4recommendation within three (3) months of the occurrence of the vacancy,5This Committee may appoint any registered Democrat residing in the6District who is recommended by the Policy Committee.7

8c. Appointed members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as9

Elected Members of This Committee except that they must use the10designation "Appointed Incumbent" rather than "Incumbent" upon seeking11election to This Committee.12

133. Ex-Officio Members 14

15a. Ex-Officio Members of This Committee shall be the following, if registered to16

vote in Los Angeles County:1718

(i) Incumbent office holders of the following offices who are registered19

to vote as Democrats: United States Senate, United States House20of Representatives, a California state constitutional office, the21California Assembly or the California State Senate;22

23(ii) The most recent Highest Finishing Democrat for the following24

offices: United States Senate, United States House of25Representatives, a California state constitutional office, the26California Assembly or the California State Senate;27

28(iii) Statewide Chairs or Presidents of official or chartered statewide29

Democratic Party Organizations;3031

(iv) Members of the Democratic National Committee;3233

(v) State Officers of the California Democratic Party;3435

(vi) Assembly District Representatives to the Executive Board of the36California Democratic Party;37

38(vii) The Chair of This Committee at the expiration of the immediately39

preceding term of office for Elected Members of This Committee;4041

(viii) The Treasurer of This Committee, appointed under Article VI.A; and,4243

(ix) The Legal Counsel of This Committee, appointed under Article VI.44B.45

46b. Incumbent office holders of, and the Highest Finishing Democrat for the47

offices of, the United States House of Representatives, the State Board of48Equalization, the State Senate, and the State Assembly whose districts49extend into Los Angeles County, but who are themselves not registered to50vote in Los Angeles County, shall have the right to appoint a voting51alternate, provided such alternate is registered to vote in Los Angeles52



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County.12

c. The term of office of Ex-Officio Members whose membership in This3Committee is based on their status as the Highest Finishing Democrat shall4be as follows:5

6(i) The Highest Finishing Democrat serves on This Committee until the7

end of the term of office of the office for which that member was a8candidate or, in the case of an office in which the officeholder’s term9is cut short (by, for example, death or resignation of the10officeholder), until the seating of a successor. So, for example, the11Highest Finishing Democrat in a State Senate race held in 201412remains seated until December 2018 unless the current13officeholder’s term is cut short for some reason.14

15(ii) No one is the Highest Finishing Democrat until a general election16

has been held. As a result, the Highest Finishing Democrat in an17election cycle is not to be seated until after the certification of the18general election results for the office for which that person was a19

candidate. So, for example, the Highest Finishing Democrat in a20race for Board of Equalization in 2014 is not seated until after the21certification of the general election results in November 2014 even if22no Democrat makes it to the general election ballot.23

24d. Ex-Officio Members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as25

Elected Members of This Committee except that they may not use the26designation of "Incumbent" upon seeking election to This Committee.27

284. Regular Members 29

30a. A Regular Member is any Elected, Appointed or Ex-Officio Member of This31

Committee.3233

b. Any Regular Member who wishes to exercise membership rights including34the right to appoint an Alternate Member must meet the dues requirement35of This Committee.36

37c. A Regular Member is a member of the Assembly District Delegation and38

Region for the Assembly District in which she/he resides.3940

5. Alternate Members 4142

a. Any Regular Member in good standing may appoint an Alternate Member,43

subject to the approval of This Committee, who shall serve at the member's44pleasure, upon presentation of written authorization to the Chair of the45Credentials Committee. Except at the Organizational Meeting, such46appointment shall not be submitted to This Committee for approval unless47the Chair of the Credentials Committee has been notified of the48appointment at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which the49appointment is to be announced.50

51b. An Alternate Member for an Elected or Appointed Member must reside in52



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the same Assembly District. An Alternate Member for an Ex-Officio1Member must reside in that political subdivision of Los Angeles County2which the Appointing Member was elected to represent or for which the3Appointing Member was the Highest Finishing Democrat.4

5c. An Alternate Member shall meet the same dues requirement of This6

Committee as a Regular Member.7

8d. An Alternate Member has right of voice and motion at meetings of This9

Committee even if the Appointing Member is present but may vote only in10the absence of that member. An Alternate Member may serve on a11standing or special committee with a Regular Member; may serve as a12representative of This Committee to the State Committee or its Executive13Board, provided all Regular Members who are candidates for representative14are first given the opportunity to be elected; but may not be elected or15appointed to serve as an officer of This Committee.16

17e. An Alternate Member shall be considered a member of the Assembly18

District Delegation and Region for the Assembly District and Region in19

which the Appointing Member resides except where an Alternate Member is20a voting alternate for the Highest Finishing Democrat or a Democratic21officeholder whose District extends into Los Angeles County but who is not22himself /herself registered to vote in Los Angeles County. In the case of23such an exception, the voting Alternate Member shall be considered a24member of the Assembly District Delegation and Region in which the voting25Alternate Member is registered to vote.26

276. Associate Members 28

29a. (i) An Associate Member shall have the right to voice, but not to make30

motions or vote, on matters before This Committee.31

32(ii) In addition, Associate Members shall have the right to be appointed33

to a special or Standing Committee, except for any committee which34authorizes the expenditure of campaign funds, which determines35campaign strategy or execution or which recommends36endorsements. Associate Members shall have full rights when37serving in such a capacity, except they shall not serve as chairs or38co-chairs of Standing Committees.39

40b. An Associate Member shall meet the same dues requirement of This41

Committee as an Alternate Member.4243

c. (i) Each club chartered by This Committee shall have the right to44designate one (1) of the club's members as an Associate Member.45This designation may be revoked upon written notice by the club to46This Committee.47

48(ii) In addition, the Chair of This Committee shall have the right to49

nominate Associate Members who, in the Chair's opinion, possess50qualifications or skills that would assist in meeting the objectives of51This Committee.52



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(iii) Upon verification of the Democratic Party voter registration of the1designee or nominee and that the designee or nominee has not2been removed from membership in This Committee during the3current term, The Policy Committee shall ratify or reject the designee4or nominee.5

6(iv) Upon ratification and payment of dues, the individual will become an7

Associate Member as of the next meeting of This Committee at least8fifteen (15) days after ratification. The Associate Member's term will9expire at the end of the term.10

11d. Upon ratification, the Chair of This Committee may appoint Associate12

Members to a special or Standing Committee of This Committee.1314

e. On no committee of This Committee, including any special committees,15shall more than twenty percent (20%) of its membership be Associate16Members of This Committee.17

18f. Associate Members shall be considered nonvoting members of the19

Assembly District in which they reside, but shall not be considered members20of that delegation for purposes of allocation of Standing Committee21assignments under Article VII.B.3.22

23Section B. SEATING OF MEMBERS 24

251. Elected and Ex-Officio Members of This Committee shall be seated on the second26

Monday in July following the primary election in which members of This Committee27are elected. The meeting at which such seating takes place shall be known as the28“Organizational Meeting of This Committee.”29

302. Appointed Members shall be seated immediately upon appointment, and Alternate31

Members shall be seated immediately upon approval, by This Committee.3233

Section C. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP 3435

1. Voluntary Termination 3637

A member may tender his or her resignation only in writing.3839

2. Termination for Lack of Attendance 4041

a. For purposes of this Article II.C.2 (Termination for Lack of Attendance), a42member who attends a meeting of This Committee or has his/her alternate43

attend in his/her place shall be counted as present, not absent.4445

b. The absence of an Elected or Appointed Member from three (3) regular46meetings of This Committee within a term year (July to June) shall47automatically terminate the membership of that member.48

49c. It is the duty of all members to attend all meetings of This Committee and50

any Standing Committees to which they are appointed and to assure that51their attendance at all such meetings is recorded.52



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d. A notice shall be sent to an Elected or Appointed Member after his/her1second absence in a term year warning of the automatic termination of that2member's membership if the member fails to attend a third meeting in that3term year.4

53. Termination for Failure to Pay Dues 6

7

a. The Controller shall certify to the Chair of the Credentials Committee the8fact of nonpayment of dues of any Elected or Appointed Member within sixty9(60) days of the date on which the dues were payable.10

11b. A notice shall be sent via Certified Mail stating the amount owing and12

stating that if the amount is not paid within ten (10) days of receipt of the13notice the membership is automatically terminated.14

15c. Unless the dues set forth in the notice are paid within the ten (10) days, the16

member's membership will be automatically terminated, the member will be17notified in writing and the termination will be announced at the next regular18meeting of This Committee.19

204. Termination for Additional Grounds 21

22a. The additional grounds for termination of membership are as follows:23

24(i) A member supports a non-Democratic candidate for public office;25

26(ii) An elected official or Appointed Member moves out of the Assembly27

District;2829

(iii) Death or mental incapacity;3031

(iv) A member ceases to be a registered Democrat in Los Angeles32County;33

34(v) A member commits This Committee to unauthorized expenditures;35

36(vi) Knowing membership in an organization which should under37

California Election Code, Sec. 20201 and/or Article XV of these38Constitution and By-Laws, be chartered, but does not have such a39charter and does not have an application for charter pending;40

41(vii) A member's financial obligation to This Committee (other than dues)42

are more than thirty (30) days past due from the date written notice43

of failure to meet such obligation has been given by the Controller of44This Committee to said member. A member may, to avoid removal,45bring any such obligation current at any time prior to actual removal.46An administrative fee to cover costs of processing, not to exceed47Five Dollars ($5.00) plus any bank charges, may be assessed in48addition to the actual obligation.49

50b. Except in the case of death or mental incapacity the Policy Committee shall51

not declare the termination of a membership under one (1) of these52



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additional grounds until the member has been notified by Certified Mail that1she/he has the right to appear before the Policy Committee to negate the2charges.3

4c. Termination of membership under Article II.C.4.a.(vi) above shall only be5

declared upon recommendation of the Credentials Committee and a sixty6percent (60%) vote of This Committee's members present and voting,7

provided, however, that the member is first:89

(i) Informed by Certified Mail that he/she is a member of such an10organization; and,11

12(ii) Given thirty (30) days to resign said membership, or the organization13

in question applies for charter within said thirty (30) days; and,1415

(iii) Accorded the due process rights of written notice of the charges16against him/her, right of response before both the Credentials17Committee and This Committee, and is given the right to18representation by counsel.19

20d. If the organization in question applies for a charter within the thirty (30) day21

time period after the member is notified as provided above, termination of22membership under Article II.C.4.a.(vi) above shall only be recommended23and declared if:24

25(i) The charter application is denied; and,26

27(ii) The member is informed by Certified Mail of said denial of charter28

application; and,2930

(iii) The member does not resign his/her membership in the organization31

in question within thirty (30) days of receipt of said notice of denial32and notify This Committee of same; and,33

34(iv) The due process rights referred to herein above have been35

accorded the member; and,3637

(v) The Credentials Committee recommends termination; and,3839

(vi) This Committee, by sixty percent (60%) vote of those persons40present and voting, votes to terminate the member's membership.41

42e. Declaration of the termination of membership may only be overruled at the43

next meeting of This Committee. Upon such overruling, all acts pursuant to44the acceptance of the declaration shall be voided.45

46Section D. FILLING OF VACANCIES 47

481. Upon termination of the membership of any member, This Committee may appoint,49

at any meeting by affirmative vote of the majority of the members voting, as a50member to fill that vacancy, any registered Democrat from Assembly Districts from51which the member whose membership was terminated was elected or appointed.52



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c. The Regional Vice-Chairs shall preside over the meetings of their Regions.12

d. Each Regional Vice-Chair shall appoint members of This Committee3resident in his/her Region to each Standing Committee as provided in4elsewhere in these Constitution and By-Laws.5

6e. Each Regional Vice-Chair shall oversee the activities of such Standing7

Committees as the Chair of This Committee assigns.89

4. Recording Secretary 1011

a. The Recording Secretary shall be the recording officer of This Committee12and the Policy Committee and the custodian of their records, except as13otherwise provided.14

15b. The Recording Secretary shall attest to all official actions of This Committee16

such as the election of officers, and termination and appointment of17members and all such matters that require official attestation.18

19

c. The Recording Secretary shall keep the roll of the membership of This20Committee and of the Policy Committee.21

22d. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Recording Secretary, an election23

shall be held to fill the vacancy at the next meeting for which due notice can24be given.25

265. Corresponding Secretary 27

28a. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of This29

Committee and of the Policy Committee, except as otherwise provided.3031

b. The Corresponding Secretary shall send out notices and minutes of the32meetings of This Committee and of the Policy Committee.33

34c. The Corresponding Secretary shall take the roll at meetings of This35

Committee and of the Policy Committee.3637

d. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Corresponding Secretary, an38election shall be held to fill the vacancy at the next meeting for which due39notice can be given.40

41e. The Corresponding Secretary shall perform other duties as directed by This42

Committee, the Policy Committee or the Chair.43

446. Controller 45

46a. The Controller shall be responsible for preparing a budget as set forth in47

Article VIII.A. herein below.4849

b. The Controller shall have the right to inspect all financial records upon50demand.51

52



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c. The Controller shall present written Financial Summaries comparing year to1date actual receipts, disbursements and balances with year to date2budgeted receipts, disbursements, and balances to This Committee on a3Quarterly basis and to the Policy Committee at each of its regular meetings.4

57. Parliamentarian 6

7

a. The Parliamentarian's duties shall be those usually performed by such8officer and such other duties as the Chair, the Policy Committee, or This9Committee may assign. The Parliamentarian, shall, at the request of the10Chair, render an opinion on all questions pertaining to these Constitution11and By-Laws and the procedures of This Committee when requested.12

13ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS AND RECALL 14

15Section A. OFFICERS OF THIS COMMITTEE 16

171. The Chair, Vice-Chair (Male), Vice Chair (Female), Secretaries, and Controller shall18

be elected at the Organizational Meeting by all Regular Members of This19

Committee.2021

2. Nominations for these offices shall be accepted at the Organizational Meeting. A22member may nominate himself/herself.23

243. Rules for the election shall be established by the Rules and Legal Committee25

subject to approval by the Policy Committee.2627

Section B. REGIONAL VICE-CHAIRS 2829

1. Each Regional Vice-Chair shall be elected within thirty (30) days after the30Organizational Meeting of This Committee by those members of This Committee31

residing in the Region. A Regional Secretary shall be elected at the same time.3233

2. Should a vacancy occur during the term of a Regional Vice-Chair, the Secretary of34that Region shall notify all the members of that Region that a meeting will be held35(within thirty (30) days of the declaration of the vacancy) to fill the vacancy. If the36Secretary does not send the notice, the Chair may instruct the Corresponding37Secretary to send the notice. The notice shall be sent no less than five (5) days38prior to the meeting, which shall be held in the Region or in conjunction with a39regular meeting of This Committee.40

41Section C. ASSEMBLY DISTRICT DELEGATION OFFICERS 42

43

1. Each Assembly District Delegation shall elect a Chair and a Secretary at the44Organizational Meeting of This Committee or the Delegation’s first regular meeting45after the Organizational Meeting.46

472. Should a vacancy occur during the term of a Delegation Chair, the Secretary of that48

Delegation shall notify all the members of that Delegation that a meeting will be49held (within thirty (30) days of the declaration of the vacancy) to fill the vacancy. If50the Secretary does not send the notice, the Chair may instruct the Corresponding51Secretary to send the notice. The notice shall be sent no less than five (5) days52



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prior to the meeting, which shall be in the District or in conjunction with a regular1meeting of This Committee.2

3Section D. REPRESENTATIVES TO STATE COMMITTEE 4

51. The regular membership of each Assembly District Delegation shall automatically6

be elected as This Committee's representative to the State Committee provided7

written intent to serve has been filed with This Committee. Any representatives8apportioned to This Committee which are not so elected shall be elected at-large.9The at-large Delegates shall be used to balance the Delegation as equally as10possible between males and females. Alternate Members shall only be eligible for11election provided there are not sufficient numbers of Regular Members, who12choose to stand for election, to fill the Delegation. Within these parameters, the at-13large candidates for representative receiving the most votes within their respective14gender category shall be deemed elected. These representatives shall serve until15their successors are elected, provided they remain members of This Committee.16Representatives to the Executive Board of the State Committee shall be elected17pursuant to the Rules adopted by This Committee consistent with the Constitution18and By-Laws of the State Committee and This Committee. Vacancies shall be19

filled by election, due notice having been given.2021

Section E. RECALL OF OFFICERS 2223

1. Any officer of This Committee may be recalled by affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3)24of the eligible members present and voting provided that:25

26a. The officer's recall has been requested by the Policy Committee or by27

written petition signed by thirty (30) Regular Members and containing the28alleged grounds for recall;29

30b. Written notice has been sent at least ten (10) days prior to the regular31

meeting stating the alleged grounds to each member;3233

c. The officer is allowed thirty (30) minutes during which the officer and/or any34persons selected by the officer shall be allowed to address this committee35immediately before the vote.36

372. The method in this Section shall be in addition to any method provided by a Region38

for recall of its Regional Vice-Chair.3940

ARTICLE VI. TREASURER AND LEGAL COUNSEL4142

Section A. TREASURER43

441. A Treasurer may be appointed by the Chair of This Committee, subject to approval45

of the Policy Committee. The Treasurer may be an existing member of the Policy46Committee, an employee of This Committee or an outside vender. The principal47duty of the Treasurer is to prepare and execute the statements required to be filed48under the political campaign finance laws to which This Committee is subject. It is49also a duty of the Treasurer to assure that a competent bookkeeper utilizing a50system with an appropriate division of duties (which, at a minimum, shall meet the51



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safe-harbor requirements promulgated by applicable governmental authorities)1maintains the books of This Committee.2

32. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Constitution and By-Laws, subject to4

the approval of the Policy Committee, the Treasurer may be compensated by This5Committee, either as an employee or as independent contractor.6

7

3. This Committee may enter into an indemnification agreement with the Treasurer.8Any such agreement must be ratified by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of This9Committee of those present and voting, a quorum being present.10

114. The Treasurer may be assisted by employee(s) or outside vendor(s) of This12

Committee expert in campaign finance laws to which This Committee is subject,13and employee(s) or outside vendor(s), which may be the same or different from the14campaign finance expert, to keep the books of This Committee.15

16Section B. LEGAL COUNSEL 17

181. The Chair of This Committee, subject to approval by the Policy Committee, may hire or19

retain Legal Counsel, including a general counsel, to provide such legal services as20may be required.21

222. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Constitution and By-laws, subject to the23

approval of the Policy Committee, Legal Counsel may be compensated by This24Committee either as an employee or as an independent contractor.25

26ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES 27

28Section A. POLICY COMMITTEE29

301. The Policy Committee of This Committee shall be the officers of This Committee,31

the Co-Chairs of Standing Committees, the Newsletter Editor, the Internet32Coordinator, the Fair Booth Coordinator, the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Regional33Endorsement Coordinators: a quorum being ten (10) members consisting of at least34four (4) County-Wide Officers, three (3) Regional Vice-Chairs, and three (3) other35members. For purposes of any Policy Committee meetings during the first sixty (60)36calendar days after the Organizational Meeting of This Committee, a quorum of the37Policy Committee shall consist of a majority of the County-Wide Officers and38Regional Vice-Chairs who, at the time of the meeting, are current members of This39Committee. While both shall have the right to speak, neither the Treasurer, nor the40Legal Counsel, shall have a vote on the Policy Committee, nor count towards a41quorum.42

43

2. The Policy Committee shall be charged with general oversight of the operations of44This Committee, including the review and approval of contracts, the hiring and45termination of staff, and the resolution of complaints against officers, members, and46employees of This Committee, as well as organizations chartered by This47Committee.48

493. The Policy Committee shall be responsible for formulating, and overseeing the50

implementation of, the general policy of This Committee. The Policy Committee51may exercise any of the powers of This Committee on an emergency basis if it52



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finds such action to be essential to maintenance of This Committee's operations1and programs. Any emergency action requires an affirmative vote of not less than2sixty percent (60%) of those members present and voting at a meeting with a3quorum. The exercise of emergency powers is to be rare and reserved to4situations where immediate action is genuinely essential. Nothing in this Section5A.3 shall in any way authorize any deviation from the process for the endorsement6of candidates or ballot measures set forth elsewhere in these Constitution and7

By-Laws. Any emergency action undertaken under the authority of this Section A.38shall be reported at the next meeting of This Committee.9

104. Any member of the Policy Committee (except for the Chair of This Committee or11

any member who is also a member of the Audit Committee) is eligible to serve as12Treasurer of This Committee.13

14Section B. OTHER STANDING COMMITTEES15

161. The following Standing Committees shall be established:17

18

Ballot Measures Election Protection andOversight Organizational Charteringand Development

Budget Events Program and Education

Campaign Services Finance Resolutions

Candidate Interview Judicial Interview Rules & Legal

Community Outreach Labor Voter Registration andDevelopment

Credentials Legislative Action

192. The Chair of This Committee shall appoint two (2) Co-Chairs of each Standing20

Committee with the consent of the Policy Committee, within sixty (60) days after the21Organizational Meeting of This Committee. One (1) Co-Chair of each Standing22Committee may be an Alternate Member. Additionally, the Chair of This Committee23shall appoint at least one (1) additional member to each Committee, which, along24with the Committee Co-Chairs shall constitute the initial membership of each25Standing Committee. The Chair of This Committee shall consider geographic26diversity when appointing Co-Chairs of Standing Committees. A separate process27for appointments to the Budget, Finance and Audit Committees are described in28Article VII.B.4 and Article VII.D.1.29

303. Each Regional Vice-Chair shall appoint members of his/her Region to the following31

Standing Committees within sixty (60) days of the Organizational Meeting of This32Committee in the following number per District:33

34Ballot Measures ............................ 1 per RegionCampaign Services ....................... 1 per RegionCandidate Interview............................. 1 per ADCommunity Outreach .................... 1 per Region

Credentials .......................................... 1 perElection Protection and Oversight .. 1 per ReEvents ........................................... 1 per ReJudicial Interview ........................... 1 per Re



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Labor………………………………...1 per RegionLegislative Action .......................... 1 per RegionOrganizational Charteringand Development .......................... 1 per RegionProgram and Education ................. 1 per RegionResolutions ................................... 1 per RegionRules & Legal ................................ 1 per Region

Voter Registrationand Development .......................... 1 per Region

1Any Regular or Alternate Members who wish to serve on a Standing Committee2who have not been so appointed may be appointed by the Chair of This3Committee.4

5The Chair of This Committee may appoint additional members to Endorsemen6Recommendation Committees, except for Assembly District Delegations, to7insure geographic or other diversity when considering a particular race(s).8

9

4. The Budget and Finance Committees of This Committee shall each be10composed of five (5) members of This Committee appointed by the Policy11Committee.12

135. The Chair of This Committee may, with the consent of the Policy Committee14

appoint members of the Chair’s Advisory Committee to any Standing Committee15as non-voting member.16

17Section C. NOTICE AND RULES 18

191. The Chair of This Committee may remove the Chair or any member of a20

Standing Committee. A Standing Committee member who misses three (3)21

consecutive meetings is considered to have resigned.2223

2. Each Standing Committee shall meet at the call of its Chair upon seven (7) days24written notice unless such Committee meets on a regular basis at a25predetermined time and place.26

273. Each Standing Committee shall have such powers and duties as are implicit in its28

title and as assigned by these Constitution and By-Laws, the Chair, This29Committee or the Policy Committee.30

314. Each Standing Committee shall adopt such rules as are necessary for its own32

operation not inconsistent with these Constitution and By-Laws; provided that no33

such rule may impair the voting rights of any person duly appointed to such34Standing Committee beyond any restrictions specifically set forth in these35Constitution and By-Laws.36

375. Chairs of Standing Committees may, at their discretion, form subcommittees o38

their Standing Committees the recommendations of which may be reported39directly to This Committee; provided, however, that any such subcommittees40shall have not less than three (3) members and appointments thereto shall be41made with due consideration for the principles of fairness and inclusion to which42



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the Democratic Party is committed.12

6. A quorum for Standing Committees shall be a majority of the filled positions with3a maximum quorum requirement of one (1) Co-Chair and four (4) members,4except with regard to Endorsement Recommendation Committees, which shal5be as specified in Article XI.A.11.6

7

Section D. AUDIT COMMITTEE 89

1. The Audit Committee shall consist of three (3) members appointed by the Policy10Committee and approved by This Committee at the regular meeting following the11Organizational Meeting. Members of the Audit Committee may not serve as12Treasurer.13

142. The members of the Audit Committee shall select the chair from among its15

members and so notify the Recording Secretary.1617

3. The members of the Audit Committee can be recalled in the same manner as an18officer of This Committee.19

204. The Audit Committee shall audit the financial records of This Committee at leas21

once a year at a time determined by the Audit Committee. The chair of the Audi22Committee shall report the results of the audit at the next meeting of This23Committee.24

255. The Audit Committee may inspect the financial records and reports of This26

Committee or any subordinated body at any time. It is an affirmative duty of the27Audit Committee to assure that the Treasurer has arranged for a bookkeeper28utilizing a system with an appropriate division of duties (which, at a minimum,29shall meet the safe-harbor requirements promulgated by applicable30governmental authorities) to maintain the books of This Committee.31

326. The chair of the Audit Committee shall serve as member of the Policy33

Committee.3435

Section E. CHAIR'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3637

The Chair of This Committee may appoint non-member Democrats residing in Los38Angeles County to the Chair's Advisory Committee, which shall advise the Chair on39request.40

41Section F. REMOVAL OF MEMBERS FROM POLICY COMMITTEE 42

43

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Constitution and By-Laws, any44member of the Policy Committee who misses three (3) of any four (4)45consecutive properly noticed meetings of the Policy Committee is automatically46removed from the Policy Committee.47

48a. Any Policy Committee member subject to removal pursuant to this49

Section and who wishes to contest such removal must file a written50appeal at least ten (10) days before the next regularly scheduled meeting51of This Committee. At that meeting, the appeal will be heard, and shal52



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be decided by a majority vote of the members of the Committee in1attendance.2

3b. In the absence of a timely-filed appeal, the Chair will announce the4

automatic removal of Policy Committee members removed pursuant to5this Section during the Chair's report at the next regularly scheduled6meeting of This Committee.7

82. Removal of a member from the Policy Committee pursuant to this Section shal9

be deemed to create a vacancy in the position, which shall be filled pursuant to10these Constitution and By-Laws.11

123. This Section shall not apply to the Treasurer or to other members of the Policy13

Committee appointed by the Chair.1415

ARTICLE VIII. BUDGET AND FINANCE 1617

Section A. BUDGET 1819

An annual budget shall be proposed by the Controller to the Budget Committee and to20the Finance Committee in joint session. The Controller shall timely provide copies of the21proposed annual budget to the chairs of all Standing Committees in sufficient time to22afford each Standing Committee an opportunity for input into the final proposed budget23The Budget and Finance Committees, in joint session, shall adopt the final proposed24budget and propose it to This Committee at the February meeting.25

26Section B. EXPENDITURES 27

281. All appropriations and bills shall be presented to the Treasurer, who shall pay al29

approved budgeted bills and appropriations without further authorization. The30Treasurer or the Treasurer's authorized representative or designee shall repor31

all such expenditures at the next meeting of This Committee.3233

2. No expenditures shall be made from the general fund except as provided for in34the budget. Any unbudgeted expenditures must first be referred to the Budge35Committee for its approval. In exigent circumstances, the Chair and the36Controller in conjunction with one (1) officer of This Committee elected on a37county-wide basis by the entire Committee may authorize an unbudgeted38expenditure without referral to the Budget or any other Committee, provided that39they have made a specific finding that there are identifiable offsetting revenues40that have a likelihood of eminent collection.41

423. The Chair, Treasurer, Vice Chair (Male), and Vice-Chair (Female) are hereby43

authorized to sign checks on any account carried in the name of This Committee44provided the expenditure has been duly authorized. All checks shall require two45(2) signatures. The Treasurer or Chair shall be a signatory on every check.46

474. No member of This Committee shall make any financial commitment involving48

the expenditure of This Committee's funds other than those provided herein49unless such person has been so authorized by a motion passed by This50Committee specifically authorizing such expenditure or commitment. Violation o51this provision shall constitute grounds for termination of the member's52



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membership. Any member of This Committee may file the charges.12

Section C. RECEIPTS 34

1. All funds received either by donation or by sale of tickets or other items in5connection with the activities of any Committee of This Committee shall be6deposited into the Treasury of This Committee. Such funds shall then be made7

available to the responsible Committee chair upon request to the Treasurer of8This Committee. Any unused funds shall be returned to the general fund upon9completion of the Committee's activity.10

11ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS 12

13Section A. REGULAR MEETINGS 14

151. This Committee shall meet on the evening of the second Tuesday of each month16

except the Chair may designate another weekday evening (other than a Friday)17for the meeting if the second Tuesday is a legal holiday or if there falls upon the18second Tuesday an event that would make holding the meeting inappropriate in19

the opinion of the Policy Committee. Should a regular meeting be held on any20evening other than the second Tuesday of the month, the absence from such a21meeting shall not count for purposes of removal from This Committee.22

232. This Committee may cancel its next regular meeting provided that notice of such24

cancellation is sent to all members of This Committee at least seven (7) days25before the date of the meeting being canceled and provided that no two (2)26consecutive meetings are canceled.27

283. The Organizational Meeting of This Committee shall replace the regular meeting29

of This Committee in July of the year following the election of new members and30shall take place on the second Monday of July.31

324. The Chair shall schedule meetings at times which provide for the maximum33

participation of the members.3435

5. Written notice of all regular meetings of This Committee shall be sent to al36members of This Committee at least seven (7) days prior to each meeting. Such37notice shall contain time, place and proposed agenda for the meeting. Al38members of the Policy Committee shall be given notice of all Policy Committee39meetings in written form, which can be electronic (where the member has40consented to electronic notice), or by telephone at least seven (7) days prior to41each meeting. By that same deadline, notice of all Policy Committee meetings42shall be posted on This Committee's website. All such meeting notices shal43

contain the time, place and proposed agenda for each meeting.4445

Section B. SPECIAL MEETINGS 4647

1. The Chair of This Committee may call a special meeting of This Committee on48any day that is not a legal holiday. The Chair may call a special meeting of the49Policy Committee on any day not a legal holiday.50

51



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b. The notice is sent to the email address specified when the recipient gave1

consent, or the most recent email address specified on a subsequent2

notice of change of address by the recipient;3

c. The obligation to inform, and procedure for informing, This Committee o4

any change in email address, has been specified in writing;5

d. The recipient has received from This Committee an initial emai6

confirmation of their consent to receiving notice via email, and has7

reconfirmed that consent by means of a return email;8

e. The recipient agrees, in writing, that This Committee is not responsible9

should the recipient fail to open, receive, view or read their incoming10

emails and, therefore, did not receive actual knowledge of the materia11

contained in the email notice in a timely manner;12

f. The recipient acknowledges in writing that they have been informed, in13

writing, that their email address will be made public unless they exercise14an option to maintain the confidentiality of their address on a form15

provided by This Committee. The confidentiality from public disclosure16

does not preclude the dissemination of the recipient’s email address to17

the staff of This Committee or others with a need to know the member’s18

email address in order to provide effective notice to the recipient; and19

g. Any email providing notice shall contain;20

(i) information about how a recipient who has previously consented21

to email notice can “opt out” of receiving future notices by email;22

and23

(ii) information about how to submit a change of email address.24

2. Notice to This Committee of the change of the email address of a person25consenting to email notice is to be provided to This Committee in writing26Similarly, to be effective, notice of the revocation of such consent (that is, of a27person who has consented to email notice choosing to terminate that consent28and opt out of email notice on a going forward basis) shall be provided to This29Committee in writing.30

31ARTICLE X. CANDIDATE NOMINATION 32

33This Committee, alone or in conjunction with other County Committee or State34Committee members, shall nominate candidates to fill vacancies as provided by Section358806 of the Election Code.36

37ARTICLE XI. ENDORSEMENT 38

39Section A. GENERAL PROVISIONS 40

41



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The following general provisions shall govern all endorsement recommendation and1endorsement proceedings of This Committee or its Endorsement Recommendation2Committees:3

41. Definition and Jurisdiction of Endorsement Recommendation Committee 5

6a. Jurisdiction 7

8The following Committees may be referred to as Endorsement9Recommendation Committees and shall have the following jurisdiction:10

11(i) Assembly District Delegation(s) – The Assembly Distric12

Delegation of each Assembly District in which a candidate for a13particular race is on the ballot, shall have jurisdiction over Loca14Races; defined herein as races covering less than four (4)15Assembly Districts, excluding Los Angeles County offices16municipal offices of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified17School District, and Los Angeles Community College District. I18more than one (1) Assembly District Delegation has jurisdiction19

they shall meet jointly. If more than four (4) Assembly Distric20Delegations would have jurisdictions, the race shall be considered21by the Candidate Interview Committee. Meetings shall be held at22the call of the Chair of This Committee, or his or her designee;23

24(ii) Candidate Interview Committee – The Candidate Interview25

Committee shall have jurisdiction over all Non-Judicial Races that26involve Los Angeles County offices, municipal offices of the City of27Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Los28Angeles Community College District elections and/or other non29partisan races covering more than four (4) Assembly Districts;30

31

(iii) Judicial Interview Committee – The Judicial Interview Committee32shall have jurisdiction over all Judicial Races and retention33questions; and,34

35(iv) Ballot Measure Committee – The Ballot Measure Committee shal36

have jurisdiction over all measure contests including state and37local initiatives, propositions, and referenda, other than recal38elections.39

40(v) Screening and Early Endorsement Recommendation Committee41

(SEER Committee) – The SEER Committee shall have jurisdiction42over non-partisan races that have been placed into a “Candidate43

Recruitment Track”, which may allow certain participating44candidates to receive early endorsements. 45

462. Percentage Required for Endorsement or Recommendation for47

Endorsement 4849

This Committee may endorse, and Endorsement Recommendation Committees50may recommend, by affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of those members51voting any Democrat who has filed as a candidate for non-partisan office or for52



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partisan office in a special election; blank ballots, void ballots, and abstentions1shall not count towards the total. The same sixty percent (60%) requiremen2shall apply to endorsements in support of, or opposition to, ballot measures.3

43. Validity of Written Ballot 5

6To be valid, a written ballot must include the printed name of the member or7

alternate casting the ballot and their signature.89

4. Calculation of Percentages 1011

The sixty percent (60%) threshold is calculated by multiplying the number o12ballots cast--excluding blank ballots, void ballots, and abstentions--by .6 and if a13whole number is not obtained, rounding up to the next whole number.14

15[For example: If one hundred (100) votes are cast, sixty percent (60%) is sixty16(60) votes; however, if one hundred two (102) votes are cast, multiplication by .617results in 61.2, which is rounded up to the next whole number. Accordingly18sixty-two (62) votes would be needed to make an endorsement or19

recommendation of endorsement.] 2021

5. Prohibition on Multiple Endorsements 2223

This Committee shall not endorse more candidates for an office than the number24to be elected for that office.25

266. Only One Form of Endorsement 27

28This Committee shall make no form of endorsement other than an officia29endorsement as expressly described in these Constitution and By-Laws.30

31

7. Prohibition on Supporting or Endorsing Non-Democrats 3233

This Committee shall not in any way support or endorse a candidate who is not a34registered Democrat.35

368. Notice of Endorsement Proceedings, Service of Standard Candidate37

Questionnaire & Proof of Service 3839

a. Whenever an endorsement procedure is initiated, except as to ballo40measures, the Chair of the relevant Endorsement Recommendation41Committee, or his/her designee, shall be responsible for sending to al42candidates notification in writing of:43

44(i) The date, time and place of all relevant meetings;45

46(ii) Their right to consideration;47

48(iii) The requirement that, in order to be considered for endorsemen49

by This Committee, they must be registered Democrats as of the50close of filing or the first consideration by an Endorsement51Recommendation Committee of their race, whichever is earlier;52



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1(iv) The content of the Standard Candidate Questionnaire adopted by2

the Policy Committee of This Committee by providing them with a3copy of the questionnaire;4

5(v) The instructions for return of the completed Standard Candidate6

Questionnaire; and,7

8(vi) The instructions for payment of Administrative Fees.9

10These requirements do not apply to the Early Endorsement Procedure for11races on the Candidate Recruitment Track.12

13b. The Chair of This Committee may reassign the above responsibilities to14

another member of This Committee.1516

c. The above written notification shall be sent at least seven (7) days prior to17the meeting of the Endorsement Recommendation Committee.18

19

d. A proof of service of notification shall be maintained by This Committee20for a period of at least thirty (30) days after the relevant election.21

229. Special Notice Provisions for Ballot Measures 23

24Whenever an endorsement procedure is initiated as to a ballot measure, the25Chair of the Ballot Measure Committee or his/her designee, shall be responsible26for causing to be posted on This Committee’s public website not less than seven27days prior to the first such meeting the date, time and place of all relevant28meetings in the endorsement process for that measure and, in the even29additional meetings are added, reasonably in advance of any such meetings30The Chair of This Committee or his/her designee shall endeavor to provide31

members of This Committee with reasonable advance notice by electronic mail o32the date, time and place of all such relevant meetings. The failure of the Chair o33This Committee to provide such notice by electronic mail shall not be sufficien34grounds for challenging an endorsement recommendation or endorsement35decision.36

3710. Application of the Open Meetings Rule to Endorsement Recommendation38

Process; Notification of Committee Actions and Recommendations3940

a. The Rule of this Party that all public meetings of This Committee are open41to all registered Democrats applies with full force and effect to meetings42of Endorsement Recommendation Committees.43

44The meetings of Endorsement Recommendation Committees are public45meetings subject to this rule with the following exceptions:46

47(i) Endorsement interviews and review and discussion of completed48

candidate questionnaires may reflect deliberations about49campaign strategy and, as a result, are not public parts of any50Endorsement Recommendation Committee meetings. As a result51only members of the Endorsement Recommendation Committee,52



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officers of This Committee and the Chair’s designees, unless1otherwise excluded herein, may attend these parts of any2Endorsement Recommendation Committee meetings.3

4(ii) A candidate for the office under consideration at the relevant5

portion of the Endorsement Recommendation Committee meeting6and any other persons serving in paid employment at the pleasure7

of such candidate may only attend the non-public portion of the8meeting dealing with her/his race in which that candidate is being9interviewed and shall otherwise be excluded therefrom.10

11b. Voting on recommendations to This Committee, including debate on any12

such motion, is a public part of any Endorsement Recommendation13Committee meeting and recommendations of an Endorsement14Recommendation Committee are public information and are not to be15kept secret.16

17To that end, and to insure the free and fair flow of information regarding18such recommendations, the chair of an Endorsement Recommendation19

Committee:2021

(i) Shall, within seventy-two (72) hours of a decision of an22Endorsement Recommendation Committee, diligently attempt to23notify the Chair of This Committee, along with all candidates24whose races have been considered, of the content of the25recommendations of the Endorsement Recommendations26Committee; and,27

28(ii) May provide such notice either orally, in writing, telephonically, or29

electronically, or by any other form of actual notice.3031

11. Conflict of Interest Provisions 3233

a. A member of This Committee may not vote on nor make a motion34concerning a recommendation for endorsement of a candidate during35proceedings of an Endorsement Recommendation Committee if:36

37(i) The member is a candidate for the public office unde38

consideration; or,3940

(ii) The member is a paid employee or independent contractor of the41controlled committee of a candidate for the office unde42consideration; or,43

44(iii) The member is an employee who serves or works in paid45

employment at the pleasure of a person standing for election to46the office under consideration; provided, however, that nothing in47this rule shall preclude any person serving on a non-salaried basis48as an appointee to a public panel, board or commission from49voting on such a recommendation for endorsement.50

51b. Disqualified members may, however, participate in discussion and52



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debate.12

12. Quorum 34

a. Minimum Participation 56

(i) Endorsement Recommendation Committees Consisting of an7

Assembly District(s) 89

Assembly District Delegations meeting as Endorsement10Recommendation Committees, either alone or in conjunction with11other Assembly District Delegations, have the following quorum12requirements:13

14a) In the case of a single Assembly District Delegation, a15

majority of the filled positions of all Regular Members, with16a maximum quorum requirement of six (6);17

18b) In the case of a two (2) Assembly District Delegations19

meeting jointly, a majority of the filled positions of al20Regular Members, with a maximum quorum requirement of21nine (9);22

23c) In the case of a three (3) Assembly District Delegations24

meeting jointly, a majority of the filled positions of al25Regular Members, with a maximum quorum requirement of26twelve (12); and27

28d) In the case of a four (4) Assembly District Delegations29

meeting jointly, a majority of the filled positions of al30Regular Members, with a maximum quorum requirement of31

fifteen (15).3233

[Note: Regular Members are defined as Elected, Appointed, and34Ex-Officio Members. A majority is calculated by first determining35the number of filled positions and then subtracting any disqualified36members as described in XI.A.10 above.] 37

38(ii) Endorsement Recommendation Committees Consisting of a39

Standing or Ad Hoc Committee 4041

A quorum of any meeting of an Endorsement Recommendation42Committee, which is a Standing Committee, an Ad Hoc43

Committee or any subcommittee thereof, is a majority of the filled44positions.45

46[Note: A majority is calculated by first determining the number o47filled positions and then subtracting any disqualified members as48described in XI.A.10 above.] 49

b. Effect of Disqualification on Quorum 5051

(i) Endorsement Recommendation Committees Consisting of an52



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requested in writing by a candidate who has taken out papers for a non-1partisan office, or by a member of This Committee.2

3b. In any race in which the Chair of This Committee reasonably believes tha4

the Endorsement Recommendation Committee responsible for initiating5an Endorsement Recommendation process will fail to do so, or has failed6to do so, upon proper request, the responsibility for making such7

recommendation may be reassigned by the Chair of This Committee to8the Candidate Interview Committee or Policy Committee.9

102. Restriction on Timing of Endorsement 11

12

No endorsement or recommendation for endorsement shall take place until the13

deadline for filing has passed unless the race has been placed in the Candidate14

Recruitment Track. Nothing in this section shall prevent:15

16

a. The scheduling of meetings;1718

b. The Notice of Endorsement Proceedings; and/or1920

c. The Service of a Standard Candidate Questionnaire prior to the close o21filing.22

233. Administrative Fees for Endorsement & Waiver 24

25a. Fees 26

27Each candidate seeking the endorsement of This Committee shall submi28to the relevant Endorsement Recommendations Committee Chair, a non-29refundable administrative filing fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100) in the30

case of races involving more than four (4) Assembly Districts and Fifty31Dollars ($50) in all other cases. This fee shall be submitted by the time o32the Endorsement Recommendations Committee Meeting in which his/her33name is considered.34

35b. Waiver36

37In the event of economic hardship, candidates may offset the filing fee by38submitting proof of registration of new Democrat voters who have been39registered within the three (3) months immediately preceding the40Endorsement Recommendation Committee meeting. Each registration41shall reduce the filing fee by One Dollar ($1) for each proof of such42

registration submitted. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein43 the fee and/or proof of registration must be delivered by the time of the44Endorsement Recommendation Committee meeting. A waiver of all o45part of the filing fee may also be granted for economic hardship by the46Chair of This Committee.47

484. Submission of Completed Standard Candidate Questionnaire 49

50The Candidate or the Candidate’s designee is to submit at least ten (10) copies51



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Example A) In a city that has multiple City Council Members1that are each elected in separate districts, plus an2elected Mayor and Treasurer, all endorsement3recommendations will be presented as a single4motion.5

6Example B) In a city that has multiple City Council Members7

that are elected at-large by all voters in the city8plus an elected Mayor and Treasurer, the9endorsement recommendations for Mayor and10Treasurer will be presented as a single motion, with11all of the recommendations for the at-large City12Council presented as a separate motion.13

14(v) Any office, including an at-large office, for which the Endorsemen15

Recommendation Committee’s report reflects “No Consensus”16shall be considered separately under a separate procedure for17addressing a “No Consensus” result.18

19

2. Severance 2021

Candidates, at-large offices and/or ballot measure positions may be severed22from a consent calendar or a motion from an Endorsement Recommendation23Committee upon request of a credentialed member of This Committee seconded24by twenty (20) members who show their voting credentials. No written petitions25are required for this process.26

27A severance request, however denominated, in connection with an at-large race28shall result in all recommendations (candidates or other positions) in that race29being severed and considered separately and individually.30

31

A report that the Endorsement Recommendation Committee reached a “No32Consensus” result with respect to an office does not need to be severed as i33shall be dealt with separately under a separate procedure.34

353. Order of Consideration 36

37The order of endorsement recommendation consideration shall be as follows:38

39a. All parts of a consent calendar, or Endorsement Recommendation40

Committee’s motion which have not been severed;4142

b. Candidates or positions severed from a consent calendar or Endorsemen43

Recommendation Committee recommendation, with the first vote being44on the Endorsement Recommendation Committee’s recommendation;45

46In at-large races where severance has been requested and has been47seconded by twenty (20) members, balloting for each seat shall occu48separately and individually considering each recommended candidate or49position, one (1) at a time in alphabetical order by last name. Each of the50Endorsement Recommendation Committee’s recommendations shall be51considered before any other balloting is to occur; 52



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1c. One (1) or more written ballot(s) including all eligible candidates no2

already endorsed, with the option of No Endorsement being included in al3such balloting;4

5d. Consideration of races or seats under the separate procedure fo6

addressing a “No Consensus” result; and,7

8e. Ballot measure positions.9

104. Debate 11

12a. Except when presented as a consent calendar or when subject to the13

separate procedure for addressing a “No Consensus” result, after the14presentation of an Endorsement Recommendation Committee report, the15members of This Committee shall be given the opportunity to debate the16recommendation. Speakers shall be limited to no more than three (317speakers in favor and three (3) speakers opposed, with a time limit of no18more than one (1) minute per speaker. The number of speakers or time19

allotted may be extended by a majority vote of those present and voting.2021

b. In the event a race is severed from an Endorsement Recommendation22Committee’s report, debate and the first vote will be held on the23Endorsement Recommendations Committee’s recommendation for the24severed race.25

265. Failure to Adopt Endorsement Committee Recommendation 27

28a. In the event the Endorsement Recommendation Committee’s29

recommendation is not adopted, This Committee shall consider30endorsement by written ballot.31

32b. After the defeat of an endorsement recommendation presented by an33

Assembly District Delegation(s), there shall be only one (1) ballot. The34ballot shall include the option of “No Endorsement” and all eligible35candidates who have not yet been endorsed.36

37In at-large races, each member may cast her/his ballot for up to the38number of seats on which no position concerning endorsement has yet39been adopted. The candidates with the highest number of votes up to the40number of seats available for endorsement shall be endorsed; provided41that each endorsed candidate must receive the sixty percent (60%)42minimum threshold of valid ballots cast as set forth in Article XI.A.2. I43

there is a tie among such candidates, the tie shall be broken by lot.4445

In the event no candidate is endorsed for an office or a seat in an at-large46race, it shall be deemed that This Committee has taken a position of “No47Consensus.”48

49c. After the defeat of an endorsement recommendation presented by the50

Candidate Interview Committee or the Judicial Interview Committee, there51shall be up to three (3) ballots. “No Endorsement” shall be an option in52



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18. Failure to Endorse 2

3In the event of a failure of This Committee to endorse or take a position, This4Committee’s position shall be “No Consensus”5

69. Determination of Publication 7

8In the event a position of “No Consensus” shall be sustained, or otherwise9become the position of This Committee, the Chair of This Committee shal10determine whether such race shall be listed in any publication of This Committee11

12Section E. CHALLENGES 13

141. Challenges to Recommendation and Endorsement Process 15

16a. Standing to Challenge 17

18Any alleged violation of this Article XI, or any other error or omission in19

the recommendation process of This Committee's endorsement20procedure must be challenged by any of the following:21

22(i) A member of This Committee;23

24(ii) A candidate whose race is being considered; or,25

26(iii) In the case of a ballot measure a representative of a qualified27

committee primarily formed to support or oppose that ballot28measure;29

30b. Timing of Challenge 31

32(i) To Recommendation Process 33

34In order to allow for a timely remedy, any challenge to the35recommendation process should be made to the officer presiding36at the time of the challenge and at the earliest possible point in37time. Except as otherwise provided in Article XI.E.2.b. below, al38challenges to the recommendation process must be made before39a vote to endorse is taken by This Committee.40

41(ii) To Endorsement Process 42

43

Except as otherwise provided in Article XI.E.2.b. below, a44challenge to any error or omission in the endorsement or45recommendation process must be made before the vote to46endorse is taken by This Committee. In the event of such a47challenge, the challenge must be made to the Chair of This48Committee prior to a vote to endorse taking place, and should be49in writing.50

51c. Challenge to Member’s Right to Vote 52



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1If a timely challenge relates to the eligibility of a member of the2recommending body to vote and the challenged member does not agree3that the challenge should be sustained, the challenged member shall be4allowed to vote a provisional ballot.5

62. Appeals and Determinations of Challenges7

8a. Composition of Appeals Committee 9

10The validity of any challenge concerning the recommendation or11endorsement process shall be determined by an Appeals Committee12consisting of the Chair of This Committee, its Parliamentarian and one13(1) Rules and Legal Committee Co-Chair selected by the Chair of This14Committee.15

16b. Authority of Appeals Committee 17

18The Appeals Committee shall have authority to resolve the challenge and19

to order such remedy as may be just and equitable. Remedies may20include, but are not limited to, disqualifying a challenged ballot, directing21that a challenged ballot be counted, or directing that endorsement in the22race be considered by This Committee by written ballot containing the23names of all of the candidates determined to be eligible by the Appeals24Committee. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final. In the25event a challenge is filed after the vote to endorse occurs, the Appeals26Committee may determine that compelling unusual circumstances exist27and vote to hear the challenge. In the event such a post-endorsement28appeal is sustained by unanimous vote of the Appeals Committee, the29Appeals Committee may suspend the endorsement.30

31

c. Erroneous Endorsement of Non-Democrats 3233

In the event the Chair of This Committee determines that an endorsed34candidate was not a registered Democrat as of the close of filing or the35time the Endorsement Recommendation Committee first meets36whichever is earlier, or any time thereafter, the endorsement shall be37void.38

39Section F. COMMUNICATION OF REGISTRATION STATUS40

41Nothing in this Article XI shall preclude This Committee from communicating to voters42that any candidate for public office is not registered to vote as a Democrat.43

44Section G. SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR RUNOFF/GENERAL ELECTIONS IN WHICH THIS45

COMMITTEE HAS NO ENDORSED CANDIDATE AND A CANDIDATE ELIGIBLE FOR46ENDORSEMENT IN THE INITIAL/PRIMARY ELECTION REMAINS ELIGIBLE FOR47ELECTION48

491. Continued Endorsement of Candidates Still Eligible for Election Who Were50

Endorsed in the First Round of Voting5152



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Unless properly revoked, the endorsement of a candidate for election in a firs1round of voting continues in the second round of voting, however denominated2(e.g. runoff or general election) if that candidate remains eligible for election in3the second round of voting.4

52. Endorsement in the Second Round of Voting for Races in Which No6

Endorsed Candidate is Still Eligible for Election7

8In a race in which there is a second round of voting, and no endorsed candidate9of This Committee remains eligible for election, but one (1) or more candidates10eligible for This Committee’s endorsement in the first round of voting remain(s)11eligible for election in the second round of voting, This Committee may endorse a12candidate in the second round of voting. Such an endorsement shall be made13solely in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article XI.G.14

15a. Request16

17The endorsement process for the second round of voting shall be18commenced only upon request of either:19

20(i) A candidate eligible for endorsement in the first round of voting21

who remains eligible for election in the second round of voting; or,2223

(ii) A member of This Committee.2425

b. Notice2627

The Chair of This Committee shall cause written notice of This28Committee’s intention to consider endorsement in the second round of29voting to be sent to all candidates who were eligible for This Committee’s30endorsement in the first round of voting and who remain eligible for31

election in the second round of voting. Such notice shall be provided no32less than seven (7) days before the meeting of This Committee at which33such an endorsement is to be considered.34

35c. Balloting and Debate36

37At the meeting of This Committee at which endorsement in the second38round of voting is to be considered, there shall be only one (1) ballot. The39ballot shall include the option of “No Endorsement” along with the names40of all candidates who were eligible for This Committee’s endorsement in41the first round of voting and who remain eligible for election in the second42round of voting. If any candidate receives a sixty percent (60%43

affirmative vote, that candidate shall receive This Committee’s44endorsement in the second round of voting in that race.45

46Unless authorized by an affirmative vote, there shall be no presentations47by the candidates or their designees or other debate; provided that if any48candidate/candidate’s designee is afforded the opportunity to address49This Committee, all other qualified candidates must be afforded the same50opportunity.51

52



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d. “No Consensus” Endorsement Where No Candidate Receives a Sixty1Percent (60%) Affirmative Vote2

3If no candidate receives a sixty percent (60%) affirmative vote, This4Committee’s endorsement shall be “No Consensus.”5

6Section H. PROVISIONS FOR POLICY COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT IN SPECIAL ELECTIONS7

8If a special election in Los Angeles County is to take place within thirty (30) days after9the close of filing, the Policy Committee may endorse any Democrat who has filed for10that office. Any such endorsement shall require a sixty percent (60%) affirmative vote o11those persons present and voting, blank ballots, void ballots, and abstentions not12counting towards the total. If there is a scheduled meeting of This Committee prior to13the election the Policy Committee may delegate its endorsement power to This14Committee.15

16Section I. RECALL 17

181. Motion to Support or Oppose Recall 19

20The motion to support or oppose the recall of an elected public official in a non-21partisan race may be made and seconded without the necessity of prior notice.22This motion requires the affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the members23voting, blank ballots, void ballots, and abstentions not counting towards the total.24

252. Motion to Endorse Successor Candidate 26

27A motion to endorse a successor candidate in a recall election is subject to all of28the same provisions of this Article XI that would apply to a motion to endorse a29candidate in a regularly scheduled election.30

31

Section J. PROCEDURE FOR RECONSIDERATION, RESCISSION OR REVOCATION OF32ENDORSEMENT33

341. Intent35

36The following procedures shall be the exclusive procedures governing motions37however denominated, to Reconsider, Rescind, or Revoke any position resulting38from the Endorsement process set forth in this Article XI. These procedures take39the place of, and supplant, the procedures specified in the edition of Robert's40Rules of Order which governs the proceedings of This Committee.41

422. Sole Method43

Once the consideration of an endorsement has been terminated, the resulting44position may only be revisited, whether by a motion to Reconsider, Rescind, or45Revoke the resulting position, by the process specified herein or by an appeal o46challenge under Article XI.E. Consideration of an endorsement is terminated by47endorsing a candidate or position, or taking a position of “No Endorsement” or48“No Consensus.”49

503. Process for Reconsideration, Rescission, or Revocation of an51

Endorsement Position52



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1The following is the process and pre-requisites of a motion to Reconsider2Rescind, or Revoke an Endorsement Position:3

4a. Maker of the Motion5

6A motion to Reconsider, Rescind, or Revoke an Endorsement Position7

may be made by:89

(i) Any member of This Committee;1011

(ii) A sixty percent (60%) majority vote at a Policy Committee12meeting, a quorum being present.13

14b. Notice of Intent to Make a Motion15

16(i) Except when initiated by a sixty percent (60%) majority of the17

Policy Committee, notice of intention to make a motion for18Reconsideration, Rescission or Revocation of an endorsement19

shall be made in writing and submitted to the Chair of This20Committee at This Committee’s address of record at least ten (10)21days before the next regular meeting of This Committee.22

23(ii) Notwithstanding anything in Article XI.J.3.b.(i), no prior notice o24

intention to make a motion for Reconsideration, Rescission o25Revocation of an endorsement is necessary when the motion is26made at the same meeting at which the vote concerning the27endorsement at issue is being conducted.28

29c. Content of Notice of Intent to Make a Motion30

31

The notice of intent to make a motion for Reconsideration, Rescission or32Revocation of an endorsement must state:33

34(i) The name of the maker of the motion or that it is coming from the35

Policy Committee;3637

(ii) The specifics about the subject of the motion;3839

a) If a candidate, the name and jurisdiction of the specific40candidate(s);41

42b) If a ballot measure, the title of the measure, the letter o43

number used to designate the measure on the ballot and44the jurisdiction;45

c) If the position that is the subject of the motion is “No46Endorsement” or “No Consensus,” the position adopted by47This Committee along with the specific office and48

jurisdiction;4950

d) If the matter is a finding of unacceptability of a candidate51the name and jurisdiction of the specific candidate(s) and52



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the fact that the subject of the motion is the finding of1unacceptability shall be identified.2

3(iii) The reason for the motion, which must include a specific4

statement setting forth either:56

a) New and material information not available to This7

Committee at the time the original endorsement vote was8taken; and/or,9

10b) Extraordinary circumstances, which make revisiting an11

endorsement necessary.1213

(iv) If applicable, the reason(s) the information was not presented a14the same meeting at which the vote concerning the endorsement15was conducted.16

17d. Seconding Requirements18

19

The requirements of seconding a motion to Reconsider, Rescind, or20Revoke an Endorsement Position are:21

22(i) That a second is not needed if the motion comes from the Policy23

Committee; or2425

(ii) Affirmative declaration of fifty (50) members of This Committee26who show their voting credentials if the motion is made by a single27member of This Committee.28

29e. Notice of Motion30

31

(i) No notice of a motion for Reconsideration, Rescission o32Revocation is needed when made at the same meeting at which33the vote concerning the endorsement at issue is being conducted.34

35(ii) In all other cases, at least seven (7) days advance written notice36

of a motion for Reconsideration, Rescission or Revocation shal37be given to the members of This Committee and, if the subject of38the motion is an endorsement for a public office, the candidates39who were eligible to have received the endorsement of This40Committee at the time it was last considered. Notice to such41candidates shall include the content of the Notice of Intent to42Make a Motion, where applicable.43

44f. Debate45

46Once a motion for Reconsideration, Rescission or Revocation of an47endorsement position is duly made and seconded, the members of This48Committee shall be given the opportunity to debate it.49

50Before any speakers are recognized from the floor, the maker of the51motion shall be afforded up to three (3) minutes to present their position52



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and the affected candidate or ballot measure sponsor shall be afforded up1to three (3) minutes to respond. Either side may designate a speaker in2their stead.3

4Thereafter, speakers shall be limited to no more than three (3) speakers5in favor and three (3) speakers opposed, with a time limit of no more than6one (1) minute per speaker. The number of speakers or time allotted may7

be extended by a majority vote of those present and voting.89

g. Seventy Percent (70%) Affirmative Vote Required.1011

An affirmative vote of seventy percent (70%) of those members present12and voting is necessary to adopt a motion for Reconsideration13Rescission or Revocation of an endorsement position.14

15h. Effect of Adoption16

17Upon the adoption of a motion for Reconsideration, Rescission or18Revocation of an endorsement position:19

20(i) The endorsement shall be considered invalidated and of no force o21

effect.2223

(ii) This Committee shall immediately proceed to the consideration o24endorsement by way of a single ballot.25

26(iii) The ballot shall include all candidates eligible to be considered for27

endorsement at the time This Committee made its original28endorsement, including the option of “No Endorsement”.29

30(iv) In at-large races, ballots shall not include any candidate who has31

a current and valid endorsement.3233

(v) Failure of any candidate, position, or the option of “No34Endorsement” to receive an affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%)35of those members present and voting shall result in a position of36“No Consensus”.37

38i. Suspension of Endorsement39

40Whenever the Chair of This Committee finds that new and materia41information not available to This Committee at the time of the origina42endorsement vote was taken and /or extraordinary circumstances may43

exist and that there may be a need for immediate action, the Chair of This44Committee shall promptly convene the Appeals Committee to conside45appropriate immediate action, including a temporary suspension of This46Committee’s endorsement until the next Policy Committee meeting. In47the event of any such finding by the Chair of This Committee, the Policy48Committee, when it next meets, shall hear and decide whether to make a49motion for Reconsideration, Rescission or Revocation and whether to50extend any temporary suspension until that motion can be acted upon by51This Committee.52



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12

ARTICLE XII. RESOLUTIONS 34

Section A. INTRODUCTION56

1. The following shall govern the submission of resolutions:7

8a. All resolutions must be typed;9

10b. Twenty (20) copies of each resolution must be provided to the11

Chair of the Resolutions Committee at least seven (7) days in12advance of the meeting at which it is to be considered;13

14c. Whereas clauses must be limited to three (3) or less and resolved15

clauses to two (2) or less;1617

d. All resolutions must contain an "action clause" indicating the18action requested;19

20e. Resolutions must be no longer than one (1) side of one (1)21

typewritten page (8-1/2" x 11").2223

2. The Resolutions Committee shall:2425

a. Consider only those resolutions submitted by a member of This26Committee, an Assembly District Committee, a Region, a27Committee of This Committee, or by an entity chartered by This28Committee.29

30b. Combine similar resolutions by re-writing.31

32c. Reject resolutions which repeat past positions unless substantially33

new actions are proposed.3435

d. Consider only those resolutions which by subject matter do not fall36within the scope of the Legislative Action, Policy, Ballot Measures37and Rules and Legal Committee(s).38

393. Except upon majority vote, the Resolutions Committee shall not consider any40

resolutions not in conformity with the foregoing rules.4142

4. Except as otherwise provided below a resolution must first be presented to the43

Resolutions Committee. There shall be at least three (3) copies provided.4445

5. For a resolution to be brought up directly on the floor of This Committee it mus46be signed by twenty-five (25) Regular Members from at least five (5) Assembly47Districts.48

49Section B. PASSAGE 50

511. A resolution approved by the Resolutions Committee shall be brought up52



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send a copy of the minutes and a list of those attending to the Recording1Secretary of This Committee.2

36. Assembly District Delegation(s) have the following quorum requirements:4

5a. In the case of a single Assembly District Delegation, a majority of the6

filled positions of all Regular Members, with a maximum quorum7

requirement of six (6);89

b. In the case of a two (2) Assembly District Delegations meeting jointly, a10majority of the filled positions of all Regular Members, with a maximum11quorum requirement of nine (9);12

13c. In the case of a three (3) Assembly District Delegations meeting jointly, a14

majority of the filled positions of all Regular Members, with a maximum15quorum requirement of twelve (12); and16

17d. In the case of a four (4) Assembly District Delegations meeting jointly, a18

majority of the filled positions of all Regular Members, with a maximum19

quorum requirement of fifteen (15).2021

[Note: Regular Members are defined as Elected, Appointed, and Ex-22Officio Members. A majority is calculated by first determining the numbe23of filled positions and then subtracting any disqualified members as24described in XI.A.10.b above] 25

26Section C. RULES 27

281. Rules of Procedure consistent with these Constitution and By-Laws may be29

made by each Delegation.3031

2. This Committee may determine any issue or election that any Delegation has32been unable to resolve at three (3) or more meetings in which there was voting33on the issue or elections.34

35ARTICLE XV. CHARTERS36

37Section A. AUTHORITY 38

391. Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 20201, all organizations which40

include in any part of their name the name of the Democratic Party and directly or41indirectly solicit funds in Los Angeles County for any purpose whatsoever under42the representation, either express or implied, that the funds are being solicited for43

the use of the Democratic Party must first be chartered by one (1) of the44following:45

46a. The Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee;47

48b. The California State Democratic Central Committee; or,49

50c. A majority of the members of the California Delegation of the Democratic51

National Committee.52



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b. If the organization seeking a charter is a membership organization1including a Democratic Club, the majority of the members of the2Assembly District Delegation in which a majority of the members of the3organization reside.4

55. This Committee shall have no authority to grant a charter to an organization6

which has not complied with the provisions of Article XV.B.4 above.7

8Section C. DENIAL AND REVOCATION 9

101. This Committee shall have the power and authority to deny or revoke a charter o11

any organization, for cause by majority vote. Cause for denial or revocation shal12include:13

14a. The endorsement of a non-Democrat for elective office;15

16b. Use of the name of the Democratic Party without a charter;17

18c. In the case of a "membership" organization, knowing enrollment of a19

person registered to vote as anything other than a member of the20Democratic Party as a voting member of the organization;21

22d. Transferring of funds from the organization's accounts to an account of a23

non-Democrat running for elective office;2425

e. Acting in violation of State or Federal laws or regulations; and/or2627

f. Taking an affirmative action, or having a stated purpose of the28organization, which a two-thirds majority of those members of This29Committee voting, after affording the chartered organization an30opportunity to be heard, finds to be inimical to the interests of Democratic31

Party.3233

2. No organization's charter may be revoked without sixty (60) days written notice o34grounds of revocation having been mailed to the Chair of the organization in35question, and the rights of response before This Committee having been granted36to said organization's designated representative. For purposes of this Section37the Chair shall mean the last person designated in writing to This Committee as38Chair.39

40Section D. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 41

421. All organizations which fall under the mandatory chartering provisions of Election43

Code Section 20201 and desire to be chartered by This Committee shall make44application for such charter in writing. The application shall contain:45

46a. The name of the organization;47

48b. A copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the organization, and i49

applicable, its Articles of Incorporation, all of which must contain such50provisions as This Committee may require;51

52



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c. Agreement by the organization that it will give ten (10) days written notice1of any and all of its meetings, both regular and special, to:2

3(i) All members of the Assembly District Delegation which4

recommended its charter; or,56

(ii) The Chair of This Committee and the chair(s) of the7

Organizational Chartering and Development Committee of This8Committee if the organization was not recommended for charte9by an Assembly District Delegation.10

11d. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all persons appearing on12

the organization’s Statement of Organization filed with the applicable filing13officer, including the organization's officers which shall include as a14minimum a chair and a treasurer.15

16e. The identification number(s) used by the organization when filing17

statements with the Secretary of State, the Fair Political Practices18Commission, and/or the Federal Elections Committee.19

20f. A written certificate signed by the President and Secretary of the21

organization, certifying that each of its members is a registered Democrat22or is a person devoted to the principles of the Democratic Party and23ineligible to register as a voter because of inability to meet registration24requirements. The certificate shall further certify that any such membe25intends to register as a Democrat immediately upon becoming eligible.26

27g. Individual signatures, addresses and telephone numbers of the28

organization’s members who have not signed another organization’s29charter application as set forth below:30

31

(i) For membership organizations recognized as an affiliate of the32California Young Democrats or College Democrats of America33not less than ten (10) members;34

35(ii) For all other membership organizations, including all othe36

Democratic Clubs: not less than twenty (20) members;3738

(iii) Because political action committees are not membership39organizations, the only signatures required for political action40committees are of a responsible official agreeing to comply with41the chartering requirements and making the certifications required42by the application form.43

44h. The appropriate chartering fee.45

46i. Unless an organization is a political action committee, it shall also include47

the following in its application:4849

(i) A complete roster (in hard copy and electronic format, if available50containing the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all its51members.52



1(ii) Constitution and By-Laws which contain provisions indicating tha2

the organization has regularly scheduled meetings.34

(iii) An agreement that the organization will send notice to each5member of the Assembly District Delegation in which a majority of6the members reside. Said notice shall be given to the Chair o7

This Committee and the chair(s) of the Organizational Chartering8and Development Committee if such organization does not have a9majority of its membership in one (1) Assembly District.10

112. This Committee may charter by a sixty percent (60%) vote of those present and12

voting, one (1) organization using the name Los Angeles County Democratic13Central Committee Political Action Committee. Any group of persons desiring to14be chartered by This Committee to use the name Los Angeles County15Democratic Central Committee Political Action Committee shall make written16application for charter. In addition to those items set forth in Article XV.D.117above, the application shall contain:18

19

a. A copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the organization and, i20applicable, the Articles of Incorporation. These documents must indicate21that the group having decision-making authority in the organization22consists of at least one (1) person from each Supervisorial District in this23county.24

25b. An agreement that the political action committee will not oppose any26

candidate which This Committee has endorsed.2728

c. An agreement that the political action committee will not support o29oppose a proposition, ballot measure or recall in opposition to a position30which This Committee has adopted.31

323. This Committee, upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, may adjust the33

chartering fees. Such adjustments shall be made no more frequently than once34per calendar year. In addition, the Policy Committee shall establish uniform late35application fees/penalties for organizations filing their application for a charter in36an untimely manner may, in its discretion, modify the late application fee/penalty37provided that no such modification may take effect until the calendar year38immediately following the calendar year in which the modification was adopted.39

40ARTICLE XVI. AMENDMENTS 41

42Proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws must be submitted in writing at43

a regular meeting of This Committee, presented thereat, and at the next regular meeting44may be adopted by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those members present and45voting, a quorum being present. A notice in writing shall be mailed at least seven (7)46days prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken to all members of This47

lacdp by-laws

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