Bylaws of the 41st District Democrats
(Amended March 19, 2026)
Table of Contents
• Preamble
• Article I: Name
• Article II: Membership
• Article III: Precinct Committee Officers
• Article IV: Precinct Coordinators
• Article V: Officers and Duties
• Article VI: Executive Board
• Article VII: Voting Procedures and Election of Officers
• Article VIII: Resolutions
• Article IX: Committees
• Article X: Meetings of the General Body
• Article XI: Removal from Office
• Article XII: Vacancies
• Article XIII: Endorsements: Candidates and Ballot Measures
• Article XIV: Expenditures
• Article XV: Electronic & Hybrid Meetings
• Article XVI: Amendments
• Article XVII: Policy Manual and Standing Rules
• Article XVIII: Precedence
• Article XIX: Parliamentary Authority
Preamble
This organization is committed to electing Democratic candidates to office, upholding the principles of the Democratic Party, educating the residents of the 41st District about endorsed candidates and issues, and providing opportunities to participate in the Democratic Party to all residents of the 41st Legislative District. Our PCOs and members represent our community and provide input for the Democratic Party at the local level.
Article I: Name
The name of this Organization shall be the 41st District Democrats (“Organization”).
Article II: Membership
Section 1: The membership of this Organization is open to:
1. All 41st District Precinct Committee Officers (hereafter PCOs); and
2. Residents of the 41st District who declare themselves to be Democrats and who complete a membership form as outlined in the Policy Manual available online at 41dems.org.
Section 2: Members who are not PCOs have membership that is valid for the calendar year in which the contribution was received. All memberships run January 1–December 31 and are not pro-rated.
Section 3: For all new members who are not PCOs, voting privileges shall be granted twenty-eight (28) days after completion of the membership process as outlined in the policy manual.
Section 4: Returning members who were paid up for the previous year may vote immediately upon receipt of their dues until January 31. After that, the 28-day waiting period applies to all.
Article III: Precinct Committee Officers
Section 1: PCOs are elected biennially by the voters in their precinct. Filing week is in May of even years for the election cycle in August/November, and the two-year term begins on December 1 of that year (per RCW 29A.80.051).
Section 2: Any member in a precinct without a PCO may apply for appointment to that position by a vote of the current PCOs of the 41st Democrats. Once approved by a majority vote of PCOs present and voting, that PCO application is forwarded to the King County Democratic Central Committee for appointment (RCW 29A.80.031).
Section 3: If a precinct has a PCO, applicants may be appointed as Coordinators in another precinct in the Legislative District.
Section 4: No application for PCO or Coordinator shall be considered except at a general meeting. The applicant must be present.
Section 5: New PCOs must be approved by majority vote of the current PCOs present and voting at a general meeting.
Section 6: If there is only one applicant for a precinct, such voting shall be by voice vote, unless there is a request for a written ballot. If there are two or more applicants for the same precinct, they shall be voted on at the same time by written ballot. An application for PCO presented to the Organization at a meeting of the general body must be approved or denied at that meeting and cannot be tabled or postponed.
Section 7: A PCO shall have resigned from this Organization upon:
1. Written resignation directed to the Chair; or
2. Termination of their registration to vote in the precinct he/she represents.
Section 8: All resignations of PCOs made known to the Chair shall be made public at the next meetings of both the Executive Board and of the general body.
Article IV: Precinct Coordinators
Section 1: Any member may apply to be a Precinct Coordinator of a precinct that does not have a PCO. The Precinct Coordinator performs the same duties as a PCO in that precinct but does not have the voting privileges of a PCO. They also do not have legal standing under state law.
Section 2: An applicant for Precinct Coordinator shall be voted on during a general meeting. They are elected by a majority vote of PCOs present and voting. The applicant must be present at the general meeting at which they are considered.
Section 3: Appointment of a qualified resident of the precinct as a PCO supersedes the Precinct Coordinator, who may be reassigned to another open precinct.
Article V: Officers and Duties
Section 1: The officers of this Organization shall be Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, two (2) King County Democratic Central Committee Representatives and two (2) Alternates, and two (2) State Democratic Central Committee Representatives. All officers must be members of the organization and reside in the District. Each term of office shall expire upon the election of a successor at the reorganization meeting called by the Chair of the KCDCC after each even-year general election.
Section 2: The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not be of the same gender identity. For the purposes of this section, if an officer identifies as non-binary or gender-diverse, they shall be considered a distinct gender from any other candidate. However, if the Chair resigns their office or is removed from office, the replacement Chair may be of the same gender as the Vice-Chair until the next reorganization meeting of the Organization.
Section 3: The Chair shall be the executive officer of the Organization. They shall preside at all meetings of this Organization and its Executive Board and perform all duties customarily entrusted upon the executive officer of an organization. They may designate members to perform such duties as they may deem necessary. The Chair shall serve as an ex officio member of all committees of this Organization. The Chair shall represent the Organization on the Organization of County and District Chairs and Vice-Chairs. The Chair is the sole voice of the Organization representing the 41st LD Democrats externally, or may delegate this authority to another member as needed.
Section 4: The Vice-Chair shall serve in the absence or incapacity of the Chair and shall perform other duties as directed by the Chair. The Vice-Chair shall act as the alternate to the Chair at meetings of the KCDCC, or as an alternate to either KCDCC Representative if their Alternate is not in attendance.
Section 5: The Secretary shall prepare minutes of all meetings of the general body and of the Executive Board and shall keep these and other non-financial records of the Organization, making them available to the members. The Secretary shall maintain membership lists, including identification of PCOs, Coordinators, and Members, and is responsible for communication to the membership.
Section 6: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the funds of the Organization; shall write checks for the disbursement of funds; shall prepare monthly financial reports; shall comply with Public Disclosure Commission requirements; and shall perform all functions normally attendant to the office. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance and Budget Committees and present an annual proposed budget to the general membership in January and December of even years for discussion and approval.
Section 7: The King County Democratic Central Committee Representatives or their alternates shall represent the Organization at each meeting of the KCDCC and report on those meetings to the Executive Board and the general body. The two (2) KCDCC Representatives shall be of different gender identities. In the event that one or more positions are filled by individuals who identify as non-binary or gender-diverse, the requirement for different gender identities is satisfied so long as the two individuals do not
identify as the same gender. The two (2) alternates must follow the same gender rules as the KCDCC Representatives.
Section 8: The Washington State Democratic Central Committee Representatives shall attend and represent the Organization at meetings of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee (WSDCC) and report on those meetings to both the Executive Board and the general body. The two (2) WSDCC Committee Representatives shall be of different
gender identities. In the event that one or more positions are filled by individuals who identify as non-binary or gender-diverse, the requirement for different gender identities is satisfied so long as the two (2) individuals do not identify as the same gender. The WSDCC Representatives will communicate (through the Secretary) the schedule of all caucus meetings to encourage attendance by the membership.
Article VI: Executive Board
Section 1: There shall be an Executive Board composed of all elected officers of the Organization, the immediate past chair, and any member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) who lives within the 41st District during their term of office. The Chair may appoint committee chairs and a Parliamentarian to the Executive Committee, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the elected officers. At no time shall the number of appointed members exceed the number of elected members on the Executive Board.
Section 2: Each Executive Board member shall have a voice and a single vote in all matters coming before the Executive Board, except in those matters which are only within the province of PCOs. A quorum for the Executive Board shall be a majority of its current members.
Section 3: The Executive Board shall meet on a regular basis for the purpose of planning and directing the policies and activities of the Organization, such meetings to be called by the Chair. An Executive Board meeting may also be called by fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board. Notice of Executive Board meetings shall be given at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting, in accordance with the Policy Manual.
Section 4: The Executive Board may take necessary and timely emergency actions in between regular meetings. Decisions on such actions may be made by a majority of the Executive Board at a special meeting held with notice provided at least 24 hours in advance by mail or email.
Article VII: Voting Procedures and Election of Officers
Section 1: All members of this Organization may vote on all business of this Organization, except that only PCOs may vote in the election of Chair, Vice-Chair, King County Democratic Central Representatives and alternates, and Washington State Democratic Central Representatives at the reorganization meeting. PCOs may vote to fill such vacancies as may occur during the biennial term. Only PCOs may vote on applications for PCOs and Precinct Coordinators.
Section 2: For the biennial reorganization meeting, notice of the meeting shall be sent at least 10 days prior to the meeting to all elected PCOs.
Section 3: The election of all officers shall be by a signed, written ballot or online election process that verifies identity.
Section 4: The nomination and election of officers shall be held one office at a time. Nominations and self-nominations may be made from the floor. Nominations do not require a second. Each person nominated must be present or have notified the Chair in writing prior to the election of their willingness to accept the nomination and the reason for their absence.
Section 5: All elected officers shall be elected by a majority of those voting. In the event that no person receives a majority of the first ballot cast, the person receiving the least votes shall be eliminated and another ballot held. On each succeeding vote, the same rule shall apply until one person receives the majority of votes for the position.
Section 6: No proxies are allowed in any election or vote.
Article VIII: Resolutions
Resolutions may not be voted on unless notice of such action was provided at the previous Executive Board meeting and then emailed to the membership or published in the newsletter at least 7 days prior to the meeting. A resolution is considered passed with a simple majority of members present and voting. A resolution not previously noticed may be brought by any member and considered upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote to suspend the rules, and subsequently passed by a simple majority.
Article IX: Committees
Section 1: Committees may be created and filled at the discretion of the Chair and confirmed by a simple majority vote of the Executive Board.
Section 2: The Chair shall appoint each committee chair. The committee chair shall determine the committee structure and composition, consistent with the directive provided by the Executive Board, to further the goals of the Organization. Each committee shall have written standing rules for their committee in the Policy Manual.
Section 3: Ad hoc committees shall be created and dissolved as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Chair.
Article X: Meetings of the General Body
Section 1: General meetings shall be held monthly unless changed by the Executive Board. The Chair shall determine the time and the place.
Section 2: A quorum shall be twenty (20) percent of the membership twenty-eight (28) days before the meeting. For the purpose of a quorum on any motion in which only PCOs can vote, quorum for that motion shall be twenty (20) percent of PCOs.
Section 3: All meetings shall be open to the public.
Article XI: Removal from Office
Officers of the Organization may be removed from office. On written request of 20% of PCOs or by 60% of the Executive Board, a meeting may be called for the purpose of removing any officer. Notice must be provided to those eligible to vote and to the officer at least 14 days prior to the meeting, stating the grounds for removal. The challenged officer may respond with a rebuttal to the grounds for removal to those eligible to vote, either separately or with the notice. The challenged officer shall be removed by the majority vote of the elected precinct committee officers in the officer’s district (per RCW 29A.80.061).
Article XII: Vacancies
Elections to fill a vacancy in any office require ten (10) days prior notice to the PCOs and Members. Whenever a position is vacant at least ten (10) days prior to a regular general meeting, an election must be held at that meeting and notice must be sent.
Article XIII: Endorsements: Candidates and Ballot Measures
Section 1: The Organization may endorse candidates.
Section 2: The Organization may endorse a position for or against a ballot measure.
Section 3: Notice of a motion to endorse shall be sent to members at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The Chair shall be responsible for the notice.
Section 4: Endorsements shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present and voting. More than one candidate for the same office may be endorsed. Motions for endorsements made by the endorsements committee do not require a second. Endorsements may be voted on in any format, whether it be a list, per candidate, or per position.
Section 5: Endorsements may be used freely by the campaigns for endorsed candidates and ballot measures. The Organization shall publicize endorsements as appropriate and may also give financial and in-kind support to endorsed candidates and committees. Campaign literature, supplied by endorsed candidates and endorsed positions on ballot measures, will be made available by the Organization to PCOs, members, and residents.
Section 6: Endorsements may be rescinded or withdrawn by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present and voting at a meeting of the general body.
Section 7: An endorsement remains in effect until:
1. The general election takes place;
2. The endorsed candidate is defeated in a primary;
3. The candidate withdraws from the race, either officially during filing week or by publicly indicating their intent at any time between filing week and the election; or
4. The endorsement has been rescinded or withdrawn by the Organization.
Section 8: Prior to consideration for endorsement, a candidate seeking a federal, state, local, or judicial office must submit answers to a KCDCC endorsement questionnaire. Incumbent candidates and State Party endorsed candidates are exempt from this requirement.
Article XIV: Expenditures
Section 1: All expenditures not in the budget over $100 require approval at a meeting of the general body. All expenditures will be paid by check or debit card and signed by the Treasurer or Chair. The Treasurer may make reimbursements for expenditures on behalf of the district.
Section 2: Routine expenditures of less than $100 shall be authorized by the Chair or the Executive Board and do not need the approval of the membership. Such expenditures shall be reported to the Public Disclosure Commission.
Section 3: There shall be an annual budget approved by the majority of the PCOs and membership at a meeting of the general body.
Section 4: Campaign contributions shall be made only after endorsement. Contributions can be made only by a majority vote of the PCOs and members at a general meeting or by a majority of the Executive Board.
Article XV: Electronic & Hybrid Meetings
Section 1: Authorization. The Organization is authorized to hold meetings of the general body, the Executive Board, and all committees through electronic means (including video and audio conferencing) or in a “hybrid” format where some members are present in person and others participate remotely. The format of the meeting shall be determined by its chair.
Section 2: Full Participation Requirement. Any electronic or hybrid meeting platform used must allow all participating members to hear each other, be heard, seek recognition to speak, and cast votes substantially concurrently.
Section 3: Quorum for Electronic Meetings. Members participating electronically shall be counted as “present” for the purposes of establishing a quorum. The Secretary shall determine the presence of a quorum at the start of the meeting based on the list of authenticated attendees on the platform.
Section 4: Electronic Voting.
• Method: Votes may be taken via the electronic platform’s polling feature, by roll call, or through a secure third-party electronic voting system that verifies member identity.
• Ballot Equivalency: An electronic vote that maintains secrecy (where required) shall be considered the legal equivalent of a “signed, written ballot” as required by Article VII, Section 3.
• Technical Failure: The accidental loss of a single member’s connection due to technical issues on the member’s end shall not invalidate any action taken by the body, provided a quorum is maintained.
Article XVI: Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended at a meeting of the general body:
1. By a majority vote of PCOs upon the recommendation of the Executive Board; or 2. By a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of PCOs without such recommendation.
Notification of any proposed amendments to the Bylaws shall be made at least ten (10) days prior to the general meeting. The complete text of proposed amendments shall be made available in the notice.
Article XVII: Policy Manual and Standing Rules
Section 1: The Organization may adopt and maintain a Policy Manual containing standing rules, codes of conduct, and administrative procedures to govern the daily operations of the Organization.
Section 2: The Policy Manual may be amended at any meeting of the general body by a majority vote, provided that the amendment does not conflict with these Bylaws, the County/State party rules, or applicable law. Amendments proposed without Executive Board review shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the general body present and voting.
Section 3: Amendment Procedure. The Policy Manual may be amended by a majority vote of the general body present and voting at any regular meeting, provided that:
1. The proposed amendment was submitted in writing to the Executive Board at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting; and
2. The Executive Board has provided the proposed amendment to the membership at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
Section 4: In the event of a conflict between the Policy Manual and these Bylaws, the Bylaws shall take precedence.
Article XVIII: Precedence
This Organization shall operate under the Bylaws and/or charters of the WSDCC. In case of a conflict between these bylaws and WSDCC bylaws, the bylaws of the WSDCC shall take precedence. Any statute or regulation applicable to this organization that does not authorize the provisions of these bylaws shall take precedence.
Article XIX: Parliamentary Authority
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern matters not provided for in these Bylaws