2nd Congressional District Rules and

​By-Laws
​

As of August 23, 2023 The Chair of the By-Laws Committee wrote this to the 2nd CD's Secretary to attach to the zoom meeting notice sent to all party members through MailChimp with she did:
"Peggy,
    Please ad the attached bylaws changes to the meeting notice.  We will be able to vote on them at the September 9th meeting if you send the meeting notice and by laws changes this week as a two week notice of changes must be given according to our bylaws.
    You can send a meeting notice with the bylaws changes and send a notice of the agenda at a later time.
 Dallas"

Download doc here if you need a copy:
second_district_democratic_party_by_laws_change_august_30_2023.doc

SECOND DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC PARTY
BYLAWS COMMITTEE REPORT
August 28, 2023
 
                Chair: Dallas Dean, Members: Mark Everhart, John Helge and Mary Minnick
                We have considered two changes in our current bylaws.
                First is the setting a time period for attendance under ARTICLE 5 Section 9.
                The current bylaw and recommended change:
                Current Bylaw
                5.9 District Committee and State Central Attendance – Require elected State Central Delegates and Alternates to participate in State Central and Second District meetings and committees.  Attendance will be taken at Second District meetings.  A State Central Member or elected District Committee member not attending and participating in a minimum of 50% of the meetings will be replaced by a vote of the District Committee.
                Suggested replacement language in red:
                5.9 District Committee and State Central Attendance – Require elected State Central Delegates and Alternates to participate in State Central and Second District meetings and committees.  Attendance will be taken at Second District meetings and committee meetings. Attendance will be reviewed every six months.  If a State Central Member or elected District Committee member is found to be not attending and participating in a minimum of 50% of the meetings when attendance is reviewed the District Committee will consider the reason for absences.   If no reasonable excuse is given the person in question will be asked to resign.  The District Committee will then replace the resigned member by vote of the District Committee and notify the State Party of the resignation and replacement.
 
                The second change is to ad language to ARTICLE 5.1
Current language will remain unchanged, but the following will be added:
Article 5.1 D The District Committee may vote at any regular meeting of the District Committee or District Party to expand the District Committee by adding additional members.
                D.1.  No County shall have a majority of the District Committee.
                D.2. As long as we are meeting on zoom the District Committee shall not exceed 100 members.

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*If you wish to print these By-Laws, Please do so by the pdf file above on the top left side of this page. This website version is for reading only. 

SECOND DISTRICT BYLAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I
NAME 

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE 
TO ELECT DEMOCRATS
TO SUPPORT A CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE

ARTICLE III
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
SECTION 1. ALL MEETINGS ARE PUBLIC 
SECTION 2. NO TEST FOR MEMBERSHIP 
SECTION 3. PUBLICIZED MEETINGS TIME AND DATE 
SECTION 4. BROAD PARTICIPATION 
SECTION 5. DISTRICT MUST FOLLOW THE RULES OF MDP 
SECTION 6. UNIT RULE PROHIBITED 
SECTION 7. NO REQUIREMENT TO VOTE AGAINST BELIEF 
SECTION 8. ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER 
SECTION 9. CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR OF DIFFERENT GENDER 
SECTION 10. NO SECRET BALLOTS 
SECTION 11. MAJORITY VOTE FOR OFFICERS 
SECTION 12. DISSOLUTION OF THE DISTRICT 

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP 

ARTICLE V
MEETINGS 
SECTION 1. MEETING NOTICE 
SECTION 2. QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 
SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE DISTRICT 
SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP VOTING REQUIREMENTS 3
SECTION 5. APPROVAL OF SPENDING
SECTION 6. BUILDING OF THE DISTRICT 
SECTION 7. FIRST MEETING AFTER STATE CONVENTION 
SECTION 8. CALLING OR CANCELLING MEETINGS 
SECTION 9. STATE CENTRAL ATTENDANCE - ORDER OF ALTERNATES TO REPLACE DELEGATES; USE OF                              PROXIES   
SECTION 10. STANDING COMMITTEE PROCEDURERS 
SECTION 11. ESTABLISH A YOUNG DEMOCRATS CLUB 
SECTION 12. SETTING OF CALENDARS 

ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS AND DISTRICT COMMITTEE 
SECTION 1. CAUCUS TO ELECT OFFICERS 
SECTION 2. ADOPTING BYLAWS 
SECTION 3. DUTIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON 
SECTION 4. DUTIES OF THE VICE CHAIRPERSON 
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY 
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF THE TREASURER 
SECTION 7. ENDORSEMENT BY OFFICERS 
SECTION 8. EXPENSES 

ARTICLE VII
STANDING COMMITTEES 

ARTICLE VIII 
ORDER OF BUSINESS 

ARTICLE IX    
MEMBER NOTIFICATION AND WEB PAGES

ARTICLE X    
DISSOLUTION 

ARTICLE XI   
AMENDMENTS PROCEDURES 
​

______________________________________________________


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ARTICLE I.   NAME

This organization shall be known as the Second Congressional District Democratic Party (the district).  It shall consist of the District Committee and all members of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) and all duly elected Democratic Precinct Delegates residing in the Second Congressional District.

ARTICLE II.  PURPOSE


2.1 - To Elect Democrats - The purpose of this district is to promote the philosophy of the Democratic Party and to elect Democrats who support this philosophy; and further to unite and aid in the activities of all Party members, precinct delegates, committees, officeholders, candidates and other Democrats working to promote wide participation in the Democratic Party.

2.2 – To Support a Congressional Candidate - Raise money for and maintain a federal congressional campaign account for the supported congressional candidate and for growth and development of the Democratic Party within the District.

ARTICLE III.  FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

3.1 – All District Meetings Are Public - All meetings of the district at all levels shall be open to all members of the MDP regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance, gender identity, or disability.

3.2 – No Test for Membership - No test for membership in, nor any oaths of loyalty to the district shall be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the MDP to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance, gender identity, or disability.

3.3 – Publicized Meetings Time and Date - The time and place for all meetings of the district on all levels shall be publicized fully and in such a manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons.  Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all Party members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons.  Hybrid meetings, meetings held in person, on an internet connection or available on phone attendance, shall be held in a manner to allow broad participation. 

3.4 – Broad Participation - The district, on all levels, shall support the broadest possible participation without discrimination on the grounds of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance, gender identity, or disability.

3.5 – District Must Follow the Rules of MDP - All rules and bylaws of the district party at all levels shall be consistent with the Rules of the MDP and shall be available in writing to any member of the district party or to anyone looking for them on the State Party website.

3.6 – Unit Rule Prohibited - The unit rule is prohibited at all levels of the district party.
    
3.7 – No Requirement to Vote Against Belief - No rule shall be adopted at any level of the district party which would require a person to cast a vote or be recorded a vote contrary to that person’s judgment.

3.8 – Roberts Rules of Order - For all questions of procedure not resolved by the Rules of the MDP or these bylaws, the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used.

3.9 – Chair and Vice Chair of Different Gender Identities - The Chairperson and vice Chairperson of any Committee, Caucus or Convention of the district shall be of a different gender identity.

3.10 – No Secret Ballots - Votes shall not be taken by secret ballot at any meeting of the district at any level.

3.11 – Majority Vote for Officers - Election of a member to any office or position within the district, either at a District Caucus or a meeting of the District Committee, shall require a majority vote of the members voting.  If no candidate is elected following an initial vote the candidate receiving the fewest vote is removed and the vote is repeated, until one candidate receives a majority.  The only exceptions are for multiple-position officers.

3.12 – Dissolution of the District - Upon dissolution of the Second District Democratic all assets remaining after the satisfaction of all debts shall be distributed to the Michigan Democratic Party Federal account.

ARTICLE IV.  MEMBERSHIP

4.1 – District Party Membership - Membership of the district party shall consist of all duly elected Democratic precinct delegates and all members of the MDP residing in the district, and the district committee and Officers, all of whom must be members of the MDP.

4.2 – Apportionment of Precinct Delegates - Precinct delegates shall be apportioned and selected in accordance with the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party and State Law.

ARTICLE V.  MEETINGS

5.1 – Meeting Notice - The regular meeting of the District Committee shall be at the call of the chair each month with the digital meeting platform, or the in-person location and time designated in the meeting notice.  Attendance may be by digital meeting platform or in person. 

   A – Notice Timing - At least five (5) days’ notice shall be given of the date, time, and           place of the meeting.
   
   B – Means of Notice - Notice shall be given by website and email.  

   C – Determining Quorum - A quorum will exist when 50% of the officers and                       four additional members of the District Committee are present.


5.2 – Quarterly Membership Meetings - The full district shall meet quarterly to review the activities of the district committee.  At least five (5) days’ notice shall be given of the date, time, and place or digital meeting platform or location of the meeting.  Notice shall be given by website and email.


5.3 – Special Meetings of the District - Special meetings of the district committee or district may be called by the Chair and/or Secretary or a majority of the members of the District Committee or district, respectively.  At least five (5) days’ notice shall be given of the date, place, time and purpose of the special meeting.  Notice shall be given by website and email.

5.4 - Membership Voting Requirements - Only members of the MDP for 30 days prior to the meeting and/or precinct delegates or candidates in the most recent election who obtained a membership at the meeting shall be allowed to vote at District meetings.  These are then considered “current members”.

5.5 – Approval of Proposals - All proposals brought to the full District meetings must first be approved by the District Committee prior to presentation or approved by the District Committee during or after the meeting.

5.6 – Building of the District - Elected district committee members’ attendance and help in building the Second District is required.  See 5.9 below for clarification.

5.7 – First Meeting after State Convention - The first Second District membership meeting shall be held within 30 days following the MDP State Spring Convention at which the officers and District Committee are elected.

5.8 – Cancelling Meetings - The Chair and/or Secretary shall be empowered to cancel any regular meeting due to weather or other emergencies.  Notice shall be given by website and email.

5.9 – District Committee and State Central Attendance - Require elected State Central Delegates and Alternates to participate in State Central and Second District meetings and committees.  Attendance will be taken at Second District meetings and committee meetings.  A State Central Member or elected District Committee member not attending and participating in a minimum of 50% of the meetings will be replaced by a vote of the District Committee.  

   A – Order of Alternates to Replace Delegates - Only Second District elected                         alternates may cast votes for delegates who are absent.  The question of which           alternate is first to take the place of a delegate who is absent is determined by             the order of the slate for alternate at the most recent MDP “Spring” State                     Convention.

   B – Use of Proxies - Proxies may be given only to Democratic Alternates from the               Second District.

   C – Residency Requirement - All officers, State Central Delegates and Alternates               must  be residents of the Second District.  Should a person change their                       residence the District Committee will elect a replacement.

5.10 – Standing Committee Procedures - At the first meeting of a standing committee or special committee the chairperson whom the District Chairperson appoints, will call for the election of a secretary.  Minutes will be kept of all meetings.  Copies of the minutes will be forwarded to the District Chairperson, so the chairperson can assess the progress of the committee, and District Secretary for filing.

5.11 – Establish a Young Democrats Club - The Second District Democratic Party will work to establish Young Democrat Clubs throughout the District.  These clubs will help build the party for the future.

5.12 – Setting of Calendars - Following the setting of the calendar by the State Party for the balance of the two-year term meetings of the District will be set with the location by County or zoom and date of meeting stated.

ARTICLE VI.  OFFICERS, DISTRICT COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT PARTY

6.1 – Caucus to Elect Officers - During February of each odd-numbered year, a District Caucus or convention will be held on the date set by the State Central Committee to elect a District Chairperson, Vice-chairperson of a different gender identity, Secretary, Treasurer and a District Committee of at least 15 people.  The District Committee may elect additional officers (at a subsequent meeting), if a vacancy occurs on the District Committee or among officers the District Committee has the authority to fill it.  

6.2 – Adopting Bylaws - Within thirty (30) days following the election of the District Committee, the District Committee will meet to adopt or readopt bylaws, pass a resolution indicating the acceptance of the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party and if the District Committee allows elect additional members of the District Committee and fill vacancies should they occur.  The officers of the District Committee shall serve as officers of the District Party.  Between meetings of the District Party the District Committee shall have all powers and perform all duties of the District Party.

6.3 – Duties of the Chairperson - The Chairperson shall preside at all District Committee Meetings and District Party Meetings and have such duties as are usual to the office of District Party Chairperson, or that may be required by this organization.

6.4 – Duties of the Vice-Chairperson - The Vice-Chairperson shall be a member of the opposite gender identity from the Chairperson.  The Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the discharge of their duties and shall temporarily assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson in their absence.

6.5 – Duties of the Secretary - The Secretary of this organization shall keep an accurate record and minutes of the proceedings of the District Committee and Party meetings.

    A – Preserving Records - The secretary shall keep and preserve all books,                          documents, correspondence, records, minutes, effects and any other property              of this organization.

    B – Transferring Records to New Secretary - When a new secretary is elected the                 past secretary shall forthwith deliver to the newly elected secretary all                         aforesaid items kept and preserved during their tenure of office.

    C – Meeting Notifications - The secretary shall see that proper notification is given             to the District Committee and District Party of their meetings.

    D – Maintaining Minutes - The secretary will log and maintain past meeting minutes             after they are approved.  This log will be a proven written record of the                         district’s past.

    E – Handling of District Bylaws - The secretary will present a copy of the bylaws to            the State Democratic Party for approval.  When approval is given, after                          corrections if needed, the Secretary will provide all officers a copy and prepare            copies for members when requested.  All past bylaws will be preserved as a                  permanent record of the party’s past existence.  A copy will also be available                on the district’s website and the State Party’s website.
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    F – Providing District Leadership Roster to MDP - The secretary will forward the                names and addresses of the new Officers and District Committee members to              the MDP following their election and when anyone is replaced during the term.

    G – Obtaining List of MDP Members in the District - The secretary will obtain a list               of current state party members in the district for reference should anyone be               challenged before voting on District matters.

    H – Naming a Deputy Secretary - The Secretary shall name a deputy Secretary to                do all the duties of the Secretary if the Secretary is unable to perform the                      duties of the secretary in their absence.

6.6 – Duties of the Treasurer -The Treasurer’s duties include: 

     A – Handling of District Funds - The funds of this organization shall be deposited               in financial institutions and shall be drawn upon by checks signed by the                     Treasurer or Chairperson.  Debit card and direct payment must be authorized               by the membership, Treasurer or Chairperson.

     B – Providing Financial Reports - The Treasurer will make financial reports to all               party meetings.

     C – Transferring Records to New Treasurer - When a new Treasurer is elected, the              past Treasurer shall forthwith deliver to the new Treasurer the funds and all                  the books and records, and audits kept during his/her time in office.

     D – Deliver Treasurer’s Report to Officers - Once the Treasurer’s Report is                           presented a copy will be given to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and                       Secretary.

     E – Log Approved Treasurer’s Reports - After approval a copy will be placed in a               permanent log maintained by the Treasurer.

     F – Provide Documentation for Expenditures - All checks will be accompanied with             a standard form showing how the funds were used.

     G – Provide Documentation for Income - All deposits must be accompanied by a                 form showing where and how the funds were obtained and what account the                 funds were placed in.  The district will maintain three separate accounts as                   recommended by the State Party.  Accounts to be maintained are:

                 G1. - Candidate Support Account - for support of a Congressional                                          candidate and other federal candidates.  No funds can be expended                              in any primary unless the candidate is unopposed.

                 G2. - Administrative Account - to be used for district activities as directed                              by the state party financial guidelines.

                 G3. - State Account - to assist where possible candidates in state or local                              elections.

      H – Follow Appropriate Rules and Laws Regarding Finances - The Treasurer will                follow the guidelines set down under state party rules, the Michigan                              Campaign Finance Act and the Federal Campaign Finance Act.
 
       I – File Reports as Required by Law - The Treasurer will prepare, and file all                      required Campaign Finance Reports and all reports for fundraising both state              and federal by the date each requires.

      J – Deliver Copies of Required Reports to Officer - Copies of all Campaign                          Finance Reports, both state and federal, and all required fundraising reports                shall be given to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson(s) and secretary when                    filed.

      K – Work in Tandem with Secretary to Maintain Records - Permanent records of                   these reports will be kept logged by both the Secretary and Treasurer.

      L – Name a Deputy Treasurer - The Treasurer shall name a deputy Treasurer who                will be trained to assist in record keeping and be able to do the Treasurer’s                  duties in their absence.

6.7 – Endorsements by Officers - No officer shall use their title to endorse any candidate in a contested primary election.

6.8  Expenses

       A – Threshold for Approval - The Officers shall have the right to expend funds up                to $250.00 per month subject to District Committee approval after the fact to                assure the smooth running of the organization.  Expenditures of over                            $250.00 will require District Committee approval in advance.

       B - Texas Hold’Ems - Workers at Texas Hold’Em fundraisers will be allowed the                   normal amount allowed by the Charitable Gaming Commission.

ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES

7.1 – Appointing Committees - The Chairperson, subject to the approval of the majority of the District Committee, shall appoint the committees and committee chairperson necessary for the work of the organization.

7.2 – Standing Committees - Standing Committees shall include the following:

         *Rules and Bylaws Committee

         *Finance and Fundraising Committee

         *Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee 

         *Political & Second CD Party Organizing Committee
         
         *Communications Committee

         *Policy and Resolution Committee

         *Audit Committee

ARTICLE VIII.  ORDER OF BUSINESS

Pledge to the Flag

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Speakers

Roll call of officers

Roll call of Counties

Determination of quorum

Approval of agenda

Approval of minutes

Officer’s reports

Chairperson

Vice Chairperson (s)

Treasurer

Secretary (Correspondence)

Committee Reports

Unfinished Business

New Business

County Reports

Good and Welfare

Agenda is complete meeting is adjourned


ARTICLE IX.  MEMBER NOTIFICATION AND WEB PAGES

9.1 – Role of Communications Committee - The Communication Committee with the assistance of the Secretary will be responsible for developing FaceBook and/or Web page.

9.2 – Approval of Posted Material - Final approval of content by the chair is required before posting.

ARTICLE X.  AMENDMENT PROCEDURES

10.1 – Role of Rules and Bylaws Committee - Proposals for changes or amendments to these bylaws shall be first referred to the Rules and Bylaws Committee which shall report its recommendations to the next regular District    Committee meeting or special meetings for that purpose.

10.2 – Two-thirds Majority - These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of the District Committee present at a meeting, provided that written notice setting forth the proposed amendment has been given to all Party members at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.  This shall be done by email and web page.

​10.3 – Enactment of Amendments - These bylaws shall be in full force and effect upon their adoption and shall supersede all bylaws, rules, motions and policies of a contrary nature with exception of the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party.