PREAMBLE 

A. The Missoula County Democrats believe in stewardship and action for the well-being of future generations. As a vehicle for informed political participation across a diverse array of issues ranging from energy, transportation, and taxation, to education, health care, and human rights, the Missoula County Democratic Central Committee dedicates itself to strengthening the citizenry of Missoula County. The MCDCC pledges to seek out, promote, and elect candidates for public office who will protect the political rights and freedoms of all of Montana citizens.

B.  All members of the Democratic Party are encouraged to participate in MCDCC activities. The MCDCC supports the broadest possible political participation without consideration of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, economic status, or philosophical persuasion.

C. All public meetings of the MCDCC shall be noticed, and all public meetings shall be held in places accessible to all citizens. 

DEFINITIONS: 

A. “Missoula County Democratic Central Committee” may be referred to as “the County Central Committee” or “MCDCC”.

B.  “Precinct Committeewoman” or “Precinct Committeeman” may be referred to as “Committeeperson”.

C.  “Member” shall refer to persons granted the right to vote at any MCDCC function, either through appointment or election.

 

Rule 1: The Missoula County Democratic Central Committee

A. In Missoula County, Montana, there is a Missoula County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) which consists of the duly elected or appointed precinct committeewomen and committeemen of each precinct.

Rule 2: Central Committee Organization and Membership

A. The MCDCC shall be organized and shall operate as provided in the election laws of the State of Montana and the rules of the Democratic Party of Montana.

B. At each primary nominating election of even numbered years there shall be elected a committeeman and committeewoman from each election precinct in the county. Any elector may be placed in nomination for committeeman and committeewoman in the precinct that they are registered to vote by writing, so stating and signed by such elector and filed at the office of the County Elections office within the time provided by law.

C. Qualified electors who have officially declared by filing an intention to run as a write-in candidate form in the time and manner prescribed by law will also be counted in the primary nominating election.

D. The MCDCC may appoint one alternate committeewomen and committeeman for each precinct. The voting rights and duties of alternates shall be prescribed by the County Central Committee and shall not conflict with Democratic State Party rules or the state laws of Montana.

Rule 3: Term of Office

A. Each Committeeperson shall hold such position for the term as prescribed by state statute.

Rule 4: Committee Vacancies

A. In the case of a vacancy happening, on account of death, resignation, or removal from the precinct or otherwise, the remaining members of the MCDCC may appoint a qualified elector to fill the vacancy and he/she shall be a resident, and registered voter of the precinct in which the vacancy occurs. Determination of vacancy shall be made by the Executive Board based on available evidence, except in cases where MCDCC acts.

B. An applicant for a vacancy may apply at the next regularly scheduled MCDCC meeting after completing and submitting questionnaire to the County Chair before a regular meeting when such appointment to the vacancy is to be considered.  The applicant must state or write their desire to appointed and shall include their voting address, precinct and political party.

C. Each appointed Precinct Committeeperson shall hold such position from the date of the first meeting or convention following their appointment.

Rule 5: Nominations

A. The MCDCC shall have the power to make nominations to fill vacancies occurring among the candidates nominated for offices as prescribed by state statute.

Rule 6: Missoula County Democratic Central Committee Convention

A. The MCDCC shall meet in County Convention between April 15 and May 31 of each odd-numbered year and shall elect the following officers who need not be precinct Committeepersons.

i. a County Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, one of whom shall be a woman, and one of whom shall be a man.

ii. two (2) State Committeepersons, with no more than one of any gender identity;

iii. four (4) State Committee Alternates, with no more than two of any gender identity.

iv. a Treasurer and a Recording Secretary.

B. The County Chairperson shall preside at the County Convention. No person other than a duly elected or appointed precinct Committeeperson, or officer of the Executive Board, shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings of the MCDCC County Convention.

Rule 7: County Delegate Convention

A. A County Convention shall elect delegates and alternate delegates to attend State Democratic Conventions under the rules and regulations of the State Democratic Party

B. The Chairperson and Record Secretary of the County Convention shall issue and sign certificates of election of said delegates and alternates.

Rule 8: Meetings

A. The MCDCC shall meet each month unless otherwise specified by County Central Committee or Executive Board resolution.

B. At the first monthly meeting following each statewide general election, a written financial report shall be given to committee members.

C. Notice of regular meetings shall be sent to members not less than seven (7) and not more than ten (10) days prior to such meetings.  Such notices may be in an electronic format.

D. Special meetings of the County Central Committee may be called by the Chairperson, by a quorum of the Executive Board Executive Board or by not less than ten (10) members of the MCDCC. Notice of the special meeting shall be sent to all members not less than five (5) and not more than seven (7) days prior to such meetings. The reason for the special meeting shall be included in the notice. Such notices may be in an electronic format.

Rule 9: Executive Board

A. The officers enumerated in Rule 6, having been elected by the MCDCC at the county convention, shall constitute the Executive Board of the MCDCC.

B. The Executive Board shall be entitled to full voting privileges at all meetings of the MCDCC.

C. This Board shall have charge of the MCDCC policies and programs between meetings of the full County Central Committee.

D. A Code of Conduct policy shall be adopted at the beginning of each new Executive Board Term of Office and shall be presented to the membership of MCDCC. 

E. A majority shall constitute a quorum of the Executive Board.

F. No meeting of the Executive Board shall be official unless all members have had notice thereof. Such notice may be in electronic format.

G. The Executive Board shall meet at least monthly unless otherwise specified by MCDCC or Executive Board resolution.

 

OFFICERS

Rule 10: Chairperson

A. The duties of the Chairperson shall be to issue a call for the County Convention and to preside at all meetings of the MCDCC and of the Executive Board.

B. The Chairperson shall act as a liaison between the MCDCC and political campaigns in this County with the advice of the Executive Board, the MCDCC, and the State Central Committee.

C. The Chairperson shall appoint the individuals to specific tasks, the chair and members of committees as they or the Executive Board deem necessary.

D. The Chairperson shall perform such other duties as designated by the State Central Committee, MCDCC, or prescribed by these rules.

Rule 11: Vice-Chairperson

A. The Vice-Chairperson shall preside at meetings in the temporary absence of the Chairperson. In the case of resignation, death, permanent disability, or removal from the County of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall become the Chairperson and shall serve until the election of the Chairperson in accordance with Rule 16.

B. The Vice-Chairperson shall have such other powers and duties as may be granted to them from time to time by the MCDCC.

C. In the event of a vacancy in the Chairpersonship, if there are no Vice-Chairperson, the Recording Secretary shall immediately call a special meeting of the MCDCC to fill the vacancies.

Rule 12: Record Secretary

A. The Record Secretary shall keep full minutes of the County Convention, the MCDCC, regular and special meetings and meetings of the Executive Board and furnish the Chairperson a copy of the minutes for approval at the next meeting. The Record Secretary shall record all meetings of the MCDCC and Executive Board.

B. The Record Secretary shall sign all certificates of election of delegates and alternates to State Democratic Conventions.

C. The Record Secretary shall have custody of all books, records, and papers of the MCDCC and the Executive Board, except such as shall be in the custody of the Treasurer.

D. The Record Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be delegated by the Chairperson or assigned by the Executive Board.

E. The Record Secretary shall provide a copy of these rules to all members. All members shall be provided a Central Committee membership list. The rules and member list must be on the MCDCC website.

Rule 13: Treasurer

A. The Treasurer shall collect and have custody of all monies belonging to the MCDCC.

B. The Treasurer shall keep books of account.

C. The Treasurer shall make financial reports at each regular meeting of the MCDCC and to the Executive Board when requested by it. At the first monthly meeting following each statewide general election, the Treasurer shall provide a written financial report to the MCDCC. D. The Treasurer shall comply with the Montana election code.

Rule 14: State Committeewomen and Committeemen

A. Along with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the State Committeeman and Committeewoman or the alternate State Committeeman and Committeewoman, shall represent the MCDCC at State Central Committee meetings and conventions.

B. The State Committee Persons and Alternates shall perform such other duties as may be delegated by the Chairperson or MDCCC.

C. One each of the State Committee Alternates shall be designated, by the MCDCC as part of their election, to the following subject areas: Communications, Technology, Program Development, and Volunteer Coordination.

i. The Alternate (Communications) shall be in charge of sending notices and announcements, writing letters, and any other duties assigned by the Chair or the MCDCC. The Alternate (Communications) will, in concert with the Alternate (Technology), be responsible for website management, and earned and social media.

ii. The Alternate (Technology) shall oversee the operation of the MCDCC website, as well as its official social media pages, and other technology. The Alternate (Technology) shall make recommendations to the Executive Board concerning modifications of existing technology or acquisition of new technology.

iii. The Alternate (Program Development) shall consult with the Executive Board concerning the program for regular meetings of the MCDCC, and such special issue forums as the Executive Board might approve.

iv. The Alternate (Volunteer Coordination) shall assist the state party, and Democratic and endorsed non-partisan candidates, as requested, in recruiting volunteers for campaigns for elective office or endorsed ballot initiatives. The Alternate (Volunteer Coordination) shall be a point of contact for candidates, campaigns, and for persons hoping to volunteer.

Rule 15: Candidate and Party Support

A. It shall be the duty of all officers and MCDCC members to support the Montana Democratic Party.

B. After the primary election, MCDCC members shall support the general election Democratic candidates.

C. In non-partisan elections, the MCDCC may choose to endorse candidates.

Rule 16: Officer Vacancies

A. In case of vacancy occurring in the office of Chairperson by reason of resignation, death, or removal from the county, the Vice-Chairperson shall become acting Chairperson and shall act until the MCDCC has elected a Chairperson to fill the vacancy or until the next County Convention, whichever occurs first.

B. In case of a vacancy occurring in any of the other offices of the MCDCC or in the elective membership of the Executive Board, such vacancy shall be filled by a vote of the MCDCC, at its next regular meeting or at a special meeting called as provided in these rules. Rule 6 supersedes Rule 16 until the County Convention in May 2021.

Rule 17: Removal of Officer or Suspension of Officers

A. Officers may be removed from office for cause by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the membership of the MCDCC present at a special meeting called on fifteen (15) days notice. The notice shall contain the charges preferred and signed by not less than twenty-five (25) percent of the members of the MCDCC excluding alternates. The special meeting shall take place to grant a full hearing of the charges prior to the vote, with the officer against whom complaints were made present, if he or she so wishes.

B. When a notice of special meeting to consider the removal of an Officer is served, the MCDCC may, by majority vote, suspend an officer from their position on the Executive Board. Any such motion must include provision for temporary replacement of the suspended officer’s duties.

Rule 18: Committees

A. Nominating Committee. The committee shall be composed of five (5) members: two (2) appointed by the Executive Board, three (3) selected by the MCDCC at a meeting not less than two (2) months prior to the County Convention.

B. The Nominating Committee shall seek out and nominate for consideration members of the Executive Board.

C. Further nominations may be made from the floor at the Convention.

D. The Chairperson may appoint committees and individuals to specific tasks as needed.

Rule 19: Neutrality before a Primary, Non-coordination

A. No funds of the MCDCC shall be expended during the primary on behalf of one or more Democratic candidates against any other Democratic candidates unless: upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the MCDCC members present when evidence exists that a candidate(s) does not exhibit a persuasive history of support for the Party platform and issues.

B. Candidates shall be eligible for endorsements in non-partisan races.

C. During decisions regarding expenditures of funds or use of resources, candidates for office that may be affected by expenditures shall not participate.

D. Absent Montana Democratic Party support of a proven statewide or federal incumbent or MCDCC support for a candidate under Rule 18, the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall maintain neutrality throughout any contested Democratic primary.

E. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the MCDCC shall resign from these positions if they file to run for elective office in a contested primary, except Precinct Committee.

Rule 20: Quorum and Proxies

A. At a County Convention, a quorum shall consist of 25% of those precinct committeepersons authorized by state rule to vote.

B. At any regular or special meeting of the MCDCC, 20% of elected or appointed precinct committeepersons, or their alternates, shall constitute a quorum, except in a meeting called for the removal of an officer or member, wherein 50% of persons authorized by state rule to vote shall constitute a quorum.

C. No proxies shall be allowed at any regular or special meeting of the MCDCC. Alternate precinct committeepersons, selected and confirmed by the membership, shall be allowed.

Rule 21: Voting and Limitations

A. All Precinct Committeepersons, elected or appointed, are entitled to vote at all meetings of the MCDCC.

B. If the elected or appointed committeepersons are not in attendance, the appointed alternate committeeperson for said precinct shall serve for the duration of the meeting.

C. Alternate Committeepersons shall be allowed full voting privileges of elected or appointed committee persons, except in the case of MCDCC convention OR providing nominations for the replacement of elected officials or candidates.

D. Executive Board members may vote at all meetings of the MCDCC.

E. Voting rights are subject to limitations as specified by the Montana Democratic Party rules and the state laws of Montana.

Rule 22: Open Elections

A. No elections shall be conducted by secret ballot.

Rule 23: Rules of Order

A. "Roberts Rules of Order", insofar as not in conflict with the law of Montana or rules of the Montana Democratic Party shall govern all proceedings of all meetings existing under these rules.

Rule 24: Conflict

A. Any rule or sub-section thereof herein contained which may be found in conflict with the laws of Montana or the rules of the Montana Democratic Party shall be of no further force and effect upon determination of such conflict.

Rule 25: Notification

A. Notification shall be by mail, email, phone, or in person for members.

B. Public notification shall be required for all meetings of MCDCC via email, or social media, or newspaper, or community message board, or website.

Rule 26: Amendment

A. These rules may be amended, repealed, or additional rules adopted at any regular or special meeting of the MCDCC by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those members present.

B. No rule may be amended, repealed, or any additional rules adopted prior to notice pursuant to these rules.

C. Copies of proposed amendments, repeal, or new rules must be delivered to members by email, except to members that have specifically requested in writing, not less than seven (7) days nor more than ten (10) days prior to the meeting in which they will be adopted.

D. Amendments and rules are effective upon filing with the County Elections Administrator.