College Democrats at Sacramento State

PREAMBLE

As the representative organization of the Democratic Party at California State University, Sacramento, the goal of the College Democrats at Sacramento State is to further the ideas and ideals of the Democratic Party. We vow to uphold the Democratic principles of freedom, social justice, equality, and promote the formation of a society which extends those principles to all, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, physical handicap, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Furthermore, we seek to increase the involvement of students in the political process by raising awareness of the values and mission of the Democratic Party and by facilitating their direct involvement. It is for this reason and upon these ideals which we establish the College Democrats at Sacramento State.

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the College Democrats at Sacramento State, hereafter referred to as the CDSS.

ARTICLE II: AUTHORITY

Section 1: The CDSS shall be affiliated with the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC), the California College Democrats (CCD).

Section 2: This organization is a recognized student organization at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and shall adhere to all campus policies contained in the Student Organization Handbook.

Section 3: This organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

Section 4: The rules contained in the most recent version of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be a secondary parliamentary authority for this organization, and are to be consulted in cases where informal proceedings fail or are inadequate. During the vast majority of general and executive board meetings, an informal and conversational meeting style should be adopted, with the goal of fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment

Section 5: The CDSS President may issue executive orders as long as they are consistent with the authority vested within these bylaws; and insofar as they are not contradictory to these bylaws.
 

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Eligibility for membership shall not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

Section 2: Membership Statuses

The CDSS shall have two membership statuses: (1) Associate, (2) Active.

1. : Associate Members
   1. An Associate Member is any matriculating CSUS student or

non-student member who has attended one CDSS general meeting and/or committee meeting and has not fulfilled the requirements to become an Active Member.

1. Associate Members, as well as any other person who has not attained Active Status, shall not be extended any of the rights or privileges enumerated in Article III, Sections 2.2(c).

1. Associate Members shall have the following rights and privileges:
   1. Make endorsement recommendations;
   2. Serve on committees;
   3. Add initiatives to the agenda with approval from the Vice President.
2. : Active Members
   1. An Active Member is any matriculating CSUS student who has attended at least two general membership meetings and/or committee meetings.
3. Active Members during the Spring semester will be able to retain their Active Status during Summer semester.
4. Active Member Status will need to be renewed each Fall Semester and Spring Semester.
5. Active Members shall have the following rights and privileges:
   1. Vote on measures placed before the general membership;
   2. Vote for officer candidates during club elections;
       
   3. Run for, nominate individuals for, and hold club office, given that they have fulfilled any and all additional requirements;
   4. Serve on committees;
   5. Be eligible for appointment to positions, given that they have fulfilled any and all additional requirements;
   6. Make endorsement recommendations and vote on endorsements presented to the general membership; and
   7. Add initiatives to the agenda with approval from the Vice President.

Section 3: Membership Status Conferrals

1. : Any member who is unable to attain Active Status during the current semester, and had attained Active Status during the previous semester, may request that the Executive Board confer Active Status on them for the current

semester.

1. : The Executive Board may approve a status conferral request via a simple majority vote at any Executive Board meeting. Upon the approval of the Executive Board, the Active Status of that member shall take immediate effect.

1. : The President may approve a status conferral request via an executive order. Upon issuing of this executive order, the Active Status of that member shall take immediate effect. 

Section 4: Membership Status Revocations

1. : The Executive Board may, with the approval of a three-fifths (3/5) vote of its members at any Executive Board meeting, revoke the Active Status of any Active Member who fails to meet the expectations associated with

their membership status.

1. : An Active Member, upon having their Active Status revoked, shall immediately be considered an Associated Member until the end of the semester for which their status was revoked. The Membership Director shall notify the member whose status was revoked within 24 hours of revocation.
2. : The president may revoke the Active Status of any Active member who (1) fails to meet the expectation with their membership status or (2) temporarily rescinds their status while under investigation by the Commission for Oversight, Management, and Preservation of Necessary Organizational Welfare (COMPNOW), as stipulated in Article XI.

Section 5: Removal of Members for Sexual Misconduct

1. : Subsequent uses of the terms sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, consent, other prohibited behavior, or other terms related to sexual misconduct, shall be defined as defined by the Office for Equal Opportunity at Sacramento State.
2. :The sanctions by the Office for Equal Opportunity provide remedies involving disqualifications, CDSS will abide. 
    
3. : Any individual against whom a report of sexual harassment is made to the Executive Board, in person or in writing, will be referred to COMPNOW to address the credability of the report. If the report is found to be from a credible source, COMPNOW will have the authority to issue permanent revocation of any membership status. 
4. Student Organizations and Leadership shall be notified of any case of sexual misconduct reported to the Executive Board as stated in

Article X, Section 2.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS

Section 1: Executive Board

1. : The Executive Board shall be responsible for maintaining the general

welfare of the club. They shall conduct all business necessary for the continued operation of the club and the implementation of these Bylaws.

In this endeavor, all members of the Executive Board shall act in accordance with these Bylaws.

1. : Executive Board Members
   1. The Executive Board shall consist of six elected officers: President, Vice President, Controller, Communications Director, Membership Director, and Political Affairs Director.
       
   2. No person may occupy more than one Executive Board office at a time.
2. : Term

1. Executive Board members shall be elected for a term of one year.
2. After their election, Executive Board officers shall assume office at midnight on the twenty-sixth day of May.
3. : Except as provided in Article IV, Sections 2.1 (i) and (j), the Executive Board may alter, limit, or override any decision of the President with a nine-tenths (9/10) vote.
4. : All Executive Board members shall complete a Nuts and Bolts training within the first three weeks of the beginning of each semester.

Section 2: Executive Board Officer Duties

1. : President

The President shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:

1. Chair meetings of the general membership and the Executive Board;

1. Propose the agenda for each meeting over which the President shall preside;
2. Manage the Executive Board to ensure proper coordination among officers and timely completion of their duties;
3. Act on behalf of the CDSS, so long as these actions do not subvert the expressed will of the Executive Board or the general membership and fall within the confines of club Bylaws and state and federal law;
4. Spend club funds, within the constraints laid out in the Bylaws and with the consultation of the Controller, for what they deem necessary to facilitate the interests of the club;

1. Serve as delegation chair to the CCD state convention;
2. Attend meetings of the DPSC and the CCD, or appoint a Delegate, pursuant to Article IV, Section 3.3(a), to represent the CDSS at
    

such meetings;

1. Appoint a Parliamentarian, with the approval of a majority of the

Executive Board, to give advice to the CDSS on procedures and Bylaws interpretations;

1. Appoint individual members to advisory and support positions;
2. Remove anyone from any appointed position, except the Executive Director;
3. Create ad hoc committees. The President shall appoint the chairperson and all other members of ad hoc committees. Committee creation and chairperson appointment each require ratification of the Executive Board by a simple majority vote;
4. Serve as an ex officio member of all CDSS committees; and
5. Issue executive orders by necessity  

The President of the College Democrats of Sacramento State (CDSS) holds the authority to issue Presidential Executive Orders, which enable swift action on organizational matters without requiring an executive board vote. This power is designed to ensure the organization remains agile and responsive to political and operational needs. 

Scope of Executive Orders:

Legislation Approval – The President can enact policies or procedural rules for the organization without waiting for a full board vote.

Endorsements or Resolutions – The President has the authority to issue official endorsements of candidates, policies, or initiatives on behalf of CDSS or make Resolutions.

Organizational Actions – The President may direct CDSS to take specific actions, such as hosting events, issuing statements, or mobilizing support for causes aligned with Democratic and progressive values.  

Budgetary Adjustments – The President has the ability to reallocate funds within the organization’s budget to support initiatives, events, or emergency expenses as needed.

Membership Status – The President has the authority to suspend, remove, or alter the membership status of any individual at any point, based on violations of organizational rules, failure to uphold CDSS values, or other justifiable concerns as well as automatically give voting rights.

Sign the Officer Agreement Form if COO is Vacant or abolished.
-Upon the president dissolving the COO position the president will become Officer One on campus groups and under Student Organization and leadership.  

1. : Vice President

The Vice President shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:

1. In the absence of and as needed by the President, vote on behalf of the club at meetings of the DPSC, and the CCD;
2. Coordinate with organizations on campus to establish joint events;
3. Maintain up-to-date contact lists of alumni, associated community leaders, and associated elected officials;
4. Provide notice to candidates for office of club endorsement opportunities;
5. Coordinate all campaign activities, and communicate relevant information to the Executive Board in a timely manner;

1. Liaise with political candidates regarding opportunities for the club to work with political candidates;
    

1. Shall approve all agendas for general membership meetings;

1. Shall handle all internal affairs within the club;
2. Sign the Officer Agreement Form;
3. Assist the President as needed; and
4. Act as President pro tempore in the absence of the President, automatically assuming all powers, duties, and responsibilities of the President. If there is a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall automatically vacate the office of Vice President and fill the office of President, assuming all powers, duties, and responsibilities associated with that position.
5. : Controller

The Controller shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:

1. Oversee the expenditure and collection of all club monies;

1. Oversee the club’s fundraising activities;

1. Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of all the club’s financial actions;
2. Submit all necessary and required documents regarding club finances to any and all appropriate agencies and authorities;
3. Present a proposed budget for the semester to the Executive Board within two weeks of the beginning of the semester. This budget shall, at minimum, set revenue goals and projected expenses;
4. Compile an accurate and thorough report accounting for all of the club’s finances during their term. This report shall include a list of all donations made to the club (including fundraising activities), an updated donors list, a list of all club expenditures, and an accounting of any monies which the club is owed. This report shall be submitted to the Executive Board one week prior to annual Executive Board elections;
    
5. : Communications Director

The Communications Director shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:

1. Coordinate communications between the Executive Board and the general membership, the local community, and the media;
2. Act as the primary point of contact between CDSS and other Registered Student Organizations at Sacramento State;
3. Maintain the club’s email, website, and social media presence;

1.  
2. Sign the Officer Agreement Form; and
3. Assist the President as needed.

6. Membership Director

The Membership Director shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:

1. Maintain up-to-date membership and attendance rosters;
2. Oversee the club’s recruitment efforts by coordinating membership drives and membership outreach.
3. Record the minutes of all general membership meetings and Executive Board meetings;
4. Distribute regular meeting minutes to the general membership after they have been approved;
5. Distribute proposed agendas for general membership and Executive Board meetings to the general membership and Executive Board, respectively;
6. Oversee the chartering of the club with the DPSC, and the CCD; 
7. Making membership aware of regular executive board meetings;
   
   7: Political Affairs Director

The Political Affairs Director shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:

1. Be the primary organizer and coordinator of student involvement on campus, national, state, and local campaigns (phone banks, Get Out the Vote efforts, voter registration, etc.);
2. Build and maintain relationships with local elected officials and civil groups;.
3. Research local, state, and national issues and report to the Executive Board and the general membership when the information is needed;
4. Work alongside the Legislative Action Committee to coordinate lobbying efforts;
5. Collect and seek out internship opportunities for members and give to the Executive Director information to disburse to the club;
6. Sign the Officer Agreement Form; and

Assist the President as needed. Section 3: Appointed Officers

8: Chief Operations Officer 
Shall have the following powers without limitations:

1. Sign Officer agreement form with Student organization and leadership; 
2. The COO can be dissolved at any point by the president; upon dissolution officer one under Student Organization and Leadership shall be transferred back to the president 
3. The COO shall serve as ex-officio for the president on committees 
4. The COO shall set COMPNOW meeting rooms
5. The COO shall set book the general meeting location room
6. The COO represents the interest in all Student Organization and Leadership matters and shall with the advise of the president make decisions in the best interests of the organization 
   
   9: Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall have the following rights and powers, without limitation:

1. Give advice to the CDSS on procedures and Bylaws interpretations;

1. Record votes at general membership meetings as needed by the meeting chair; and
2. Serve as Chief Elections Officer for club elections.
3. The Parliamentarian shall have no vote at Executive Board meetings.

1. : Executive Director
   1. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the newly sworn Executive Board at the first meeting of the new Executive Board. Ratification by the membership is not required. The Executive Director shall assume office immediately upon approval.

(a)1 The Executive Director may be appointed by executive order,  insofar, the executive board does not contest the appointment with a 

                                         necessary vote. 

1. The Executive Director shall have no voting rights on the Executive Board or at general membership meetings.
2. The Executive Director may not be removed by the President.
3. The Executive Director may not be removed by the Executive Board 
4. The Executive Director may be removed by a Three-Fifth (3/5) Vote of the General Membership.
5. The Executive Director shall conduct business on the CDSS’s behalf, at the direction of the Executive Board, during summer intersession until members of the newly-elected Executive Board have become Nuts and Bolts certified.
6. The Executive Director shall serve an Elections Officer for club elections, if available for those elections.
7. The Executive Director shall be ineligible to run for elected club office, unless they have resigned from their office by the time they are running for office.
8. The Executive Director must be an Active Member upon assuming office, but may continue to serve as Executive Director if their membership status expires before the end of their term.
9. The Executive Director shall be the chair of COMPNOW
10. : Delegates
    1. Delegates shall be appointed by the President with the approval of a majority of the E-Board. This requirement is waived for the Vice President, who is an ex officio Delegate.
    2. Delegates shall vote on the club’s behalf where appropriate and as directed by the President.
11. : Elections Officers

The Elections Officers shall have the following rights and powers during club elections, without limitation:

1. Conduct a roll call of Active Members at any meeting where an election is being held;
2. Administer the club’s elections. Elections Officers shall assume office at the start of the club election for which they were appointed and their appointment shall be terminated at the conclusion of that election;
    
3. Distribute ballots to and collect ballots from Active Members during elections; and
4. Count votes and certify the election results.
5. Elections Officers may not vote or be candidates in the election.
6. If the Parliamentarian and/or Executive Director is unable to serve as Elections Officer, the President may appoint another Active

Member to serve as an Alternate Elections Officer. Alternate Elections Officer appointments do not require Executive Board approval.

Section 4: Eligibility for appointed and elected student officer positions shall not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

Section 5: Removal from Office

1. : The Executive Director and Executive Board officers who have ceased to act in the best interest of the club, or who have ceased to properly execute their duties, may be removed via a recall referendum.
2. : A recall referendum may be initiated with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Executive Board at a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting. The general membership may by three-fifth (3/5) petition. 
3. Once initiated, a recall referendum may be ratified by a simple majority

vote at a regularly scheduled general membership meeting. This vote shall take place after the reasons for the recall have been stated by the Executive Board and after the officer in question has been given an opportunity to plead their case.

1. : Once a recall referendum has been initiated, the Membership Director must immediately inform the general membership of the recall referendum that has been initiated; the date, time, and location of the recall referendum vote; and the name of the officer subject to the recall referendum. This information shall be disseminated to the general membership through the club’s email.
2. : The Executive Board must provide written notice to the officer being recalled. This notice must be given at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the general membership meeting where the recall vote will take place. This must be done to ensure that the officer subject to the recall referendum has the opportunity to prepare a defense.
    
3. : If the recall referendum is ratified, the officer subject to the recall referendum is recalled and immediately relieved of all officer duties. They must relinquish all club materials and documents which may be in their possession to the Executive Board within seventy-two (72) hours of their removal.

Section 6: Executive Board Vacancies

1. : A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled as provided in Article IV, Section 2.2(j).
2. : A vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by appointment. The President shall appoint an Executive Board officer, subject to the approval of a majority of the Executive Board, to assume the office of Vice President. The appointed officer shall immediately vacate their other Executive Board office and assume all powers, duties, and responsibilities associated with the office

of Vice President. Alternatively, the president, may issue an executive order to appoint a designee to the office of President, subject to approval by the Executive Director.  

1. : Vacancies in any other Executive Board office shall be filled via special election, which shall be held at a regular meeting at least two weeks after

the meeting when the vacancy was announced. Nominations may be made at the meeting where the vacancy is announced, and nominations may also be made from the floor at the time of the election. The President may, if they wish, appoint an interim officer to fill the vacancy until the election is held; and for necessity of club business, this person shall be extended the voting rights afforded the position they assume. Interim appointments do not require Executive Board approval.

Section 7: Provisional Executive Board 

7.1: In the event that the executive board is not in place, or during the process of re-establishing the executive board for the purpose of revitalizing the organization, a Provisional Executive Board shall be established. This Provisional Executive Board shall be granted the same rights, powers, and responsibilities as the duly appointed executive board, to the extent necessary for the welfare and continued functioning of the organization. The Provisional Executive Board shall act with the authority to make decisions, manage operations, and ensure the organization’s stability until the most immediate election to vote for a new executive board takes place. A Provisional Executive Board shall be only allowed under two following circumstances: 

1. The individual or individuals that first triggered the necessary requirements for the organization to be re-established under the requirements of SO&L
2. By a motion of the general membership in the event that the whole board is recalled, resigned, or no longer serving as officers. 
   1. This motion may not be executed if there is one or more active officers on the executive board. 

ARTICLE V: COMMITTEES

Section 1: Legislative Action Committee

1. : The Legislative Action Committee shall be led by the Legislative Action Chair.
    

                      1.2  Elections for Legislative Action Chair are provided in Article V, Section 4.1.

1. : The committee will have the following duties and responsibilities:
   1.  Create progressive policy focuses for the club and will lobby for those focuses in the California Capital;
      1. Analyze and present bills to the club during general membership meetings;
      2. Host lobbying day events in coordination with the Political Affairs Director;
      3. Work and meet with legislators to fight for progressive policies and legislation; and
      4. Exercise these duties as it sees fit for the benefit of the  

club. 

Section 2: Campus Action Committee

1. : The Campus Action Committee shall be led by the Campus Action Chair.
   1. Elections for Campus Action Chair are provided in Article V, Section 4.1.
2. : The committee will have the following duties and responsibilities:
   1. Oversee all issues and matters pertaining to the Sacramento State University campus;
   2. Shall be responsible for immediate actionables on the behalf the club in relation to the club’s strategic priorities;
   3. Shall work in tandem with campus partners in relation to the topics of concerns; and
   4. Exercise these duties as it sees fit for the benefit of the club. Section 3: Finance Committee
3. : The Finance Committee shall be led by the Controller.
4. : The committee will have the following duties and responsibilities:
   1. Organize regular fundraisers, including Cultivating Young Leaders;
   2. Shall be responsible for all fundraising efforts and seek potential donors/sponsors;
   3. Shall ensure the club’s financial stability and assist in the creation of the annual budget under the direction of the Controller;
   4. Recommend to the Executive Board other possible fundraising events and implement these ideas; and
   5. Exercise these duties as it sees fit for the benefit of the club.

Section 4: Committee Chairs

1. : Committee Chairs for the Campus Action Committee and Legislative Action Committee will be decided by a two-thirds (2/3) vote during a general membership meeting;
   1. Active members may nominate themselves for a chair position. Nominations shall occur during the general membership meeting the vote is taking place; and
       
   2. No member can hold both chair positions at the same time.
2. : Only individuals with Active Member status may serve as committee chairs; in the event no general members are capable or willing to run a committee, an Executive Board member may be appointed as chair by the President.
3. :Committee Chairs shall have the following duties and powers, without limitation:
   1. Plan and execute activities for their committee;
   2. Organize committee meetings that are public and accessible to all club members;
   3. Maintain up-to-date membership and attendance rosters;
   4. Maintain communications with the Vice President on topics pertaining to current or planned committee activities;
   5. Operate under the guidelines set forth by the President;
   6. Chairs may appoint committee members to advisory and support positions to assist in their role; and
   7. Chairs shall be non-voting members with the Executive Board.

Section 5: Removal of Committee Chair

1. : A committee chair who has ceased to act in the best interest of the club and/or committee, or who has ceased to properly execute their duties, may be removed via a recall referendum.
2. : Members of the committee shall recommend a recall referendum to the Executive Board with a two-thirds (2/3) vote. Once voted upon,

committee members must inform the Executive Board of the recommendation.

1. : The Executive Board must provide written notice to the chairperson being recalled. This notice must be given at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the Executive Board meeting where the recall vote will take place.
2. : The recall referendum is ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board. The chairperson subject to the recall referendum is immediately relieved of all officer duties.

Section 6: Commission for Oversight, Management, and Preservation of Necessary Organizational Welfare (COMPNOW)

6.1 :COMPNOW will work in accordance with Article XI, Discipline of Membership  

6.2  :COMPNOW shall be chaired by the Executive Director, an active member appointed by the Executive Director, and an active member appointed by the President.  

6.3 :The deliberations of COMPNOW shall remain confidential to respect the privacy of members, unless referred to track 2 and track 3, as stipulated in Article XI. 

6.4  :The president shall have the final authority on whether track 1 shall be public or not. 

6.5 :The President shall have the authority to provide administrative escalations between tracks with good cause. 

6.6 COMPNOW Shall follow the COMPNOW operating procedures as outlined on the CDSS website and will be maintained in the CDSS drive
 

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Section 1: General Membership Meetings

1. : Regular general membership meetings shall be held at least once per week while Fall and Spring semester classes are in session at CSUS. This rule may be suspended with the approval of a majority of the Executive Board, but only for the first meeting and last two meetings of each semester, meetings that fall on state and/or federal election days, and in the case of emergencies that threaten the health and welfare of CDSS general members.

1. : Special general membership meetings may be called by the President with at least seventy-two (72) hours’ notice being given to the general membership.
2. : The Executive Board shall schedule general membership meetings in accordance with this section of the Bylaws.
3. : No business shall take place at any general membership meeting without one third (1/3) of all Active Members present.
   1. Active Members needed for quorum will only include members who have achieved Active status through general membership meetings.

Section 2: Executive Board Meetings

1. : Regular Executive Board meetings shall be scheduled as prescribed by the Executive Board.
2. : Special Executive Board meetings may be called by the President or a simple majority of the Executive Board with 24 hours’ notice being given to the

Executive Board or earlier if a unanimous consent of all board members is met. 

1. : No business shall take place at any Executive Board meeting without two-thirds (2/3) of voting Executive Board members present.

Section 3: Event Classification

1. : General events include membership meetings, Executive Board meetings, and CDSS socials, any or all of which may be held in person or via teleconference pursuant to Article V, Section 4.
2. : A special event is any CDSS-sanctioned event that is not a general event.

Section 4: Teleconferencing

1. : For the purposes of this section, a teleconference is defined as a meeting of the general membership or Executive Board, the members of which are in
    

different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.

1. : In the event of University guidance or a campus shutdown, regular and special general membership and Executive Board meetings shall be held via teleconference. During the Summer and Winter semesters, as well as during any week in which CSUS classes are not in session, the Executive Board may elect to hold Executive Board meetings via teleconference.
2. : The Membership Director shall provide the teleconference location to all general or Executive Board members at least 24 hours before the teleconferenced general or Executive Board meeting, respectively, takes place.
3. : All votes during teleconferenced meetings shall be held via voice vote, roll call vote, or electronic written ballot. Absentee voting, proxy voting, and secret ballots are prohibited.
4. : All teleconferenced CDSS meetings and proceedings shall comply with all requirements of these Bylaws and any other rules adopted by the club.

Section 5: No rule preventing matriculating CSUS students from attending general events shall be made on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, disability, or CDSS membership status.

ARTICLE VII: ENDORSEMENTS

Section 1: The CDSS may independently endorse any Democratic candidate for student government office, local office, statewide partisan office, United States Congress, United States Senate, and/or United States President, as well as any ballot initiative, measure, advisory petition, legislation, or action.

Section 3: Definitions

1. : Contested Races: All elections in which more than one Democrat is seeking office.
2. : Contested Measure: Any measure including, but not limited to, a referendum, proposition, initiative, constitutional amendment, or City Charter amendment that the California Democratic Party or the DPSC have not endorsed.
3. : Uncontested Races: Races in which there is only one Democratic candidate running for a seat and the filing deadline has already passed.

Section 4: Procedures During the Fall and Spring Semesters

1. : Uncontested Races and Measures
   1. The voting general membership may endorse the sole Democrat in a general or special election, or a candidate endorsed by the DPSC by a three-fifths (3/5) vote of those Active Members present and voting at a general membership meeting at which a quorum is present following the close of the filing period for that office.
   2. The general membership may endorse the position on a local measure held by the DPSC or a statewide ballot proposition held by the

California Democratic Party by a three-fifths (3/5) vote of those present and voting at a general membership meeting at which a quorum is present.

1. : Contested Races and Measures
   1. The Vice President shall make reasonable efforts to invite all Democrats
       

running in a contested election for which the CDSS is considering an endorsement to participate in the endorsement process.

1. The Executive Board may elect to include questionnaires and/or interviews for candidate races. Any questionnaire or interview requirement must be imposed on all eligible candidates equally.
2. The Executive Board may, subject to the approval of a majority of present and voting Executive Board members at any Executive Board meeting, recommend an endorsement position for a contested race or measure.
3. The Political Affairs Director shall provide at least twenty-four (24)

hours’ notice to the general membership for any meeting at which an endorsement is to be considered.

1. Upon the recommendation of the Executive Board, the CDSS may endorse the candidate or measure by a three-fifths (3/5) vote of those Active Members present and voting at a general membership meeting at which a quorum is present.
2. If there is no Executive Board recommendation to endorse a candidate or measure, or if the Executive Board’s recommendation was not adopted, the CDSS may endorse a candidate or issue with a three-fifths (3/5)

vote of those Active Members present and voting at a general membership meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 5: Procedure Outside of the Fall and Spring Semesters

1. :This section (Article VI, Section 5) must be read at the last general membership meeting of the Spring and Fall semesters.
2. : Candidates or campaigns seeking the endorsement of the CDSS must email

their request to the CDSS’s general email. Upon receipt of an endorsement request from a candidate or campaign, the Political Affairs Director must inform the Executive Board of the request in an email in which all

Executive Board members have been cc’d. The Executive Board may make a recommendation to endorse a candidate or campaign with a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the entire Executive Board.

1. : The Political Affairs Director must email the general membership about the
    

Executive Board’s recommendation to endorse a candidate or campaign. If within one week of the announcement of the Executive Board’s recommendation to endorse a candidate or campaign, five (5) Active or twenty percent (20%) of all Active, whichever is greater, respond with a

negative vote, then the recommendation to endorse is rejected. If this does not occur, then the endorsement is ratified. A copy of this subsection must be included in the announcement of the Executive Board’s recommendation to endorse.

Section 7: “No endorsement” shall always be an option included in a candidate or measure recommendation or vote.

Section 8: If a piece of legislation endorsed by the CDSS becomes a measure on the ballot, via legislative placement or gathered signatures, endorsement of the legislation shall translate to an endorsement of the ballot measure.

Section 9: Endorsement Rescissions

At the request of any Active Member, a CDSS endorsement may be rescinded as follows:

1. : Upon a three-fifths (3/5) vote of Active Members to rescind the endorsement at a regular general membership meeting; or
2. : Upon a three-fifths (3/5) vote of the Executive Board to recommend the rescission of an endorsement, subject to the approval of the majority of Active Members.

ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS

Section 1: Election Schedule

1. : The President, Vice President, Controller, Communications Director, and Membership Director, and Political Affairs Director shall be elected annually.
2. The President and Vice President must run on a Presidential Ticket.

1. Presidential Ticket shall mean the partnership of one candidate running for President and one candidate running for Vice President who have filed for candidacy as a Presidential Ticket and not as independents. The two eligible candidates together will be recognized as a Presidential Ticket.
    
2. : Annual elections shall be held during the last regular general membership meeting of April.
3. : At least two weeks’ notice shall be provided for any meeting at which annual or special elections are to be held. Special elections must be held during a

regular general membership meeting.

1. : Upon a three-fifths (3/5) vote of the Executive Board can change the election date if annual elections cannot be held during the last regular general membership meeting of April.
   1. Elections can be held no later than the twelfth day of May.
2.  During any discussions in an election, the candidates may not be moved into a private setting, whereas, they are not able to address matters discussed about them. 
3. The chair may allow, or by majority vote of all present members, allows the candidate to respond to any matter brought forth about or against them. 

Section 2: Nominations

2.1: Except as provided in Article VII, Section 2.2, nominations for office shall be made at the regular meeting immediately preceding the election.

Nominations may be made from the floor immediately prior to the election for any office for which there are no declared nominees. Nominations are not seconded.

1. : Members may nominate themselves for an office. Members nominating themselves may do so up until twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of any general membership meeting at which elections are being held by emailing the club’s email account with their self-nomination.
2. : Nominations made by Active Members must be accepted, provided that the nominator and nominee have fulfilled any and all necessary requirements.
3. : All nominees must disclose to the club any affiliation with other clubs on campus immediately before the election takes place or sooner.

Section 3: Officers shall be elected in this order: President, Vice President, Controller, Communications Director, Membership Director, Political Affairs Director. This order shall be changed so that any office for which there is no nominee

twenty-four (24) hours prior to the election is moved to the end of the order and elected last. The Vice President shall publish the names of all nominees and the office for which each nominee is running.

Section 4: Officers shall be elected by majority vote. If no candidate receives a majority vote, a runoff election shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. In the event of a tie, there shall be a second runoff. If the second runoff results in a tie, the Chief Elections Officer shall flip a coin.
 

Section 5: Voting

1. : Votes shall be cast by written ballot during the meeting at which an election is held; however, when there is only one candidate for an office, a motion may be made to elect the candidate by acclamation. The use of secret ballots is prohibited. Proxy and absentee voting are not allowed.
2. : Once the Elections Officers have tabulated the votes and certified the results, the Chief Elections Officer shall announce the results to the general membership, including the number of ballots received by each candidate in a contested race.

Section 6: Teleconferenced Elections

Teleconferenced elections must follow all the election rules and procedures provided in these Bylaws, except as otherwise specified in this section.

1. : In the event of University guidance or a campus shutdown, club elections shall be held virtually during a teleconferenced general membership meeting (as defined in Article V, Section 4).
2. : Written ballots shall be submitted electronically during teleconferenced elections.

Section 7: Election Audits

1. : Active Members, the DPSC, the CCD, and the CYD may request an audit of an election up to three months after the election to be audited took place.
2. : Only the DPSC may conduct an audit of voted ballots. The Executive Director shall disclose all voted ballots to the DPSC upon the initiation of an election audit.
3. : An election audit shall never be used for the purpose of retaliation based on a club member’s vote, which may be grounds to deny a current or future request and shall subject the requester to a membership revocation.
4. : Original Ballot Possession and Disclosure
   1. Members’ votes shall not be disclosed unless an audit occurs, in which case the members’ votes shall only be disclosed to the DPSC.
   2. All original ballots shall be kept in the custody of the Executive Director for three (3) months after the election for which the ballots were cast.
       
   3. Original ballots shall be accompanied by the Executive Director, the Parliamentarian, or an officer of the Executive Board at all times. Original ballots shall not be left in the presence of any other individual or organization without the signed consent of all Executive Board members.
   4. Photographing or copying ballots for any purpose other than examining and verifying information is prohibited.

ARTICLE IX: UNIVERSITY ADVISOR

The Executive Board shall appoint an individual employed as a faculty or staff member by California State University, Sacramento to serve as the University Advisor to this

organization. Auxiliary staff and student assistants are not eligible to serve as University Advisors.The University Advisor shall fulfill the responsibilities specified in the Student Organization Handbook. University Advisors shall serve on an academic year basis or until their successor has been selected.

ARTICLE X: FINANCES

Section 1: Any and all regular account spending not previously authorized in the semesterly club budget must be approved by the Executive Board.

Section 2: In the event that the Executive Board cannot be consulted in time, emergency spending may be approved by the President and the Controller. However, the President and Controller may not approve to spend more than $450 in this manner without first consulting the Executive Board. The Executive Board must be informed at the next Executive Board meeting of any funds spent in this manner

prior to the submission of any forms for reimbursement.

ARTICLE XI: DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

Section 1  All complaints alleging violations of the Student Conduct Code, Title 5, section 41301, et seq., shall be investigated pursuant to Executive Order 1097 and/or 1098 (in cases involving allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on protected status). Investigations and other proceedings under Executive Orders 1097 and 1098 shall be conducted by campus administration, not student organizations, and this organization shall refer any complaints alleging subject matters covered by Executive Orders 1097 and 1098 to the campus Vice President for Student Affairs or other designee for investigation and resolution.

Section 2 Any other complaints violating the governing rules of the organization may also be brought to the attention of the Executive Board. A written charge may be filed with the Executive Board or COMPNOW. All complaints filed with the Executive Board will immediately be referred to COMPNOW. COMPNOW shall review the charges and may conduct a preliminary investigation if deemed appropriate. If the preliminary investigation concludes that misconduct appears to have occurred, COMPNOW shall conduct a hearing on the matter. Such investigations may take up to 90 days. The member, (alumni or community member alleged if applicable) to have engaged in the misconduct shall be given at least 72 hours’ notice of the hearing and be given an opportunity to present a defense. By a majority vote, COMPNOW shall determine whether misconduct occurred. If it determines that misconduct did occur, COMPNOW shall prepare a report which can be referred to either track one (1) President for an Executive Order, track two (2) Executive Board for a two-third (⅔) vote or track three (3) the membership of its findings and recommended sanctions, which may include expulsion, suspension, or lesser sanction(s) including, but not limited to, a reprimand, removal from office, a fine or corrective remedies. If COMPNOW will refer the matter to track three, the hearing must be in open-session. With good cause, the President may issue an administrative dismissal of the charges prior to them being reviewed or issue an administrative veto to the decision of COMPNOW, with an allowed board dispute as stipulated by the bylaws. An appeal may be launched by the member to the Executive Director which shall be referred to the ad-hoc appellate council in Section 4.1 of this Article. 

Section 3 If COMPNOW refers to track 3, the membership shall review the hearing report at a regular meeting, and the member accused of misconduct shall have an opportunity to rebut the information in the report in writing included in the final report. The member accused of misconduct shall leave the room for the deliberations.

Section 4 The membership may object on whether the member has engaged in misconduct. If, by a majority vote, the membership determines that misconduct did not occur, the member shall retain their membership. The accused member shall be immediately notified of the outcome.

Section 4.1 Appeal of Sanctions/Executive Order: 

4.1.1 Any accused member who has been assigned sanctions will have 5 days to file an appeal with the President. The ad-hoc appellate council is comprised of the president, vice-president, and the Executive Director. 

4.1.2 The timeline of an appeal shall be 30 days. Any appeal will be considered only if any applicable rules of the bylaws have been violated. The ad-hoc appellate council shall not have the authority to re-hear the case.

Section 5 By a two-thirds vote, the membership may reinstate a member who has been suspended or expelled, unless prohibited by the clear stipulation of a remedy.

Section 6 For administrative and formal procedures, COMPNOW may create standing rules & procedures for conduction of hearings and administrative matters, insofar as they are not contradictory to these bylaws. 

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 1: The Executive Board may recommend Bylaws amendments to the general membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. Amendments may be adopted by a three-fifth (3/5) vote of those Active Members present and voting at any general membership meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 2: The Membership Director shall be responsible for distributing a draft of proposed Bylaws amendments to the general membership at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting at which they are to be considered.

Section 3: A copy of any amendments to these Bylaws must be submitted to the Student Organizations and Leadership Office at California State University, Sacramento within two weeks after adoption.

ARTICLE XIII: ENACTMENT DATE

These bylaws shall come into force on 2/7/25