References to ORS-20 C248 refers to Oregon Revised Statutes-2020 Edition - Chapter 248. Laws regarding political parties.

§1. Name 

1.1 The name of this organization is the Tillamook County Democratic Central Committee, hereinafter referred to as TCDCC; also known as the Tillamook County Democrats, TillCoDems, or a combination thereof. 

§2. Purpose 

2.1. The purpose of the TCDCC is to: 

2.1.1. support and elect Democrats and those who share and fight for the ideals, values, and policies of the Tillamook County Democratic Central Committee (TCDCC) and the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO); 

2.1.2. participate in the adoption of the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) Platform and Legislative Action Items (LAIs) and work to ensure that they become law;

2.1.3. provide Tillamook County Democrats with opportunities for community engagement; 

2.1.4. provide representation and communication with our Democratic Party of Oregon Congressional District Committee(s) (CD) and the Democratic Party of Oregon State Central Committee (SCC); 

2.1.5. inform the Tillamook County community about the DPO platform and issues of importance; and to 

2.1.6. maximize the membership and participation of the TCDCC and the Democratic Party. 

§3. Authority 

3.1. The TCDCC has the powers, not inconsistent with State and Federal law, to manage the affairs and to transact the business of the TCDCC, including the authority to fill vacancies in the offices of Committee Chairperson, Committee First Vice-Chairperson, Committee Second Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, delegate(s) to the Congressional District Democratic Central Committee(s) (CD), delegates to the Oregon Democratic State Central Committee (SCC), and Precinct Committee Person(s) (PCP). 

§4. Membership 

4.1. The Membership of the TCDCC consists of elected and appointed PCPs registered as Democrats in Tillamook County. 

4.2. Precinct Committee Persons are elected in the primary election in accordance with Oregon Law. In those precincts where a Precinct Committee Person or persons are not elected, or when vacancies occur after election, the TCDCC may fill vacancies. Selection is by majority vote of elected Precinct Committee Persons present at the initial organizational meeting or all PCPs at any regular monthly meeting thereafter. 

4.3. A Precinct Committee Person who represents a precinct which is subsequently combined, consolidated, or abolished continues to be a member of the TCDCC until the next regular election for precinct office. 

4.4. A Precinct Committee Person may resign the office of Precinct Committee Person by filing a written notice of resignation with the County Clerk. Upon receipt of the notification of a resignation of a Precinct Committee Person from the County Clerk, the TCDCC can proceed to fill the vacant office of Precinct Committee Person. 

§5. Affirmative Action 

5.1. The TCDCC recognizes that the basic principles of human rights, as codified in the  Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, are considered central to a civil society.

5.2. Furthermore, the TCDCC recognizes the humanity of all persons and acknowledges that  fairness, dignity, acceptance, and peaceful discourse are considered universal human virtues and, along with decency and common courtesy, are necessary to creating vibrant  communities. Therefore, all rules are adopted by procedures that assure the fair, equitable, and open participation of all. Discrimination in the conduct of TCDCC affairs on the basis of ability, age, color, creed, economic status, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, parenthood, race, religion, or sexual orientation is prohibited. 

§6. Officers 

6.1. The officers of the TCDCC consist of Chairperson, First Vice-Chairperson, Second Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. The election of officers, notice of election, and eligibility to vote must be in accordance with ORS 248.033 & 248.035(b). 

6.2. Eligibility. Any registered Democrat who is a legal resident of Tillamook County and who is neither a candidate for, nor an incumbent in, any political office of Tillamook County, State, or Federal government or any position voted for in the County at large, is eligible to hold office in the TCDCC. 

6.3. Nomination and Election. The officers are nominated from the floor and elected by a majority vote of the newly elected Precinct Committee Persons at the Organizational Meeting of the TCDCC, no later than June following the General Election. Vacancies which occur between terms in the office of Chairperson, First Vice-Chairperson, Second Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Delegates to the Oregon Democratic State Central Committee (SCC) and to the Congressional District Democratic Central Committee(s) (CD) will be filled at the next regular meeting of the TCDCC. 

6.4. Term of Office. Officers will be elected for terms of two (2) years. Officers elected to fill vacancies will serve until terms regularly end at the next Organizational Meeting. The newly elected officers assume their duties immediately upon adjournment of the meeting in which they are elected. 

6.5. Duties: 

6.5.1. The Chairperson: 

6.5.1.1. is the official spokesperson of the TCDCC; 

6.5.1.2. has the overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the TCDCC and presides at the Organizational Meeting, all regular meetings of the TCDCC and meetings of the Executive Committee; 

6.5.1.3. conducts the business of the regular meeting following the adopted agenda; 

6.5.1.4. abides by the rights, powers, and duties conferred upon the office by Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 248 and Democratic Party of Oregon Bylaws; 

6.5.1.5. conducts all meetings following parliamentary procedures as defined in Robert's Rules of Order (latest revision), except where otherwise specified by these bylaws or standing rules; 

6.5.1.6. facilitates the formation of standing committees; 

6.5.1.7. appoints special (ad hoc or select) committees; 

6.5.1.8. may attend all committee meetings as a non-voting member (unless membership is granted by committee procedure); 

6.5.1.9. is an authorized signer on bank accounts; and

 6.5.1.10. is a delegate to the SCC and the CD. 

6.5.2. The First Vice-Chairperson: 

6.5.2.1. presides in the absence of the Chairperson and as the Chairperson when the office is vacated or until a successor is elected; 

6.5.2.2. assists the Chairperson and assumes other duties as assigned by the Chairperson; 

6.5.2.3. serves as a delegate to the SCC and the CD; 

6.5.2.4. facilitates the work of standing committees, and maintains and distributes a roster of committee officers and members in cooperation with the Second Vice-Chairperson; 

6.5.2.5. is an authorized signer on bank accounts in the temporary absence of the Chairperson; 

6.5.2.6. may attend all committee meetings as a non-voting member (unless membership is granted by committee procedure). 

6.5.3. The Second Vice-Chairperson: 

6.5.3.1. presides in the absence of the Chairperson and First Vice-Chairperson and as the Chairperson when the offices are vacated or until successors are elected; 

6.5.3.2. assists the Chairperson and assumes other duties as assigned by the Chairperson; 

6.5.3.3. serves as the first alternate delegate to the SCC and the CD;

6.5.3.4. facilitates the work of standing committees, and maintains and distributes a roster of committee officers and members in cooperation with the First Vice-Chairperson; 

6.5.3.5. will be an authorized signer on bank accounts if the First Vice Chairperson declines or is unable to accept the role;

6.5.3.6. may attend all committee meetings as a non-voting member (unless  membership is granted by committee procedure).

6.5.4. The Secretary: 

6.5.4.1. records minutes of all meetings of the TCDCC and of the Executive  Committee; 

6.5.4.2. maintains the records of the TCDCC for the duration of their term;

6.5.4.3. is responsible for determining presence of a quorum at all meetings of the TCDCC and of the Executive Committee; 

6.5.4.4.issues minutes to the Chairperson, one copy for the permanent file, and one copy to each PCP; 

6.5.4.5. maintains an up-to-date record of the voting membership, bylaws, policies, resolutions, and such other records, as may be requested by the TCDCC; 

6.5.4.6. Sends notice of TCDCC meetings electronically or in writing to the entire voting members not less than six (6) days prior to the regular meeting, giving date, time, place, and any special action to be taken, such as elections and recalls; 

6.5.4.7. is responsible for sending correspondence as directed by the Chairperson, which may include the County Clerk, SCC, and CD.

6.5.5. The Treasurer:

 6.5.5.1. is custodian of the funds of the TCDCC and maintains an account of all receipts and expenditures for current plus seven (7) years;

6.5.5.2. issues payments only on authority of an adopted budget or with approval of either the TCDCC or the Executive Committee;

6.5.5.3. is an authorized signer on bank accounts; 

6.5.5.4. submits a written financial report at each regular Executive Committee meeting and submits a written copy of such report to the Chairperson and the Secretary seven days prior to the Executive Committee meeting;

6.5.5.5. provides financial records to any member of the TCDCC, following a request to and approval of the Executive Committee or to anyone else showing just cause; 

6.5.5.6. submits a summary financial report at each regular meeting of the TCDCC; 

6.5.5.7. has the books ready for financial review at the end of the term of office or within thirty (30) days after demand by the Executive Committee;

6.5.5.8. is the chair of the Budget Committee; 

6.5.5.9. is a non-voting member of the ad hoc Finance Committee;

6.5.5.10. provides a complete financial report on any authorized activity, event, or project, including the final summation of the profit or loss resulting from said activity, event, or project upon request by the Chairperson;

6.5.5.11. files all appropriate reports, including the Contribution and Expenditure report as required by the Secretary of State; 

6.5.5.12. is held harmless for late filing fees from ORESTAR except in cases of clear negligence or misappropriation of funds. 

§7. Committees 

7.1. Executive Committee 

7.1.1. consists of the elected Officers and the standing committee Chairs, or, in the  absence of a committee’s Chair, its Vice-Chair; 

7.1.2. meetings of the Executive Committee will be held regularly and as needed;

7.1.3. a quorum is a majority of the Executive Committee members;

7.1.4. may be convened by the Chairperson, First Vice-Chairperson, or at the request of any three members of the TCDCC; 

7.1.5. conducts all necessary business required between regular meetings of the TCDCC  and coordinates activities of the Standing Committees; 

7.1.6. requires an annual financial review prepared by the ad-hoc Finance Committee

7.2. Standing Committees 

7.2.1. Rules 

7.2.1.1. Except where regulated otherwise in the Bylaws, committees of the TCDCC are open to all registered Democrats in Tillamook County and may establish their own rules for committee membership, to be approved by the Executive Committee; 

7.2.1.2. Each committee must elect a Committee Chair and Vice Chair from  among their committee membership within 30 days following the organization meeting of the TCDCC; 

7.2.1.3. Each committee will take meeting notes and provide them to their members and provide a summary to the Secretary;

7.2.1.4. The work of standing and special committees may be appealed to the Executive Committee. 

7.2.2. Budget 

7.2.2.1. Includes the TCCDC Chairperson, Treasurer, and a minimum of three (3) additional members appointed by the Chairperson;

7.2.2.2. Drafts a proposed budget for the members to approve before the end of the current budget cycle. 

7.2.3. Communications 

7.2.3.1. Prepares, or reviews and approves all official TCDCC news, information,  and communications through print and electronic media;

7.2.3.2. Provides communication and editing resources for TCDCC members and/or committees. 

7.2.4 Elections 

7.2.4.1 Determines what election/appointment offices are open;

7.2.4.2 Identifies potential candidates for office and supports candidates in their  campaigns; 

7.2.4.3 Works with Precinct Committee Persons to encourage Tillamook  Democrats to participate in candidates’ campaigns;

7.2.4.4 Finds election partnerships in the community. 

7.2.5 Events 

7.2.5.1 Is responsible for organizing events, including, but not limited to, the  annual Tillamook County Fair Booth. 

7.2.6 Fundraising 

7.2.6.1 Is responsible for raising funds for the promotion of TCDCC goals and objectives. 

7.2.7 Governance 

7.2.7.1 Reviews all proposed bylaw amendments and may make recommendations for approval; 

7.2.7.2 Makes approved bylaws available to the membership;

7.2.7.3 Reviews bylaws at a minimum of every two years to assure compliance with all appropriate state laws and current TCDCC activities;

7.2.7.4 Reviews all proposed TCDCC policies and amendments to existing TCDCC policies; 

7.2.7.5 Makes approved policies available to the membership.

7.2.8 Hospitality 

7.2.8.1 Provides refreshments as requested by the Executive Committee and  purchases and maintains related equipment and supplies.

7.2.9 Infrastructure 

7.2.9.1 Researches, maintains, and provides training for all digital tools required  in the operation of the TCDCC, its committees, and its members.

7.2.10 Legislative 

7.2.10.1 Follows federal, state, and local governance, and tracks proposed legislation, ordinances, and policies of interest to the TCDCC;

7.2.10.2 Submits proposals for desired legislation, ordinances, and policies;

7.2.10.3 Serves as a resource to inform Tillamook County Democrats how these governments work;

7.2.10.4 Studies and prepares resolutions and endorsements for the TCDCC,  optionally providing a DO-PASS or DO-NOT-PASS recommendation.

7.2.11 Membership 

7.2.11.1 Identifies, recruits, engages, and refers volunteers and members to TCDCC opportunities; 

7.2.11.2 Organizes the TCDCC meeting sign-in, welcomes visitors, and conducts volunteer survey; 

7.2.11.3 Trains PCPs and supplies them with all necessary materials and information to be effective. 

7.2.12 Nominating 

7.2.12.1 Members are appointed by the Executive Committee and consist of three (3) active members of the TCDCC; 

7.2.12.2 Nominates candidates and conducts the election process at the organizational meeting for TCDCC officers and delegates, and any other elections. 

§8. Delegates 

8.1 Delegates and alternates to the SCC and CD include: 

8.1.1 The Chairperson, Delegate; 

8.1.2 The First Vice-Chairperson, Delegate; 

8.1.3 The Second (2nd) Alternate Delegate(s) to the SCC and the CD is elected at the organizational meeting of the TCDCC. 

8.2 The Chairperson may propose further SCC and CD alternates to the Nominations Committee; 

8.3 The Chairperson may appoint Temporary Delegate(s) when the Delegates or Alternate Delegate(s) are unavailable. They will have the full powers of the post until: one (1) the elected official resumes their post; or two (2) the next General Meeting of the TCDCC, where the Temporary Delegate may be subject to confirmation as per §8.4; 

8.4 Delegate or Alternate Delegate positions, which become vacant, may be filled by the Chairperson's appointment, so long as no alternate delegates were previously elected, subject to election by the TCDCC at its next meeting. Should confirmation be denied,  nominations will be accepted from the floor and an election conducted. 

8.5 Representatives or delegates for committees, other than of SCC and CD, will be elected at a meeting of the TCDCC. 

§9. Recall 

9.1 Officers of the TCDCC may be recalled for cause by a majority vote at any meeting of the TCDCC where representation is from sixty percent (60%) of the precincts where PCPs currently serve. 

9.2 The TCDCC may request the resignation of any elected PCP who fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings without a valid reason. Recall follows the procedures outlined in current Oregon election laws; 

9.3 Appointed PCPs serve at the discretion of the TCDCC and may be removed with a  majority vote of the TCDCC members present. 

§10.Voting 

10.1 Members of the TCDCC vote in accordance with current election laws.

10.2 Members of the Executive Committee each have one (1) vote in matters being handled by the Executive Committee. 

10.3 A successful vote is a majority vote of the members present and voting, except where  otherwise specified in state law, TCDCC bylaws, and/or TCDCC policies.  

10.4 Voting by proxy is not allowed by Oregon State law. 

§11. Organizational Meeting 

11.1 The organizational meeting of the newly elected TCDCC will be held no less frequently than every twenty-five (25) months of its previous organizational meeting, as required by State law. The sitting Chairperson calls the meeting. If the sitting Chairperson fails to call the organizational meeting within the time law requires, the State Chair calls the meeting. 

11.2 The retiring Secretary must prepare a written notice designating the time, date, and place of the meeting. This notice must be filed with the county clerk not later than the fortieth (40th) day before the date of the meeting. Notice shall be sent to newly elected PCPs. The retiring Secretary must also send notice to the SCC. A second notice must be sent to the newly elected PCPs ten (10) days before a meeting, again stating time, date, and place. 

11.3 All property, records, and funds owned or controlled by the TCDCC must be transferred by the retiring officers to the newly elected officers within 14 days of the  organizational meeting. (ORS 248.035 Appendix) 

11.4 At the organizational meeting of the newly elected TCDCC, the TCDCC elects a Chairperson, a First Vice-Chairperson, a Second Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as the TCDCC deems necessary before filling a vacancy in the office of Precinct Committee Persons. 

11.5 At the Organizational Meeting, only newly elected PCPs may vote on the election of the Officers of the TCDCC. (ORS 248.035Appendix) 

11.6 Newly elected and appointed PCPs may vote on the election of alternates for SCC and the CD. 

11.7 The newly elected or acting Chairperson will send a list of the newly elected Officers to the Tillamook County Clerk and to the SCC within forty-eight (48) hours of the close of the Organizational Meeting. (ORS 248.035 Appendix) 

11.8 If a newly elected TCDCC fails to meet or to organize as provided by election laws, the Chairperson of the SCC will appoint an acting Chairperson of the TCDCC. The acting Chairperson calls an Organizational Meeting and organizes the TCDCC as provided in Oregon election laws. (ORS 248.043 Appendix)

§12. Regular and Other Meetings 

12.1 The TCDCC holds a regular meeting each calendar month unless canceled by majority vote. All members of the TCDCC must be notified at least six (6) days prior to any regular meeting. Notification may be made by postal mail or by electronic means. 

12.2 Any regular meeting of the TCDCC is open to the public. 

12.3 Other meetings may be called at any time by the TCDCC Chairperson, or in their  absence or incapacity, by the TCDCC First Vice-Chairperson, or in the absence of both Chairperson and First Vice-Chairperson, by any other officer or by ten (10) Tillamook County PCPs. The Officers and/or PCP(s) calling the meeting must designate the date, time, place, and the purpose of the meeting. The membership must be notified of such a meeting. 

12.4 A quorum consists of twenty-percent (20%) of the total PCPs. A meeting, which does not have a quorum, may not be considered a duly constituted meeting.

§13. Bylaws Amendments 

13.1 Proposed amendment(s) must be submitted in writing to the Governance Committee Chair. The Governance Committee reviews proposed changes as needed. Proposed changes will be submitted to the TCDCC Chairperson and the Executive Committee for Tillamook County Democrats Central Committee review. The proposed amendment(s) will be presented in writing to each member of the TCDCC at least thirty (30) days before the regular meeting at which the amendment(s) are to be voted upon. 

§14. Parliamentary Authority 

14.1 Rules of procedure in Robert’s Rules of Order (current revision) must govern the TCDCC in all cases not covered by TCDCC policies, bylaws, and/or state law. 

§15. Indemnification 

15.1 The TCDCC limits the personal liability of select members, as herein defined, who act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the TCDCC. Personal liability limits include all expenses, liabilities, and counsel fees reasonably incurred or imposed upon members of the executive committee and members of all committees within the central committee properly formed.