Summary of Changes

The updated bylaws explicitly cite and incorporate the following external rules, laws, statutory codes, and organizational policies:

Here is a detailed, article-by-article summary of the changes made between the original bylaws (March 2020) and the updated draft.

Added: A comma and minor phrasal adjustment to improve readability (“Additionally, it is…” instead of “Additionally. it is…”).

Added:
- Expanded the mission to include supporting federal candidates alongside state and local candidates (“To support state, local and federal candidates that reflect our values and contribute to their success”).
- Added a specific organizational objective: “E. Communicate to the general public the support of local and state representatives.”
- Explicitly included members alongside PCOs as part of the forum group in item #2.
Removed/Replaced:
- Corrected minor typographical errors (e.g., changed “work out the believe” to “work out the belief”, changed “fighting” and “economic status”).
- Tweaked wording under item #1c from “through-voter registration…” to include “…and campaigning for candidates.”

Added:
- Specific timing rules for general membership: Dues run strictly on a calendar year (January 1st through December 31st), and must be paid prior to voting.
- Clarification that elected officials who reside in or represent those in the 26th LD are honorary, non-voting members of the Executive Board (changed from “Central Committee”).
Modified:
- Updated PCO duties (item #1c) from “Register voters before and after elections” to “Remind voters to register / Register voters before and after elections”.
- Adjusted the numbering and layout of the membership subsections (citizenship requirement re-numbered, etc.).

Added:
- Explicit clarification that only elected PCOs (not appointed ones) may vote for offices at the biennial organization meeting.
- Detailed text specifying that elected and appointed PCOs vote to remove/replace officers, recommend public office vacancies, conduct party business at the LD level, and nominate party candidates per WSDCC rules.

Added:
- Communications Chair added as a core elected officer.
- Restrictions on Executive Board members:
  1. Officers cannot submit formal complaints regarding elected officials using their LD titles without majority general membership approval.
  2. Executive Board members running for non-PCO public office must resign or take a leave of absenceduring their campaign.
- A rule stating that LD26 Executive Board officers cannot concurrently serve as an officer on the Executive Board of any other Democratic LD or county party.
- Clear term limit guidelines (two-year terms ending at the biennial meeting, with no limit on the number of terms served).
Modified:
- Refined language around gender diversity goals for the Chair and two Vice Chairs.
- State Committee persons and other officers must be paid members with voting privileges rather than just general members in good standing immediately preceding reorganization.
- Sergeant-at-Arms can now be appointed at each meeting.

Added:
- Membership Chair duties expanded: Must communicate membership requirements/privileges and confirm all members in good standing / PCO statuses to determine voting eligibility.
- PCO Chair duties expanded: Added requirements to hold PCO meetings, communicate engagement opportunities, and work with County PCO Chairs.
- Communications Chair (New Section K): Detailed responsibilities outlining management of email newsletters, website content, social media logins/credentials security, coverage continuity, and consistent messaging.
Modified:
- State Committeeperson removal rules updated: Missing two consecutive meetings allows removal only aftergetting a proxy solely to take notes, followed by formal membership action/hearing.
- Cleaned up formatting regarding Parliamentarian and Sergeant-at-Arms descriptions.

WA 26th Legislative District Democrats