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PCRP Bylaws Bylaws of the Republican Central Committee of Pierce County (dba PCRP) - Under 2005 Bylaw Committee Review -Revised March 2006. 1 GENERAL 1.1 Preamble 1.2 Mission and Vision 2 PRECINCT COMMITTEE OFFICERS 2.1 Elected Precinct Committee Officers 2.2 Appointed Precinct Committee Officers 2.3 Duties of Precinct Committee Officers 2.4 Conduct of Precinct Committee Officers 3 CENTRAL COMMITTEE 3.1 Authority of Central Committee 3.2 Members of Central Committee
4 MEETINGS OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE 4.1 Biennial Organization Meeting 4.2 Regular Meetings 4.3 Special Meetings 4.4 Joint Meetings 4.5 Quorum 4.6 Voting
5 OFFICERS OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE (& OF PCRP) 5.1 Elected Central Committee Officers 5.2 Removal 5.3 Vacancy 5.4 Duties 5.5 Appointed Central Committee Officers 5.6 Executive Director 5.7 District Officers 5.8 Removal 5.9 Vacancy 6 EXECUTIVE BOARD 6.1 Membership, Authority, Liability 6.2 Duties 6.3 Meetings 6.4 Special Meetings 6.5 Quorum 6.6 Voting 6.7 Removal of Executive Board Members 6.8 District Representative Vacancies 7 COMMITTEES 7.1 Budget 7.2 Legislative District Committees 8 ACCOUNTS AND FUNDS 8.1 Operating Account 8.2 Candidates' Fund 8.3 Federal Government Insured Certificates of Deposit (CD’s). 8.4 Credit and Debt 8.5 Audit Committee 9 Governing Law And Rules
10 AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
PCRP BYLAWS As Revised March 2006 Bylaw 1 General 1.1 Preamble These are the bylaws of the Pierce County Republican Party (PCRP) as adopted by the Republican Central Committee of Pierce County (hereinafter referred to as the Central Committee). The PCRP and the Central Committee share the same officers, facilities and basic organization structure, but differ in that the Central Committee consists of those members who are elected or appointed Precinct Committee Officers and those members who are the elected Central Committee officers. The Central Committee does business as (dba) the Pierce County Republican Party (PCRP). These Bylaws are the constitution, charter and highest authority within the PCRP. They may be supplemented by Standing Rules, Process Guides, Position Descriptions, Organization Charts, Convention and Caucus Rules adopted at the biennial convention, and other appropriately approved publications. See Bylaw 9 for Governing Law and Rules of Order. RCW 29A.80.0101 and 0112. 1.2 Mission and Vision [Overall Mission: Add GOP-specific information to mission statement] The mission of the PCRP is to provide an efficient organization and infrastructure for the orderly and effective promotion of Republican Party principles and candidates in Pierce County. Its political vision is of a Republican Party and of Republican office holders that merit and receive majority voter support by achieving continuous improvement in the ability of all our citizens to prosper while governed in accordance with our Declaration of Independence and our written Constitutions. 1.3 Membership Requirements Membership in the Pierce County Republican Party (PCRP) shall be open to all who are both U. S. and Pierce County citizens, who pay dues described in the PCRP Standing Rules, who consider themselves Republicans, who do not belong to any other political party eligible to nominate candidates for elective office, who generally support Republican values and objectives, and who honor the PCRP’s Bylaws relative to their public political conduct and their participation in the PCRP. Bylaw 2 Precinct Committee Officers (PCO’s) 2.1 Elected Precinct Committee Officers As a minimum qualification, the Revised Code of Washington requires that a PCO candidate first be a member of a major political party. The state law says: “Any member of a major political party who is a registered voter in the precinct may upon payment of a fee of one dollar file his or her declaration of candidacy as prescribed under RCW 29A.80.041with the county auditor for the office of precinct committee officer of his or her party in that precinct.” Thus, one first is a Republican – and then may become a Republican PCO by election or appointment. RCW 29A.80.0413, 29A.80.0514 2.2 Appointed Precinct Committee Officers. 2.2.1. Should any PCO vacancy occur by reason of death, resignation, or disqualification of the incumbent, or because of failure to elect, the county chair is empowered to fill such vacancy by appointment; PROVIDED, that the person so appointed shall have the same qualifications as candidates when filing for election to such office for such precinct as provided by Bylaw 2.1: PROVIDED FURTHER, That when a vacancy in the office of precinct committee officer exists because of failure to elect at a state general election, such vacancy shall not be filled until after the organization meeting of the county central committee and the new county chair selected as provided by Bylaw 4.1. Thus, persons eligible to be appointed to fill a vacancy shall be registered voters in the precinct and shall have paid their current membership dues in the Pierce County Republican Party and shall pay annual dues during their tenure. Appointments to fill a PCO vacancy under this Bylaw shall be made by the County Chair, subject to the advice and consent of the District Leader, on a PCRP form first signed by the appointee, affirming the payment of dues and bearing a similar declaration and affidavit as the Auditor’s filing form for election of PCOs. The Chair shall cause to be filed a notice of the appointment with the County Auditor for notice purposes only. RCW 29.42.050, RCW 29A.28.0715. 2.2.2. When no precinct resident is available for a precinct or the elected PCO is inactive, non resident Precinct Deputies to perform PCO administrative duties in the district may be appointed by the District Leader or the PCRP Chair. They then may attend meetings, but do not become members of the Central Committee by reason of such appointments. 2.3 Duties of Precinct Committee Officers A PCO is the administrator for the precinct and a legislator on the county central committee. The legislative function is performed at meetings of the central committee and, for those so elected, at meetings of the executive board. PCOs are expected to attend and participate in Party meetings. Administrative responsibilities are the operational aspects of Party contacts with the voters in their Districts and are first focused on their respective precincts. PCOs receive Party guidance, instruction, and applicable data through the District Leader and or through designated area leaders for portions of a district. PCOs may function as members of an operational team for the District in finding PCO candidates for “empty” precincts and in team activities in or for the precincts without PCOs and in precincts with PCOs that warrant additional support. PCOs may serve as members of various Republican committees and teams. 2.4 Conduct of Precinct Committee Officers A PCO is a publicly identified partisan representative of a partisan political party. A PCO’s public acts should not, by their nature, advance the cause or the candidates of any other partisan party, or promote the political success of publicly known activists or officials of another political party in partisan or non-partisan campaigns. Examples of such displays could include endorsements in writing or at public events, signs on vehicles or property, and publicized contributions. RCW 29A.80.041.6 Bylaw 3 CENTRAL COMMITTEE 3.1 Authority of Central Committee The Central Committee is the governing body of the Pierce County Republican Party. The Central Committee may revoke by a majority of its quorum any action of the Executive Board and may perform any action that could be performed by the Executive Board. The Central Committee shall perform any function expressly assigned herein to another body or individual if such body does not exist or such office is vacant. If an incumbent officer or body is unable to function on a matter requiring timely action necessary to prevent a significantly adverse consequence to the Pierce County Republican Party, the Central Committee shall act on the matter. 3. 2 Members of Central Committee Pursuant to RCW 29A.80.030, members of the Central Committee consist of the Pierce County Republican Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs). Every two years, all PCOs are elected or reelected to form a new Central Committee. Bylaw 4.1 defines that process. RCW 29A.80.0307 Bylaw 4 MEETINGS OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE 4.1 Biennial Organization Meeting. 4.1.1 Process The biennial organizational meeting of the Central Committee shall be called pursuant to RCW 29A.80.030 by a notice mailed to each newly elected/reelected precinct committee officer at least ten days before the date of the meeting. The incumbent Central Committee Chair shall open the meeting and serve as temporary chair. An appropriate officer shall swear in the elected PCOs after they repeat their affirmation that they are Republicans, do not belong to any other political party eligible to nominate candidates for elective office, and that their Pierce County Republican Party activities shall be governed by its duly enacted bylaws and rules. Central Committee officers shall then be elected in accordance with Bylaw 5.1. All those elected must have paid or must pay their Pierce County Party dues for the first year they hold office within thirty days of assuming the office and within thirty days of when due for subsequent years or the office is vacant. RCW 29A.80.030.8 4.1.2. Legislative District Caucuses. Within forty-five days after the statewide general election in even-numbered years, the county chair shall call separate meetings of all elected precinct committee officers in each legislative district for the purpose of electing a legislative district chair in such district. The district chair shall hold office until the next legislative district organizational meeting two years later, or until a successor is elected. The legislative district chair may be removed only by the majority vote of the elected precinct committee officers in the chair's district. RCW 29A.80.061.9 4.1.3. Election of District Leader and Officers. The incumbent District Leader shall chair each caucus until the next term’s District leader is elected. Each caucus shall elect a District Leader, a Deputy District Leader, a District Treasurer and a District Secretary. The District Leader, Deputy District Leader and Treasurer shall serve as District Representatives on the Executive Board. All those elected must have paid or must pay their Pierce County Party dues for the first year they hold office within thirty days of assuming the office and within thirty days of when due for subsequent years or the office is vacant. 4.2 Regular Meetings. In addition to the biennial organization meeting, the Central Committee shall meet at least three times each calendar year. Notice of a meeting's time and place shall be mailed by U.S. Post to members ten days prior to its date. The meeting notice shall include the planned agenda. Legislative District caucuses may be held at any meeting of the Central Committee. 4.3 Special Meetings. 4..3.1 Special meetings of the Central Committee may be called by: a. the Chair, or b. any two other officers or as directed by the Executive Board, or c. by the Chair upon receipt of a petition signed by at least twenty percent of the members eligible to vote, in which case the special meeting shall be called for by the Chair within twenty days of receipt of the petition. 4.3.2 In all cases, notice of a special meeting's time and place shall be mailed by U.S. Post to members at least ten days prior to its date, and shall state the purpose of the special meeting. 4.4 Joint Meetings. A joint meeting of the Central Committee and the Executive Board or of any two or more other committees may be called by the Chair. Voting members of all participating bodies may introduce, debate, and vote on any business placed before the joint meeting. However, in joint meetings with the Central Committee, quorum requirements apply only to its members and they shall be the only voters approving motions and resolutions. The justification for a joint meeting is ceremonial or informative in order to include the non-voting members of the Executive Board. Voting cards may be provided for display to identify qualified voters if needed. 4.5 Quorum. 4.5.1. Twenty percent of the members authorized to vote at any meeting of the Central Committee and at legislative district caucuses shall constitute a quorum unless otherwise specified in these bylaws. A majority of the members of any committee of the Central Committee shall constitute a quorum, unless otherwise stated by these bylaws. When determining a quorum for any meeting, the "members authorized to vote" shall exclude from the number required the members not present at that meeting who also missed the previous two meetings of the same body. This rule applies solely for the purposes of determining a quorum, and does not affecting voting rights of any member. 4.5.2 If a meeting lacks a quorum, the Chair may adjourn, or if business cannot await the next scheduled meeting, continue that meeting to a date certain for which a ten day notice shall be given. In any event, if a meeting lacks a quorum, those present may continue to meet to hear speakers, to hear reports and discuss matters that require no action, to receive training, and otherwise proceed without taking any action that would commit the organization or members to any future action or to the support of anything. 4.6 Voting. When not specifically required or allowed otherwise by these bylaws, voting at a Central Committee meeting may be by a show of hands or voting cards, by standing or by voice. Proxies shall not be allowed. Bylaw 5 OFFICERS OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE (& OF PCRP) 5.1 Elected Central Committee Officers. 5.1.1. Process In addition to the Chair, Vice Chair, State Committeeman and State Committeewoman of the Central Committee to be elected pursuant to RCW 29A.80.03010, there shall be elected a Treasurer, a General Secretary and a Sergeant-at-Arms. Persons eligible to be elected must be registered voters and residents of Pierce County. Balloting for elected officers shall be by paper ballot except in uncontested races. When there are three or more candidates for an office, if any candidate fails to receive a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot, the two with the highest number of votes shall advance to a second ballot. Proxies shall not be allowed. 5.1.2 Qualifications. All those elected must have paid or must pay their PCRP dues for the first year and when due for the subsequent years of their tenure within thirty days of assuming the office or the later due date, or the office is vacant. Elected officers serve during the period of time between their election and the next biennial organizational meeting. 5.1.3. Forfeiture. No elected Central Committee officer shall publicly endorse a candidate of another political party in a partisan race or endorse Republican candidates prior to their nomination by a Republican convention, caucus or a Primary election. Any State Committee Member, as defined in these bylaws and any elected Central Committee Officer, who publicly endorses a candidate for any partisan public office who is not the legally designated Republican candidate chosen as a result of a legal primary election, caucus or nominating convention, shall forfeit their membership in the PCRP and on the State Committee. Forfeit of membership shall result in the removal of that individual from all rights and privileges granted in these bylaws to State Committee members and PCRP officers. The State Committee member shall further be banned from participating in any State Committee or PCRP activities for a period of not less than two years from date of forfeiture. (Same as Washington State Republican Bylaw 3.1), RCW 29A.80.02011, RCW 29A.80.03012 5.2 Removal of Elected Central Committee Officers. Removal of an elected officer may be for any cause that the Central Committee shall deem sufficient. A quorum of fifty percent of the members eligible to vote shall be required. A two-thirds majority vote shall be required. The action may be taken at any scheduled Central Committee meeting, or a special meeting of the Central Committee for such purpose may be called through procedures provided in these by-laws. If the Chair is the officer being removed, the Vice-Chair shall preside at the meeting. The officer to be removed shall be given full and fair opportunity to present evidence and arguments on his/her behalf. If more than one officer is to be removed, each shall be the subject of a separate vote, starting with the “highest’ office. 5.3 Vacancy - Elected Central Committee Officers. 5.3.1 If an elected Central Committee officer shall die, resign, be unable to perform his/her duties for ninety days, file for or assume an elective, partisan public office other than Precinct Committee Officer, cease to be a registered voter or to reside in Pierce County; or in a calendar year miss three consecutive meetings at which he/she has a vote (Central Committee and Executive Board), his/her office shall be vacant. If the office of PCRP Chair is vacant, the Vice Chair shall act as and fulfill all duties of the Chair until the office is filled by election in accordance with 5.3.2 through 5.3.5 hereof. If the Chair, Vice Chair, or State Committeeman or State Committeewoman’s spouse, parent, or child files for a public office in the County, a replacement shall be appointed by the PCRP Chair to serve during the period of such candidacy. The Vice Chair shall serve as the replacement for the office of PCRP Chair and shall as and fulfill all duties of the Chair. 5.3.2 While the replacement process is underway, the Central Committee Chair may appoint an individual to fill the vacancy pending election of the new officer, and, in any case, shall assure that essential functions of the office are performed. If the vacancy occurs within sixty days of the biennial organization meeting, or after it could be scheduled for the last regular Central Committee meeting scheduled for the biennium year, there need be no election and the appointee may serve until replaced at the organization meeting. 5.3.3 A nominating committee to interview and recommend candidates to fill the vacancy shall consist of the remaining elected Central Committee officers, and the District Leaders. The nominating committee shall elect its chair. Subject to Bylaw 5.3.2, the nominating committee shall organize and begin its task within one week after the vacancy occurs or as soon as it can be scheduled to assure a quorum. 5.3.4 Subject to Bylaw 5.3.2, not more than twenty days following the occurrence of the vacancy, the Central Committee Chair shall cause to be mailed to each member of the Central Committee a notice fixing the time and date for a meeting of the Central Committee to fill the vacancy. Not less than ten days nor more than thirty days notice shall be provided, except that the Chair may provide for a later vote to be at the next Central Committee meeting if the delay is approved by the Executive Board or at a Central Committee meeting occurring too soon for a Nominating Committee report. After the report of the nominating committee, nominations may be made from the floor. The Central Committee shall elect to fill the vacancy and the newly elected officer's duties shall commence immediately upon election. 5.3.5 Notwithstanding the above procedures, the Central Committee may at any meeting (by a two thirds vote of the quorum) suspend the rules, request nominations from the floor and elect a replacement officer. (This will assure that inaction of a nominating committee or others may not unduly delay a replacement or that overwhelming support for a candidate can be recognized without the time and effort of the nominating committee process.) 5.4 Duties of Elected Central Committee Officers. 5.4.1 Chair. The Chair shall preside over and assure conduct of the invocation and flag salute for all meetings of the Central Committee and Executive Board, shall assure coordination of multi-district activities among District Leaders for the day-to-day activities of the Pierce County Republican Party, shall assure maintenance of appropriate relations with community, business, professional, media, and local government agencies, elected officials shall have responsibility for selection and recommending the hiring any paid staff, and shall apportion money within the budget and approve a related expenditure allocation plan for the Treasurer. When a Staff position or capital expenditure is not appropriated within an approved budget, the Chair, prior to any recommendation to hire said staff or to procure the capital expenditure, shall provide a written recommendation containing the employment terms (if applicable) and budget impact to the Executive Board for approval. All employment agreements shall contain a non-appropriation clause. The Chair is the President of the PCRP for banking and other purposes. The Chair shall be an ex-officio member of all standing and special committees unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. 5.4.1.1 The Chair may appoint, from among the Republican electorate of Pierce County, persons to serve on committees or teams created in these bylaws and such other committees and teams as needed. Except those appointments requiring Central Committee ratification, the Chair shall have the authority to cancel appointments made by the Chair. In making and canceling appointments the Chair shall consult with the Vice Chair. 5.4.1.2 The Chair shall be responsible for assuring meeting notices are sent to members of the Central Committee, Executive Board, Budget Committee and other meetings called by the Chair. To the extent practicable, meeting notices shall include an agenda that identifies specific items of business to be considered. Responsibility for the process of drafting and sending such notices is assigned to the Secretary. 5.4.2 Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall assist and advise the Chair on appointments and the day-to-day activities of the Pierce County Republican Party, shall personally coordinate multi-district activities with District Leaders, shall assure conduct of a training program for District Leaders, PCOs and other PCRP personnel, shall assure District organizations are appropriately supported, shall arrange for and preside over District Caucus elections needed to replace District Leaders, and may be identified as the Chief Operations Officer and a Vice President of the PCRP for banking and other purposes. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall be the Acting Chair and have the authority and responsibilities of the Chair until the Chair is available to act. The Vice-Chair may propose or accept further duties as reasonably assigned by the Chair. 5.4.3 State Committeeman, State Committeewoman. The State Committeeman and State Committeewoman shall represent the PCRP on the Republican State Committee and participate in the State Committee’s duties as the governing body of the Washington State Republican Party in accordance with its Bylaws and their implementing Policies. They may serve on subcommittees of the State Committee as appropriate. They shall report to the Chair, to the Executive Board, and to the Central Committee on the activities of the Washington State Republican Party. Either the State Committeeman or State Committeewoman shall be elected by the PCRP Executive Board to serve on the Washington State Republican Party Executive Board. Within three days of each State Committee meeting, one of them shall email the PCRP Chair and Secretary, for relay to the Executive Board the text of resolutions, endorsements, Bylaw and Policy amendments and high-lights of other actions taken by the State Committee. The State Committeeman and State Committeewoman may propose or accept further duties as reasonably assigned by the Chair that do not detract from their primary duties as members of the State Committee and its subcommittees. RCW 29A.80.02013. 5.4.4 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds of the Central Committee and the PCRP. The Treasurer shall keep records of receipts and disbursements and shall prepare monthly financial reports. The Treasurer shall disburse funds only within available funds and the Central Committee approved budget and subject to an expenditure allocation plan approved by the PCRP Chair. In the event of a funding shortage or need for budget departure, the PCRP Chair, the Executive Board, or Central Committee shall take appropriate action to assure the Treasurer can comply with an expenditure plan within disbursement constraints. The Treasurer shall comply with all state and federal reporting requirements regarding the receipt and disbursement of funds. The Treasurer may appoint volunteers to share the duties of the office, but remains accountable for their fulfillment. The Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer of the PCRP. In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, the Treasurer shall become the Acting Chair and have the authority and responsibilities of the Chair. 5.4.5 General Secretary. This officer is responsible for membership records, dues solicitation and dues payment records, relay of dues received to the Treasurer, and the process of drafting and sending meeting notices. The General Secretary shall manage the PCRP web site and manage the message center, communications distribution and general records retention functions for the PCRP that are not within the duties of other officers. The General Secretary may appoint volunteers to share the duties of the office, including a Recording Secretary for recording and reporting the minutes of all meetings of the Central Committee and Executive Board, but remains accountable for their fulfillment. The office may propose or accept further duties as reasonably assigned by the PCRP Chair. In the absence of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer, the Secretary shall become the Acting Chair and have the authority and responsibilities of the Chair. 5.4.6 Sergeant-at-Arms. At all meetings of the Central Committee and Executive Board, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall keep order and decorum, assure the presence of a U.S. flag, lead the flag salute, if requested, and make reasonable efforts to assure the safety and security of the meeting place and attendees. Using lists provided by the Secretary, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall ensure roll call is taken at all meetings of the Central Committee and Executive Board, and shall establish and enforce procedures to ensure that only those persons eligible vote. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall appoint deputies and other assistants as needed. The Sergeant-at-Arms may propose or accept further duties as reasonably assigned by the Chair. In the absence of the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall become the Acting Chair and have the authority and responsibilities of the Chair. 5.5 Appointed Central Committee Officers. 5.5.1 Qualifications of Appointed Officers The Central Committee Chair shall appoint the officers identified below. Persons eligible to be appointed must be registered voters and residents of Pierce County, shall have paid their current membership dues in the Pierce County Republican Party, and shall be required to pay annual dues during their tenure. Appointed officers serve during the period of time between their appointment and the next biennial organizational meeting, unless earlier vacating their office by resignation, by failure to pay their dues, or by decision of the Chair. Appointed officers are non-voting members of the Central Committee unless otherwise qualified. The appointed Central Committee Officers, their duties and their teams are: 5.5.2 Parliamentarian. The Parliamentarian shall advise the Central Committee Chair on questions of parliamentary law, compliance with these bylaws, and standing rules and rules of order the Central Committee may adopt. 5.5.3 Legal Counsel. The Legal counsel shall advise the Central Committee Chair on questions of law relating to the activities of political parties. Legal counsel shall serve without compensation unless expressly provided by the Central Committee or Executive Board. 5.5.4 Funding Director and Team The Funding Director shall assist the Central Committee Chair in soliciting funds for the Central Committee's Operating Account and Candidates Fund, and lead the Funding Team in devising and conducting fund raising activities. The Funding Team members shall be appointed by the Central Committee Chair and the Funding Director. The team members shall assist in soliciting funds for the Central Committee's Operating Account and Candidates Fund. The Central Committee Chair and Central Committee Treasurer shall serve as members of the Funding Team. 5.5.5 Candidates Director and Team The Candidates Director shall identify and recruit candidates for Pierce County's legislative districts and county partisan offices. The Candidates Director shall be the leader of the Candidates Team. The Candidates Team members shall include all District Leaders plus others appointed by the Candidates Chair. Those appointed may include PCO or other members of the PCRP or may include community or business leaders or elected Republicans. Appointments are subject to the right of disapproval of the PCRP Chair. The team members shall assist the Candidates Director in identifying and recruiting candidates for Pierce County's legislative districts and county partisan offices, and in providing information as to sources of campaign support. The team shall maintain a program for encouraging and training Republicans to provide a public service and gain experience and public support by campaigning for and serving in nonpartisan offices and community service agencies as further described in the Standing Rules. 5.6 Executive Director The Central Committee may approve a budget for, the Executive Board may approve a position description for, and the PCRP Chair may employ an Executive Director. The Executive Director’s employment agreement shall contain a non-appropriation clause. The PCRP Chair is accountable for the performance of the Executive Director and may assign any of the Chair’s personal duties except chairing meetings or Budget Approval responsibilities to the Executive Director. The PCRP Chair may not assign to the Executive Director any bylaw-directed duties of PCRP elected officers, but may so assign those of appointed officers, appointed committee chairs, and event leaders. 5.7 District Officers The Precinct Committee Officers of each Pierce County Legislative District shall elect a District Leader a Deputy District Leader, a District Treasurer, and a District Secretary during district caucuses at the biennial organizational meeting of the Central Committee (see Bylaw 4.1) and whenever the respective office is vacant or not being fulfilled. Persons eligible to be elected must be registered voters and residents of the district in which they serve, shall have paid their current membership dues in the Pierce County Republican Party, and are required to pay annual dues during their tenure. Balloting shall be by paper ballot except in uncontested races. When there are three or more candidates for an office, if any candidate fails to receive a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot, the two with the highest number of votes shall advance to a second ballot. Proxies shall not be allowed. District Leaders serve during the period of time between their election and the next biennial organizational meeting, or until replaced (Bylaw 5.8) or the office becomes vacant (Bylaw 5.9). A District Leader or Deputy District Leader may not serve simultaneously as an elected Central Committee officer. No District Leader or Deputy District Leader shall publicly endorse a candidate of another political party in a partisan race or Republican candidates prior to their nomination by a Republican convention, caucus or a Primary election. If a District Leader’s or Deputy District Leader’s spouse, parent, or child files for a state legislative office in the district, a replacement shall be appointed by the PCRP Chair to serve during the period of such candidacy. 5.7.1 Duties - District Leaders. District Leaders are responsible for Republican Party activities in their legislative district, shall assist in identifying and recruiting candidates for partisan office in their legislative district, and shall assist the Central Committee Chair in identifying persons for appointment as Precinct Committee Officers in their legislative district. District Leaders shall preside at all district caucuses. However, District Leaders may share some duties with the Deputy District Leader and may appoint other assistants, including Area Leaders, as needed. The District Leader shall chair the Legislative District Committee which, under WSRP Bylaw Article10, “is to coordinate Republican Party activities within the district.” (See. PCRP Bylaw 7.4 for other duties of the Legislative District Committees.) RCW 29A.80.06114 5.8 Removal of District Leaders and Other District Officers. Removal of a District Officer may be for any cause that the District's Precinct Committee Officers shall deem sufficient. A quorum of fifty percent of the Precinct Committee Officers eligible to vote shall be required. A two-thirds majority vote shall be required. A district caucus for such purpose may be an agenda item for any Central Committee meeting or shall be called by the Central Committee Chair upon petition by twenty percent of the Precinct Committee Officers eligible to vote and held within thirty days after receipt of the petition. 5.9 Vacancy of a District Officer 5.9.1 If a District Leader shall die, resign, be unable to perform his/her duties for ninety days, file for or assume an elected public office, or cease to be a registered voter and resident of the legislative district, or in a calendar year miss three consecutive meetings at which he/she has a vote (Central Committee/Executive Board), his/her office shall be vacant. 5.9.2 Not more than twenty days following the occurrence of the vacancy, the Central Committee Chair shall cause to be mailed to each Precinct Committee Officer in the district a notice fixing the time and date of a district caucus to fill the vacancy. Not less than fourteen days nor more than thirty days notice shall be provided except the caucus election may be conducted in conjunction with the next Central Committee meeting occurring within thirty days after the vacancy if the election is announced in the meeting notice. The replacement-dedicated caucus shall be chaired by the PCRP Chair, by the Vice-Chair, or as appointed by the PCRP Chair. The person presiding over the caucus shall prepare a report on the results within one day and shall arrange for its early distribution, by the PCRP Secretary, to PCRP officers, District Leaders, Club Presidents, the WSRP and to all PCO's served by email. While the replacement process is underway, the elected Deputy District Leader shall act as the District Leader. If there is no Deputy District Leader willing to serve, the Central Committee Chair shall appoint a temporary District Leader. If a replacement has not been elected prior to an Executive Board Meeting, the District Leader may appoint an interim District Representative by written notice to the PCRP Chair and Secretary. Ref. Bylaw 4.1. Bylaw 6 EXECUTIVE BOARD 6.1 Membership, Authority, Liability. 6.1.1 Voting members of the Executive Board shall be persons who have paid their current membership dues in the Pierce County Republican Party and are the elected officers or duly appointed interim officer appointed pursuant to Bylaws 5.9..2 of the Central Committee, District Leaders, Deputy District Leaders, and the District Treasurers. 6.1.2 Nonvoting members of the Executive Board shall be the appointed officers of the Central Committee; the President of each Pierce County Republican club which is duly constituted and recognized by the Central Committee; any Pierce County resident holding office in the Republican State Committee of Washington or the Republican National Committee; and all elected or appointed Republicans in Pierce County holding partisan office. Nonvoting members of the Executive Board who have paid their current membership dues in the Pierce County Republican Party shall have full rights of debate including the introduction of motions and resolutions. 6.1.3 The Executive Board shall act on behalf of the Central Committee during those months when the Central Committee does not meet and the elected and appointed officers of the Central Committee shall serve as the officers of the Executive Board. 6.1.4 These by laws do not establish or affirm that members of the Central Committee may be held legally liable for any debts incurred as a result of action taken by the Central Committee,. 6.2 Duties of Executive Board. The Executive Board shall receive reports from the Chair-appointed Executive Director, if any, and from the elected and appointed officers of the Central Committee, and may ratify their decisions upon request. The Executive Board may act on resolutions and may propose and approve the conduct of Central Committee sponsored events that do not exceed budget constraints. Other duties may be assigned by the Standing Rules.
Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be monthly, except in July and December and except in months when the Central Committee meets. Notice of a meeting's time and place shall be mailed to members ten days prior to the meeting date. The meeting notice shall include a planned agenda. To the extent practicable, meeting notices shall include an agenda that identifies specific items of business to be considered. 6.4 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called at any time by the Central Committee Chair and shall be called by the Chair upon receipt of a petition signed by at least twenty percent of the voting members and shall be held within thirty days after receipt of the petition. All special meetings shall be called by a notice including the purpose of the meeting mailed to members ten days prior to the meeting date. 6.5 Quorum. Fifty percent of the members authorized to vote at any meeting of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum At any meeting, the "members authorized to vote" shall exclude persons not present at that meeting who also missed the previous two meetings of the same body. so that those positions do not count in determining the quorum requirement. The personally signed records of attendance at each meeting shall be preserved and consulted as the basis for validating previous absences. 6.6 Voting. When not specifically addressed in these bylaws, voting at an Executive Board meeting may be by a show of hands or voting cards, by standing or by voice and with a simple majority required to prevail. Proxies shall not be allowed. The issue and use of voting cards is encouraged when there are many guests interspersed with members or otherwise seems wise to the Chair to speed accurate vote counts. Bylaw 7 COMMITTEES PCRP “Committees” are organizations that do what is appropriate to research and assemble information and require a majority vote to approve a report and/or propose action to be taken by a deliberative assembly or officer. A committee has a chair who presides over its meetings but normally has only one vote like the other members, PCRP Team are organizations that are charged with acting on behalf of the PCRP to conduct an event or perform other operations related to voters, contributors, candidates, or non-PCRP personnel and organizations - with a Director or otherwise designated leader to whom the team members report. 7.1 Budget Committee. 7.1.1 The Budget Committee members shall be the Central Committee Chair who shall chair the committee, the Central Committee Treasurer, the Funding Director, and to the extent possible, three members of the Funding Team. The Central Committee Chair may appoint such other persons as he/she deems appropriate to serve on the Budget Committee. 7.1.2 The Budget Committee shall prepare a twelve month budget to be presented to the Central Committee for approval at its meeting in March. The period covered shall be from 1 April through 31 March of the succeeding year. However, to establish this new period, the budget to be approved in 2004 shall be for the 15 months from 1 January 2004 through 31 March 2005. 7.1.3 Persons receiving a salary or other monetary compensation from the Central Committee's Operating Account shall not be voting members of the Budget Committee. 7.2 Legislative District Committees (LDCs). 7.2.1 Establishment. WSRP Bylaw 10.1 says: “A legislative district committee is hereby established for each legislative district in the State of Washington. A committee established pursuant to this Article 10, and no other committee, is a legislative district committee of the Republican Party for purposes of section 3(2)(c) of Initiative 134.” RCW 29A.80.061.15 7.2.2 Purpose. RCW 42.17.020(6) 16 defines "bona fide political party" to include "legislative district committees of a major political party" for the purposes of receiving contributions and distributing funds to legislative and statewide candidates. WSRP Bylaw 10.2 says “The purpose of a legislative district committee is to coordinate Republican Party activities within the district.” 7.2.3 Composition - Multi-County Districts WSRP Bylaw 10.4 says “Legislative district committees for districts located in more than one county shall consist of three members from each county, all or part of which is included in the district. The members from each county shall be designated by, or as provided in the bylaws of, the county central committee. Each such legislative district committee shall hold an organizational meeting by June 30 of every odd-numbered year for the purpose of electing a chair and a treasurer. The Pierce County members of a multi-county district shall be the District Leader, Treasurer and Secretary elected by the District Caucus. However, the officers of the LDC are elected by the multi-county LDC as provided above. 7.2.4 Composition – Single County Districts Legislative district committees for districts wholly within Pierce County shall consist of the District Leader as Chair, the District Treasurer, and the District Secretary. 7.2.5 Exclusion. No person who is a candidate for the Legislature and no member of his/her family may serve on a legislative district committee for the district in which that person is a candidate. No person who is a candidate for statewide office and no member of his/her family may serve on a legislative district committee. Bylaw 8 ACCOUNTS AND FUNDS 8.1 Operating Account. The Operating Account of the Central Committee shall be a checking account maintained by the Central Committee Treasurer. The Central Committee Chair and Central Committee Treasurer shall be the signatories of record. Signatories on a check written from the operating account shall assure that the expenditure is within funds available and within a category and within an amount approved in the budget. , If total funds in the account are less than or significantly greater than projected or committed expenditures and budgeted savings for the balance of the budget cycle, or in the event of an unanticipated expenditure in excess of $1500, the Chair shall propose a reallocation budget in writing to the Central Committee. The Chair and the Treasurer shall, if necessary to keep expenditures within available funds, stop and reduce expenses, negotiate delays with creditors and appeal to members, the WSRP and contributors for help. 8.2 Candidates Fund. The Candidates Fund of the Central Committee shall be a savings account maintained by the Central Committee Treasurer. The Central Committee Chair and Central Committee Treasurer shall be the signatories of record. A Candidates Fund Advisory Committee shall consist of the Central Committee elected officers, the Funding Director and the Candidates Director. All money distributed from the Candidates Fund shall be approved by a majority of the Candidates Fund Advisory Committee. 8.3 Federal Government Insured Certificates of Deposit (CD’s). The Central Committee Treasurer may maintain some deposits under Bylaws 8.1 and 8.2 above in the form of insured CD’s, if prudent. 8.4 Credit and Debt No Party officer or organization is authorized to use credit or incur a debt for a capital item not to be fully paid within the term of office of the current officers and no other debts shall be incurred that are not to be paid out of available current funds within 60 days. An exception to the foregoing is the lease for the headquarters office suite with its monthly payments and equipment leases and equipment rentals itemized in the approved budget. The balance due on any credit card shall be paid monthly. Actual and potential insolvency shall be disclosed to Central Committee members as soon as known or perceived. 8.5 Audit Committee An Audit Committee may be convened from time to time at the call of the Central Committee Chair, upon the written request of a majority of the District Leaders, or by majority vote of either the Executive Board or the Central Committee. It shall consist of the District Leaders who shall be supported by the Central Committee Chair, Treasurer and Secretary in conducting audits of any or all records and reports. If not called by the Chair, it shall be convened by the Secretary and elect its own Chair. Bylaw 9 GOVERNING LAW AND RULES Any conflict in these bylaws with or among the bylaws of the Republican State Committee of Washington, the bylaws of the Republican National Committee or with public law, such as RCW 29A.80, shall be resolved in favor of the highest authority. The highest authority is public law, second is the National Committee bylaws, and third is the State Committee bylaws (State Bylaws say they may not conflict with the National Bylaws). The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the meetings of the Central Committee, Executive Board, committees and district caucuses in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or the higher authorities cited above. These bylaws are the constitution and highest written authority of the Central Committee and the PCRP. They are supplemented but not supplanted by consistent Standing Rules, Position Descriptions, Process Guides and other materials as appropriate. District organizations and PCRP recognized Republican Clubs shall maintain bylaws and other media consistent with the County Party. Bylaw 10 AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the Central Committee by a two-thirds vote, provided a quorum is present, provided proposed amendments are submitted in writing to the Central Committee Chair ten days prior to the meeting at which they are to be considered; and provided a copy of the amendments are sent to the Central Committee members with, or provided to them no later than the same time as, the notice of the meeting. 1 RCW 29A.80.010 Each political party organization may adopt rules governing its own organization and the nonstatutory functions of that organization. [2005 c 2 § 14 (Initiative Measure No. 872, approved November 2, 2004); 2003 c 111 § 2001; 1977 ex.s. c 329 § 16; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.010. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 2; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.010.] NOTES: Reviser's note: (1) Initiative Measure No. 872
was declared unconstitutional in its entirety in Washington
State Republican Party, et al. v. Logan, et al., U.S.D.C.
No. CV05-0927-TSZ (W.D. Wash. 2005). The decision was under
appeal at the time this material was published. Short title -- Intent -- Contingent effective date -- 2005 c 2 (Initiative Measure No. 872): See notes following RCW 29A.52.112. 2 RCW 29A.80.011 (1) Each political party organization may: [2004 c 271 § 183.] 3 RCW 29A.80.041 Any member of a major political party who is a registered voter in the precinct may upon payment of a fee of one dollar file his or her declaration of candidacy as prescribed under RCW 29A.24.031 with the county auditor for the office of precinct committee officer of his or her party in that precinct. When elected at the primary, the precinct committee officer shall serve so long as the committee officer remains an eligible voter in that precinct. [2004 c 271 § 148.] 4 RCW 29A.80.051 The statutory requirements for filing as a candidate at the primaries apply to candidates for precinct committee officer. The office must be voted upon at the primaries, and the names of all candidates must appear under the proper party and office designations on the ballot for the primary for each even-numbered year, and the one receiving the highest number of votes will be declared elected. However, to be declared elected, a candidate must receive at least ten percent of the number of votes cast for the candidate of the candidate's party receiving the greatest number of votes in the precinct. The term of office of precinct committee officer is two years, commencing the first day of December following the primary. [2004 c 271 § 149.] 5 RCW 29A.28.071 If a vacancy occurs in the office of precinct committee officer by reason of death, resignation, or disqualification of the incumbent, or because of failure to elect, the respective county chair of the county central committee shall fill the vacancy by appointment. However, in a legislative district having a majority of its precincts in a county with a population of one million or more, the appointment may be made only upon the recommendation of the legislative district chair. The person so appointed must have the same qualifications as candidates when filing for election to the office for that precinct. When a vacancy in the office of precinct committee officer exists because of failure to elect at a state primary, the vacancy may not be filled until after the organization meeting of the county central committee and the new county chair has been selected as provided by RCW 29A.80.030. [2004 c 271 § 120.] 6 RCW 29A.80.041 Any member of a major political party who is a registered voter in the precinct may upon payment of a fee of one dollar file his or her declaration of candidacy as prescribed under RCW 29A.24.031 with the county auditor for the office of precinct committee officer of his or her party in that precinct. When elected at the primary, the precinct committee officer shall serve so long as the committee officer remains an eligible voter in that precinct. [2004 c 271 § 148.] 7 RCW 29A.80.030 The county central committee of each major political party
consists of the precinct committee officers of the party from
the several voting precincts of the county. Following each state
general election held in even-numbered years, this committee
shall meet for the purpose of organization at an easily
accessible location within the county, subsequent to the
certification of precinct committee officers by the county
auditor and no later than the second Saturday of the following
January. The authorized officers of the retiring committee shall
cause notice of the time and place of the meeting to be mailed
to each precinct committee officer at least seventy-two hours
before the date of the meeting. [2003 c 111 § 2003; 1987 c 295 § 12; 1973 c 85 § 1; 1973 c 4 § 5; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.030. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 4; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.030.] NOTES: Precinct election officers, appointment: RCW 29A.44.410 and 29A.44.430. 8 RCW 29A.80.030 The county central committee of each major political party
consists of the precinct committee officers of the party from
the several voting precincts of the county. Following each state
general election held in even-numbered years, this committee
shall meet for the purpose of organization at an easily
accessible location within the county, subsequent to the
certification of precinct committee officers by the county
auditor and no later than the second Saturday of the following
January. The authorized officers of the retiring committee shall
cause notice of the time and place of the meeting to be mailed
to each precinct committee officer at least seventy-two hours
before the date of the meeting. [2003 c 111 § 2003; 1987 c 295 § 12; 1973 c 85 § 1; 1973 c 4 § 5; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.030. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 4; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.030.] NOTES: Precinct election officers, appointment: RCW 29A.44.410 and 29A.44.430. 9 RCW 29A.28.061 The general election laws and laws relating to partisan primaries shall apply to the special primaries and vacancy elections provided for in chapter 29A.28 RCW to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the provisions of these sections. Minor political party and independent candidates may appear only on the general election ballot. Statutory time deadlines relating to availability of absentee ballots, certification, canvassing, and related procedures that cannot be met in a timely fashion may be modified for the purposes of a specific primary or vacancy election under this chapter by the secretary of state through emergency rules adopted under RCW 29A.04.611. [2004 c 271 § 119.] 10 RCW 29A.80.030 The county central committee of each major political party
consists of the precinct committee officers of the party from
the several voting precincts of the county. Following each state
general election held in even-numbered years, this committee
shall meet for the purpose of organization at an easily
accessible location within the county, subsequent to the
certification of precinct committee officers by the county
auditor and no later than the second Saturday of the following
January. The authorized officers of the retiring committee shall
cause notice of the time and place of the meeting to be mailed
to each precinct committee officer at least seventy-two hours
before the date of the meeting. [2003 c 111 § 2003; 1987 c 295 § 12; 1973 c 85 § 1; 1973 c 4 § 5; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.030. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 4; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.030.] NOTES: Precinct election officers, appointment: RCW 29A.44.410 and 29A.44.430. 11 RCW 29A.80.020 The state committee of each major political party consists of
one committeeman and one committeewoman from each county elected
by the county central committee at its organization meeting. It
must have a chair and vice-chair of opposite sexes. This
committee shall meet during January of each odd-numbered year
for the purpose of organization at a time and place designated
by a notice mailed at least one week before the date of the
meeting to all the newly elected state committeemen and
committeewomen by the authorized officers of the retiring
committee. At its organizational meeting it shall elect its
chair and vice-chair, and such officers as its bylaws may
provide, and adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations. It may: [2003 c 111 § 2002; 1987 c 295 § 11; 1972 ex.s. c 45 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.020. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 3; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.020.] 12 RCW 29A.80.030 The county central committee of each major political party
consists of the precinct committee officers of the party from
the several voting precincts of the county. Following each state
general election held in even-numbered years, this committee
shall meet for the purpose of organization at an easily
accessible location within the county, subsequent to the
certification of precinct committee officers by the county
auditor and no later than the second Saturday of the following
January. The authorized officers of the retiring committee shall
cause notice of the time and place of the meeting to be mailed
to each precinct committee officer at least seventy-two hours
before the date of the meeting. [2003 c 111 § 2003; 1987 c 295 § 12; 1973 c 85 § 1; 1973 c 4 § 5; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.030. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 4; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.030.] NOTES: Precinct election officers, appointment: RCW 29A.44.410 and 29A.44.430. 13 RCW 29A.80.020 The state committee of each major political party consists of
one committeeman and one committeewoman from each county elected
by the county central committee at its organization meeting. It
must have a chair and vice-chair of opposite sexes. This
committee shall meet during January of each odd-numbered year
for the purpose of organization at a time and place designated
by a notice mailed at least one week before the date of the
meeting to all the newly elected state committeemen and
committeewomen by the authorized officers of the retiring
committee. At its organizational meeting it shall elect its
chair and vice-chair, and such officers as its bylaws may
provide, and adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations. It may: [2003 c 111 § 2002; 1987 c 295 § 11; 1972 ex.s. c 45 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.020. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 3; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.020.] 14 RCW 29A.80.061 Within forty-five days after the statewide general election
in even-numbered years, the county chair of each major political
party shall call separate meetings of all elected precinct
committee officers in each legislative district for the purpose
of electing a legislative district chair in such district. The
district chair shall hold office until the next legislative
district reorganizational meeting two years later, or until a
successor is elected. [2004 c 271 § 150.] 15 RCW 29A.80.061 Within forty-five days after the statewide general election
in even-numbered years, the county chair of each major political
party shall call separate meetings of all elected precinct
committee officers in each legislative district for the purpose
of electing a legislative district chair in such district. The
district chair shall hold office until the next legislative
district reorganizational meeting two years later, or until a
successor is elected. [2004 c 271 § 150.] 16 RCW 42.17.020(6) "Bona fide political party" means: |