(PQDC Bylaws Revised 11/13/2023)
Rancho Peñasquitos Democratic Club Bylaws
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be the Rancho Peñasquitos Democratic Club, and may be referred to as the PQ Democratic Club, PQ Dem Club, PQ Dems, RPDC, and PQDC.
Article II – Purpose
Section I – Democratic Ideals
The purpose of this club shall be to foster democratic ideals by stimulating active interest in the Democratic Party, to support the party platform, contribute to party leadership and responsibility, to provide a constructive role for the volunteers in Democratic politics and to promote an activist base.
Article III – Membership
Section I – Eligibility
Anyone registered as a Democrat in the county of San Diego or and anyone who is ineligible to vote (due to age, non-residency or other legal impediment) but pledges to register as a Democrat when eligible and supports the purpose of the Club as stated in Article II above shall be eligible for membership in this club. Membership shall be open to all Democrats regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Section 2 – Good Standing
Anyone eligible to be a member of this club who attends at least one (1) club meeting within the preceding six months and whose annual dues are currently considered paid (including a hardship waiver) shall be a member in good standing.Any member whose actions are judged to be prejudicial or detrimental to the club by the Executive Board may be expelled from membership by a two-thirds vote at any general meeting at which a quorum exists.
Section 3 – Dues
Dues shall be twenty (20) dollars annually. The club membership may review the amount of the annual dues at the first membership meeting of each year and change the amount by a majority vote after considering any recommendations from the Executive Board. Dues in the amount set by the membership shall be due and payable upon joining the club and annually no later than March 15th of every calendar year thereafter. Students with a valid student ID may pay 50% of the regular annual rate. Annual dues for new active members may be prorated on a monthly basis at the request of the new member. Payment of dues may be waived for whom it constitutes an economic hardship after consideration and approval by the Executive Board.
Section 4 – Voting
Any member in good standing shall be eligible to vote at subsequent meetings. No proxy voting shall be permitted.
Article IV – Officers
Section 1 – Elected Officers
Elected officers of this club shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Each shall be elected at the general meeting in January and hold office for 2 years. An elected officer may be removed from office by resolution of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at a General meeting for causes including, but not limited to, missing three unexcused consecutive meetings, or non-performance of duties. The member and the officer shall be notified ten days (10) in advance of the meeting of the proposed action against the officer.
Section 2 – Duties
• President
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the club. She/he shall preside over all meetings of the club and the executive board; make appointments to other positions as required; and act as official spokesperson of the club. In addition, the President should stimulate active interest in the political process, provide a constructive role for the active volunteer; contribute to effective leadership and individual responsibility; and promote harmony among the club membership, between other clubs and within the San Diego County Democratic Party. The President will attend the SDCDP meetings and Area meetings as the named Associate Member unless she/he already holds membership in the club and the body will elect an Associate Member to represent the club for that purpose.
• Vice-President
The Vice-President shall serve at the direction of the President. She/he shall preside at meetings if the President is unable to do so, or is requested by the President to do so. The Vice-President shall take over the duties of President in the absence of that officer and is responsible for the annual audit.
• Secretary
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the general meetings, executive committee meetings, conduct correspondence, maintain the club’s records and is responsible for internal communications.
• Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of dues, receive and deposit all club funds received; maintain an accurate record of club receipts and expenditures; sign all checks as authorized by the Executive Board; make a record of club receipts and expenditures available to any member when requested; provide an annual written report of club financial status; make the books and all other financial records of the club available to the audit committee each year in May. In addition, the Treasurer shall be responsible for filing FPPC/FEC financial report on time as required.
Section 3 – Elections
Elections shall be held bi-annually. At the election meeting the floor will be open for nominations. The election may be held by show of hands or voice vote for uncontested offices. A secret ballot will be used for any contested offices. Those nominees who receive a majority vote shall be declared elected. If no person receives a majority of votes cast, a run-off shall be held between those two persons receiving the greatest number of votes. The person receiving the majority of the votes shall be declared elected.
Section 4 – Vacancies
Should an officer resign or fail to attend two (2) consecutive membership and/or Executive Board meetings without proper cause The Executive Board to declare that office vacant. At that the next general meeting, nominations to fill the vacancy shall also be accepted from the floor. Voting shall be by secret ballot at the request of 25% or more of the voting members present.
Section 5 – Appointed Officers
The President may appoint a parliamentarian and any other officers not otherwise specified by these bylaws as required for the general business of the club. The appointed officers are part of the Executive Board.
Article V – Meetings
Section 1 – General Meetings
There shall be a minimum of six (6) general meetings each year, at least one (1) of which shall be held in January. Other general meetings shall be held at such times and places as specified by a majority of the Executive Board.
Section 2 – Quorum
A quorum at any general meeting shall be 25% of the members in good standing. A quorum of the Executive Board shall be by a majority of its elected members.
Section 3 – Parliamentary Authority
The Parliamentarian shall be in charge of enforcing the Robert Rules of Order throughout the meeting and require that the bylaws of this body are followed.
Section 4 – Notices
At least fourteen days (14) prior to a general meeting, notice of the meeting shall be given to the members of the club before any of the following items may be discussed and voted upon:
• Club elections and filling of vacancies
• Proposed amendments to bylaws
• Proposed resolutions
• Endorsements of candidates and/or ballot measures
Meeting notices shall be sent by electronic mail to each member of the club in good standing. Such notices shall specify the time, place and date of the general meeting and describe the event.
Article VI – Executive Board
Section 1 – Function
The Executive Board shall approve all expenditures and carry out the club business between general meetings in a manner consistent with actions taken at the general meetings and perform any other duties provided for in these bylaws. The President shall pre-approve any written correspondence on behalf of the club. The President shall be the sole spokesperson of the club.
Section – 2 Membership
Membership of the Executive Board shall include all of the currently elected and appointed club officers.
Section – 3 Meetings
The President may call an Executive Board meeting with advance notice to members. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by a majority of the current members at any time. A majority of the current members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.
Article VII – Committees
The standing committee for the club is the Executive Board. Other committees may include Audit, Nominating, Political Action, Membership, Fundraising, Program, and/or Special Events, Communications, Hospitality and others as identified by the Executive Board.
Article VIII – Candidate and Ballot Measure Endorsements
All endorsements of candidates or resolutions concerning ballot measures or public issues must be in accordance with the standards established by the California State Democratic Party and the San Diego County Democratic Party. It is also the tradition and stated goal of the Club not to make endorsements or to pass resolutions which will adversely affect the unity of the Democratic Party. Only candidates who are registered Democrats are eligible for Club endorsement. A motion to endorse a candidate or take a position on a Proposition or public issue must receive the vote of at least sixty (60) percent of the Club members present and eligible to vote. The quorum necessary to adopt such a motion shall be 25% of members in good standing or one fourth (1/4) of the total paid up membership, whichever is less. The option of “No Endorsement” shall be included on the endorsement vote for each race or ballot measure. In the case of no endorsement of a candidate the floor will be open for a motion for a vote to declare any or all candidates “Qualified.”
Article IX – Affiliation
The club shall affiliate as an associate member of the San Diego County Democratic Party and pay the current annual fee.
Article X – Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote at a general meeting after such amendment has been presented at the preceding general meeting and notice has been provided as specified in Article V, Section 4 of these bylaws.
Article XI – Adoption
These bylaws shall become effective immediately upon their adoption and shall be the governing rules of the Club.
Section 1 – Club representatives to the California Democratic Party (CDP), the San Diego County Democratic Party (SDCDP) – and to any and all conferences, caucuses, councils, conventions, and other meetings – shall be selected by a vote of members in good standing at a duly noticed club meeting or, if that cannot occur at a regular or special meeting, by designation of the President.
Section 2 – Adherence to Club Positions: Club representatives described in this Article, when participating in voting and discussion in that capacity, shall adhere to and represent the club’s official positions on endorsements and other matters wherever applicable, and shall agree to do so prior to their selection.
Revised November 13, 2023
Rancho Peñasquitos Democratic Club 