MISSION STATEMENT AND CONSTITUTION OF THE

OTTAWA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The Mission of the Ottawa County Democratic Party is to recruit, nominate, support and elect qualified Democratic candidates to public office. To that end, the OCDP is committed to public and governmental policies that encourage, promote and advance the shared values, principles, and traditions of the Democratic Party which include:

1. Individual, political, economic and religious freedom and concurrent responsibilities;

2. Fairness, equal opportunity and equal protection under law for all citizens;

3. Mutual respect, tolerance and respect for the diversity of all citizens, families, communities;

4. Openness, competence, fiscal responsibility, integrity and ethical conduct in government; E. Protection of and the responsible use of our environment and community resources; and

F. A decent quality of life including career opportunities, adequate nutrition and universal health care for all citizens.

CONSTITUTION OF THE

 OTTAWA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CENTRAL AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES

ARTICLE I - NAME AND ORGANIZATION

ORC 3517.0 A 1 Party Definitions

The name of this organization shall be the Ottawa County Democratic Party. It shall be composed of the Central Committee whose members are elected to represent the Democrats of

their precinct, and an Executive Committee that includes all Central Committee members, plus elected Democratic officials and members selected to represent various party constituencies.

ARTICLE II - CENTRAL COMMITTEE

ORC 3417.02 and .03 Controlling Committees of Major Parties

SECTION 1. SELECTION OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Each member of the Central Committee (also known as Controlling Committee in ORC) shall be elected at a primary election by members of the Democratic party in each precinct. Candidates' names shall be placed on the official ballot under rules established by the Ohio Secretary of State. The persons receiving the highest number of votes in each precinct shall collectively comprise the membership of the Ottawa County Democratic Central Committee.

SECTION 2.  CENTRAL COMMITTEE QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS

ORC 3517.03 2&3 Controlling committees

Each member must be a member of the Democratic Party and a resident and qualified elector of the precinct that he or she is elected to represent. The term of office shall be for two (2) years with elections to take place at the primary election in even-numbered years (eg. 2022, 2024, etc.) (Note members elected in 2018 only will have four (4) year terms.)

Central Committee members are not considered public officials or employees. 

SECTION 3. VACANCIES. 

Vacancies in any precinct shall be filled with a nomination by any Central Committee member and a majority vote at the Central Committee organizational or any regular Executive Committee meeting. These members shall meet the same requirements as in Article II, Section 2 and fill the remainder of the term until the next election.

SECTION 4. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Each Central Committee member has a responsibility to vote in every Democratic Primary election, attend Central and Executive Committee meetings, recommend poll workers as needed and assist people in their precinct to become regular, informed voters; support Democratic Party activities; support Democratic candidates and their campaigns; and be an active and enthusiastic Democrat. (See also Members List of Responsibilities)

SECTION 5. CENTRAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 

The membership-elect of the Central Committee shall meet not earlier than six (6) days nor later than fifteen (15) days following the date of certification of the results of the party primary election by the Ottawa County Board of Elections. They shall meet at a suitable time and place to be designated by the retiring Chair of the Central Committee.

Notice of such meeting, giving the date, time and place shall be sent to each member-elect by the retiring Secretary of the Central Committee, by mail at least five (5) days prior to any such meeting. A copy of the notice shall be posted in the office of the Ottawa County Board of Elections for the same period of time.

SECTION 6. ORDER OF BUSINESS I ELECTION OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE OFFICERS

ORC 3517.04

Pursuant to statute, the meeting shall be called to order by the retiring Chair of the Central Committee as a temporary chair. If that person is absent and no other immediate past officers of the Central Committee are present, then the meeting shall be called to order by the Central Committee Member designated by the Democratic Members of the Board of Elections.

In its first order of business, the Central Committee shall nominate and appoint members to vacant seats on the Central Committee.

In the second order of business members of the committee will be sworn into office by any judicial officer of Ottawa County.

The Central Committee shall then proceed to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and such other officers, as may be deemed necessary. Officers must be members of the Central Committee and shall serve two-year terms beginning in 2018.

SECTION 7.  DUTIES OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE OFFICERS 

CHAIR: Shall call and preside over any meetings of the Central Committee, as provided for by state law and this constitution; shall perform all the other duties prescribed by statute, or duties usually exercised by the Chair and not conflicting with this constitution.

Shall be a member of the central committee for any judicial, senatorial or congressional district compromised of a portion or all of Ottawa County and at least one other county.

VICE-CHAIR: Shall perform all the duties of the Chair in his/her absence. In the case of permanent vacancy in the Chair's position, the Vice-Chair of the Central Committee may serve out the balance of the Chair's term if they so choose.

A sole Vice Chair MUST not be of the same gender as the Chair but additional Vice-Chairs of      either gender may be elected. (Ohio Democratic Party requirement)

SECRETARY: Shall keep the official minutes and list of members attending of all meetings of the Central Committee and shall send notices of any special and the next organizational meeting to all members. Shall file with the Secretary of State and County Board of Elections a list of members of the Central Committee within thirty (30) days of their election or appointment. ORC 3517.03

Shall be a member of the central committee for any judicial, senatorial or congressional district compromised of a portion or all of Ottawa County and at least one other county. ORC 3517.03 3 Controlling 

TREASURER: Shall work with the Executive Committee treasurer to make sure that all financial reports required by law are properly submitted.

ARTICLE III - DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ORC 3517.03 3 Controlling committees

As allowed by statute, the Central Committee shall create an Executive Committee that shall have the powers granted to it by the party central committee, and provided to it by law. The Executive Committee shall manage the affairs of the Ottawa County Democratic Party; fill vacancies in both Central and Executive Committee offices; direct and conduct campaign activities; promulgate and carry out the general policies of the party organization; promote the best interests and ideals of the Democratic Party; and perform all party duties required by statute.

ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION I. MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Membership on the Executive Committee shall consist of:

1. All Democratic precinct Central Committeepersons, including those elected and those selected by the Executive Committee to fill vacancies.

2. All Democrats elected at partisan elections to represent some or all Ottawa County residents. These currently include Port Clinton City, county, state and federal legislative and executive offices, and Democratic State Central Committeepersons. They do not include non-partisan village or board of public affairs, township, or board of education offices. State and federal officials are not required to be county residents.

3. Up to fifteen (15) additional Democrats may be appointed by the Executive Committee as it deems fit to represent organized labor, education, minorities, and other interests. They shall be appointed based upon having demonstrated an interest in and a commitment to the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party.

SECTION 2. ORGANIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

After adjournment of the organizational meeting of the Central Committee, the newly elected chair of the Central Committee shall call the organizational meeting of the Executive Committee to order and shall preside as a temporary chair.

In the first order of business the Executive Committee (comprised of the Central Committee members and the Democratic elected officials) shall appoint up to fifteen (15) at-large members who shall have demonstrated loyalty to the principles of the Democratic Party.

In the second order of business all members of the newly appointed Executive Committee shall be sworn in by any judicial officer of Ottawa County.

In the third order of business, the Chair of the Central Committee shall announce the Officers elected by the Central Committee and ask if there is a motion to select separate officers of the Executive Committee. If there is none, or the motion fails to obtain a 50% plus one favorable vote, the Central Committee officers will be declared officers of the Executive Committee. If a motion to­ select separate officers is approved, the Central Committee Chair will ask for nominations and conduct the elections.

SECTION 3. DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

CHAIR: Shall call and preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee; shall direct the operations of the Ottawa County Democratic Party and Executive Committee; shall report to the Committee on party activities at each regular meeting; shall perform all other duties prescribed by statute (ORC 3517), or duties usually exercised by the Chair, not conflicting with this Constitution, including but not limited to the appointment of such committees as he/she deems necessary to carry on the work of the Party.

VICE-CHAIR: Shall perform all the duties of the Chair in his/her absence. In the case of a permanent vacancy in the Chair's position, the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee may serve out the balance of the Chair's term if they choose. At the next regular Executive Committee meeting, a new chair will be elected (in case the Vice-Chair declines to serve) or a new Vice-Chair.

A sole Vice Chair MUST not be of the same gender as the Chair but additional Vice-Chairs of either gender may be elected. (Ohio Democratic Party requirement)

SECRETARY: Shall keep the official minutes of all meetings, including attendance, of the Executive Committee; shall keep and be the custodian of the permanent books, records and correspondence; shall notify all members of any special and all regular meetings and, shall handle all correspondence of the Executive Committee, as required by law; shall file with the office of the secretary of state and Ohio Democratic Party a copy of this constitution within thirty (30) days of adoption of amendment; shall file with the office of the Secretary of State and local Board of Elections a list of members of the Executive Committee and officers within thirty days of their election or appointment. ORC 3514.02

TREASURER: Shall receive, deposit and invest all funds; pay out all monies owed by the Committee; shall submit for approval a written report of the financial condition, including contributions received and monies paid at the direction of the Executive Committee at each regular meeting of the Committee; file all financial reports required by law (ORC 3517.10); shall perform all other duties accorded a Treasurer that are not inconsistent with this constitution.

SECTION 4. VACANCIES IN AN OFFICE FOR EXECUTIVE/CENTRAL COMMITTEES

Any vacancy which occurs in an officer's position of either the Central or Executive Committee for any reason, shall be filled by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee at regular or duly called and convened meeting.

SECTION 5. MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Regular Meetings: The Executive Committee shall meet monthly at a time and place approved by the Committee. Meetings are open to the public (ODP)

Quorum: 40% of the Executive Committee present in person or electronically at any regularly called or special meeting of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided notice requirements detailed are met herein. 

Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the Chair or by any member with a petition signed by eleven (11) members and shall require at least three (3) days written or electronic notice to all members. If the Chair refuses to attend a temporary Chair, chosen by the group may act in that post, providing that all members have been properly notified.

SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS ON OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

No officer or member may obligate the Party, Central or Executive Committees in any

agreement (political, financial, or any other form) without being officially granted the authority by I

a majority vote of the proper committee, properly recorded.

Members appointed under Article 4, Section 1.3 may be removed by vote of the Executive

Committee if they have missed three (3) or more consecutive, unexcused meetings. I

SECTION 7. CENTRAL I EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTING AND RULES OF ORDER.

I

All votes on all matters shall be in person. No proxy voting shall be allowed on any issue.

All votes of the Central or Executive Committees shall be open and may not be taken by secret ballot. (ODP)

The newest, abridged version of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all proceedings not specifically otherwise provided herein.

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF ELECTIONS ORC 3501.07

The Executive Committee shall recommend appointments to the Ottawa County Board of Elections in accordance with ORC 3501.07 of the Ohio Revised Code and any other applicable law.

ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. IN PART

The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended in part by resolution presented to the Secretary at any regular meeting of the Executive Committee. The proposed amendment shall be read to all members present, then tabled until the next regular meeting of the Executive Committee. At this next meeting it shall be read for a second time and a vote on the resolution shall be taken. A simple majority vote of members present shall be required for approval.

SECTION 2.  TERM REVIEW

The Constitution must be reviewed with possible amendments added at the end of each Central and Executive Committee term and be ready for adoption at the organizational meetings of the new Committees.

ARTICLE VII - EFFECTIVE DATE OF CONSTITUTION

Upon adoption, this Constitution shall supersede any and all previous Constitutions of the Ottawa County Democratic Party and shall remain in effect as adopted at the Central and Executive

Committee organizational meetings or until amended according to Article VI Sec 1 Amendments.

meetings.

Adoption of this constitution certifies that all requirements under the Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3517 have been reviewed and met.

Adopted at Ottawa County, Ohio, this day by the Ottawa County Democratic Party, assembled in organizational meetings of the Central and Executive Committees.