Bylaws

BYLAWS OF THE YUMA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY 

As Adopted on February 24, 2022 

As Amended on July 13, 2023 

Mission statement: Educate constituents, promote civic engagement, register voters, increase  voter turnout, and elect Democratic candidates. 

Table of Contents 

Preamble 

Article I – Yuma County Democratic Central Committee (YCDCC) 

Article II – Roles and Responsibilities 

Article III – Equity Committee 

Article IV - Election Procedures 

Article V – Meetings 

Article VI – Voting 

Article VII – Vacancies, Removals, Resignations, Suspension 

Article VIII – Code of Conduct, Harassment, Conflict of Interest 

Article IX - Amendments, Construction, Definitions & Acronyms 

Article X – Bylaws Language, Approval, Adoption

This cover page is not part of the Bylaws and may be altered without following Bylaws Amendment Procedures 

The Bylaws of the Yuma County Democratic Party 

Preamble 

These Bylaws govern the Yuma County Democratic Central Committee (YCDCC), a component  of the Yuma County Democratic Party (YCDP), in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes Title  16, Chapter 5, Article 2; the Bylaws of the Arizona Democratic Party; and the Charter and the  Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States. The purpose of the YCDCC is to facilitate  Yuma County Precinct Committeepersons (PCs) in the performance of their duties and to  govern the YCDP.  

Article I - Yuma County Democratic Central Committee (YCDCC) 

The YCDP consists of all registered Democrat voters in Yuma County. The YCDCC shall be the  governing body of the YCDP. The total number of Precinct Committeepersons of the YCDP constitute the YCDCC. The YCDCC comprises the following: 

A. Precinct Committeeperson (PC): 

1. Elected or 

2. Appointed by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors (YCBoS) upon nomination by the  Chair, YCDCC. 

B. The Executive Board consists of the following Elective Officers: 

1. Chair 

2. 1st Vice Chair 

3. 2nd Vice Chair 

4. Secretary 

5. Treasurer 

C. Committees and Chairs of YCDCC committees 

D. State Committeeperson, commonly referred to as State Committee Member (SCM) Article II - Roles and Responsibilities 

Section 1 - YCDCC: 

A. Is the governing body of the YCDP and possesses authority over actions of the Executive  Board and YCDCC committees.  

B. Will recruit PCs and support them in the performance of their statutory duties. C. May, in accordance with applicable laws, work with any individual or organization that  supports the candidates, causes, or goals of the Democratic Party. Such interaction shall not  convey any right to vote or otherwise participate in YCDCC leadership or management.

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Section 2 - Precinct Committeeperson (PC):  

A. PCs are the foundation of the YCDP and the YCDCC at the precinct level. They are the  grassroots representatives for YCDP. PCs in their official capacity shall  

1. Adhere to the philosophy and principles of the Democratic Party;  

2. Support Democratic Party nominees; 

3. Accept the responsibilities imposed upon them by statute; and  

4. Perform such other duties and services as deemed to be for the benefit of the Party. 

B. Duties may include but are not limited to the following:  

1. Assist in registration programs and in turning out a maximum Democratic vote. 2. Canvass and campaign only on behalf of Democratic candidates. 

3. Support the ADP and YCDP.  

4. Encourage financial support of the YCDP. 

5. Maintain up to date contact information with the YCDCC Secretary. 

6. Additional duties as assigned by ADP or YCDCC.  

Section 3 – Officers: 

A. Elective Officers are the officers of YCDCC and compose the voting members of the  Executive Board 

1. Elective Offices: The Elective Officers of the YCDCC are the Chair, the 1st Vice-Chair and  the 2nd Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. They shall be elected from and by the elected  members of the YCDCC at the Biennial Organizational Meeting held pursuant to Art III of  these bylaws except as provided in Article VI. 

2. Expenses of Officers: All officers of the YCDCC contribute their time without  compensation but may be allowed reasonable and necessary reimbursement of out-of pocket expenses in the performance of their official duties when authorized, approved, or  ratified by the Executive Board with approval of the Treasurer. 

3. Signature Authority: The Chair and the Treasurer have signature authority (which they  may delegate) for the YCDCC as necessary to execute the duties of their offices and to carry  out the objectives of the YCDCC. 

B. The Chair. The responsibilities of the Chair are as follows: 

1. As the principle administrative and executive officer of the YCDCC, the Chair a. Presides over meetings; 

b. Represents and is the spokesperson for YCDCC to the general public; c. Directs the affairs of YCDCC; 

d. Makes recommendations to fill:

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(1) PC Vacancies per Article VII and 

(2) State Committeepersons (SCMs) vacancies; 

e. Appoints Committees and Committee Chairs as described in Section 5 of this Article;  f. Executes the applicable laws of the State of Arizona and these Bylaws: (1) Ensures YCDCC accesses voter registers and precinct lists in accordance with  State law and  

(2) Be familiar with and execute the Chair’s election-related duties under State and  County laws and regulations pertaining to procedures and processes to ensure fair  and accurate elections. 

g. Performs such other acts and duties which may be necessary to secure the  objectives and best interests of the YCDCC not otherwise provided for in these Bylaws,  ADP Bylaws, and State law; and 

h. Delegates duties to either of the Vice-Chairs or Executive Board as the Chair deems  appropriate. 

2. Serve as ex officio member of ADP State Committee, the Executive Committee of the  ADP, and all committees of the YCDCC. 

C. The 1st Vice-Chair and the 2nd Vice-Chair: The responsibilities of the 1st Vice-Chair and the  2nd Vice-Chair are as follows: 

1. Assist the Chair in the performance of the Chair’s duties and in the absence of the Chair  act in the Chair’s stead. If the office of the Chair is vacated, the 1st Vice Chair shall act as the  Chair until the office of Chair is filled in accordance with Article VII of these Bylaws. 2. Serve as ex officio members of and attend meetings of the ADP Executive Committee. 3. Throughout their terms, the Vice-Chairs shall propose, design, and execute projects  furthering the interests and objectives of the YCDP. Some projects will focus on party  leadership development. 

4. Perform duties as assigned by the Chair and as provided by these bylaws. 5. In consultation with the Chair, may delegate their responsibilities as necessary. 

D. Secretary. The responsibilities of the Secretary are as follows: 

1. Keep records of meetings of the YCDCC and the Executive Board and provide written or  electronic copies to members in a timely manner. 

2. Maintain the following lists: 

a. Current contact list of PCs and  

b. Membership lists of YCDCC SCM, Executive Board, and YCDP Committees. 3. Act as Custodian of minutes and reports of YCDCC, Executive Board, and YCDP  Committees and maintain electronic copies of minutes and reports as prescribed in the  Rules and Procedures Manual. 

4. Send Biennial Organization and Special meetings notices as required by State law. 5. In consultation with the Chair, may delegate their responsibilities as necessary. 6. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair or as provided by these bylaws.

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E. Treasurer. The responsibilities of the Treasurer are as follows: 

1. Be responsible for the financial affairs of the YCDCC in accordance with standards of  accounting and federal, state, and local laws.  

2. Receive and deposit all funds collected on behalf of the YCDCC and keep an accurate  account of same. Maintain adequate records pertaining to the finances of the YCDCC and  timely file all reports required by law; 

3. Timely pay recurring bills necessary for day-to-day YCDCC operations; 4. As time and circumstances allow, disperse funds to pay non-recurring expenses as  directed by the YCDCC. If a disbursement decision is required before the next regularly  scheduled YCDCC meeting, then will follow the direction of the executive board. The  Treasurer is the final authority for accepting contributions, disbursing funds, or otherwise  making expenditures;  

5. Report the financial condition of the organization at all the YCDCC business meetings; 6 Submit the YCDCC financial books and records to an auditing committee at the end of  the Treasurer's term of office or as directed by the Chair; 

7. Serve as member of any committee pertaining to finance or that receives or disburses  funds; 

8. The Treasurer may delegate their duties as they deem appropriate. The Treasurer shall  appoint another PC as assistant Treasurer to take over in the interim should the Treasurer  become incapacitated or otherwise unable to fulfill their duties. The assistant Treasurer is  

not a member of the Executive Board but may represent the Treasurer at subcommittee or  executive board meetings; and  

9. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair or as provided by these bylaws. Section 4 - Executive Board: 

A. The Executive Board shall meet on the call of the Chair. A quorum of the Executive Board  consists of at least three members attending a meeting. No proxies shall be allowed. 

B. The duties of the Executive Board are: 

1. Act on behalf of the YCDCC between meetings;  

2. Perform other such duties as assigned by the Chair;  

3. Adopt and maintain Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct Policies; 4. Adopt and maintain additional policies and procedures for the YCDCC and its staff and  volunteers;  

5. Prepare 

a. an Annual Financial Plan and 

b. a YCDP Succession Plan; and 

6. Disclose and resolve conflicts of interest as they may arise. 

C. Prior to execution, contracts or agreements extending past the term of the current  Executive Board shall be submitted to the YCDCC for approval at the next meeting.

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Section 5 – Appointments/Removals. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, the Chair may appoint, after notice to the Executive Board, individuals as necessary for compliance with  State guidelines, appropriate laws, and the proper conduct of the duties of the YCDCC. Such  appointees may be removed by the Chair after notice to the Executive Board, when in their  opinion the work of the position could be made more effective by such removal. 

Section 6 - Committees and Committee Chairs: 

A. Unless specified elsewhere in these bylaws, Standing Committees shall be created and  dissolved with the action of the Chair and Executive Board. Standing Committees remain active  until dissolved. 

B. Special Committees shall be appointed as needed by the YCDCC Chair on the advice of the  YCDCC. The YCDCC Chair shall determine the personnel, size, and other details of the  composition. A Special Committee shall remain active  

1. as necessary to accomplish its purpose;  

2. until dissolved by the YCDCC Chair; or 

3. after the Biennial Organization Meeting. 

C. Membership on each committee is open to registered Democrats residing in Yuma County  who are willing to serve as members. Voting membership shall be reserved to PCs. The YCDCC  Chair may consider granting individuals who are not registered Democrats residing in Yuma  County membership on a committee.  

D. Any Chairperson or member of a standing or special committee may be removed by the  YCDCC Chair when, in the YCDCC Chair’s opinion, the work of said committee could be made  more effective by such removal. 

E. No committee shall be authorized to issue any statement on behalf of either the YCDCC, the  Executive Board, or as coming from the YCDP. Any statement or report issued by any  committee on its own behalf shall be confined within the scope of its duties. 

F. The duties of the Equity Committee are to undertake the responsibilities stated in Article III of these bylaws. 

Section 7 - State Committeepersons/State Committee Members (SCM/SCMs): 

SCMs have the duties of YCDCC PCs plus additional duties as provided in ADP Bylaws. SCMs shall attend State Committee and YCDCC meetings, in person or by proxy, and act in the  interests of the YCDP, and should be guided by express instructions from the YCDCC on specific  issues.

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Article III – Equity Committee 

The YCDCC will maintain a strong commitment to diversity and expanding participation. To  assist the YCDCC with meeting this commitment, the Equity Committee advises all persons with  power of appointment and all elected bodies about the demographics of Yuma County so that  the YCDCC makeup is more representative of Yuma County as a whole. 

A. Per the ADP Bylaws regarding Equity, the YCDCC will have an Equity Committee as a  Standing YCDCC Committee with the Equity Moderator serving as Chair. This committee may  not be dissolved except with consent of ADP. 

B. Equity Moderator. Per ADP Bylaws, the Moderator is an ex officio member of the State  Equity Committee. If the Moderator is not an SCM, they shall identify a YCDCC SCM who is  willing to serve on the State Equity Committee.  

C. The YCDCC Equity Committee shall comprise a broad spectrum of representation reflecting  the demographics of Yuma County. The Committee should include members residing in each  Legislative District within the County. 

D. The Committee’s duties, goals, and selection of priorities should mirror those of the ADP Equity Committee. The focus shall be on helping the YCDCC achieve demographic  representation among PCs and SCMs that match the demographics of Yuma County with  respect to these characteristics: race, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender  identity, economic status, country of origin, residence, and without regard to religious belief. 

E. The Equity Committee shall meet at least once each quarter at the call of the Moderator.  Article IV - Election Procedures 

Section 1 - Elective Officers: 

A. Election: 

1. Officers are elected at the Biennial Organizational Meeting per ARS 16-824 and Art. V of  these Bylaws. Any elected PC may run for an office. Filling vacancies occurring after the  Biennial Organizational Meeting are addressed in Article VII of these bylaws. 2. Only elected PCs may vote at the Biennial Organizational Meeting for the Chair, 1st Vice Chair, 2nd Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. 

3. The 1st Vice Chair shall identify with a different gender than the Chair. The 2nd Vice  Chair shall identify with a different gender than the 1st Vice Chair. 

4. Nominations for the YCDCC officers shall be made from the floor of the meeting and no  slate identification shall be allowed on any ballots or balloting at these elections. No person  shall be nominated as a candidate without their consent. 

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5. If only one candidate is nominated for an office, election will be by acclamation. When  there are multiple candidates for one office, voting will be by secret ballot. The candidate  receiving a simple majority is elected. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes will be removed from the ballot and a new  vote conducted of the remaining candidates. Ties will be resolved per provisions in the  Rules and Procedures Manual. 

B. Term. Each officer shall hold office from the date of election until a successor is elected or  until the officer ceases to hold membership in the YCDP, whichever first occurs. Vacancies of  elective offices are addressed in Article VII of these bylaws. 

Section 2 - State Committeeperson/State Committee Member (SCM).  

A. SCMs will be elected as provided in ADP Bylaws. The Chair is an ex-officio member of the  State Committee and does not count towards the YCDCC SCM elected positions. One SCM for  every three duly elected PCs in the YCDCC shall be elected from within the number of its  elected PCs. Only PCs elected in the preceding primary election shall be eligible to vote in  elections of SCMs.  

B. The policy of the YCDCC is to elect as diverse a group of persons to membership on the  State Committee in order to represent and reflect varied party problems, viewpoints, demographics, and interests.  

C. If, following the YCDCC Biennial Organizational Meeting, there are fewer PCs elected to the  State Committee than the number of slots to which YCDCC is entitled, the YCDCC Chair may  recommend duly elected PC(s) to the State Chair to fill the vacant SCM slot(s) for the YCDCC.  Following the State Committee Organizational Meeting, vacancies in the State Committee may  be filled by any PC pursuant to statutory procedure, and the bylaws of the YCDCC and ADP. 

Article V - Meetings 

Section 1 – Biennial Organizational Meeting: The Biennial Organizational Meeting of the YCDCC shall be held after the general election in even numbered years and no later than the second  Saturday in January of the year following the general election. 

A. The Chair of the YCDCC shall direct the Secretary to give notice of the Biennial  Organizational meeting as provided by Arizona statute to each elected PC of the YCDCC. Notice  shall specify the date, time, and place of the meeting. Notice shall be sent by United States mail  or electronically not less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. 

B. The purpose of the Biennial Organizational Meeting shall be to elect officers listed in Art. I  subparagraph B. SCMs, listed in Art. I, subparagraph D., will be elected pursuant to law and ADP  Bylaws. Other business may be conducted as necessary.

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C. The election of officers shall be officiated by a person who is a registered Democrat in the  United States and who is not running for an elected position in the YCDCC. The official shall be  appointed pursuant to Art. II, Section 5 of these Bylaws.  

D. Quorum for elections at the Biennial Organizational Meetings shall be 25% of the total  number of elected PCs. PCs may be present in person or by proxy.  

E. The Biennial Organizational Meeting shall be conducted as determined by the Chair in  consultation with the Executive Board and in accordance with this Article IV through VI of these  Bylaws and the Rules and Procedures Manual. 

Section 2 - Business Meeting: The YCDCC shall conduct at least 10 monthly business meetings  per year, time and place to be designated by the YCDCC Chair. Notice of business meetings will  be communicated in advance. The Biennial Organizational Meeting may be included as one of  the 10 monthly business meetings. 

Section 3 - Special Meetings: 

A. Special Meetings of the YCDCC may be called 

1. By the Chair; 

2. By a majority of the Executive Board; or 

3. When a member of the Executive Board receives a written request signed by at least  fifteen percent (15%) of the membership of the YCDCC. This written request must specify  the purpose or purposes of the requested meeting. 

B. Notice of any Special Meeting shall be given to every PC at least ten (10) days prior to the  date of the meeting. Notice shall set forth the time and place of the Special Meeting and the  specific purpose or purposes of the meeting. 

C. No business shall be transacted at Special Meetings other than that specified in the notice  of the meeting. 

Section 4 - Virtual Meeting Participation: 

Participants may attend meetings through real time audio-conference, video-conference, or  any other electronic conferencing when technologically feasible. The YCDCC is not obligated to  provide equipment to participants to facilitate virtual attendance. 

A. Permission to attend virtually is not a guarantee that electronic attendance will be possible. 

B. PCs attending electronically shall be counted as in person attendance for purposes of  establishing a quorum for all meetings. 

C. Recording of meetings by attendees is prohibited.

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Section 5 – Quorum: The YCDCC PCs present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at  any meeting of the YCDCC, except where otherwise indicated in these bylaws. 

Section 6 - Parliamentary Procedure: All meetings shall be governed by procedures as  prescribed in order of authority and precedence by: (1) State Statute (2) these Bylaws (3)  YCDCC rules, and (4) Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition.  

Section 7 - Open Meetings:  

A. YCDCC Business Meetings are open to all Party Members and their invited guests;  volunteers and those holding Democratic ideals are encouraged to attend and participate as  prescribed by these Bylaws. The presiding officer may exclude anyone other than a PC from all  or part of the meeting in their sole discretion. 

B. Books, records, and minutes of the Party are open for review of any PC upon reasonable  notice and during regular office hours or by agreed appointment. 

Section 8 - Limits on Discussions and Debates: The presiding officer may limit, defer, or  reschedule discussion and debates as necessary.  

Section 9 – Notice of Meetings:  

A. The Notice of Meeting shall state at minimum the date, time, and place of the meeting. 

B. To achieve cost savings consistent with principles of good stewardship, the preferred  method of giving notice shall be electronic. Those PCs with accessibility issues may request  notice by US Mail. PCs are responsible for providing their updated contact information. 

Section 10 – Resolutions: Resolutions shall be submitted by PCs in writing stating its purpose to  the Secretary 21-days prior to discussion. When action is required in less than 21-days, the  proponent shall provide copies to all attendees. Guidelines for resolutions are published in the  YCDP Rules and Procedures Manual. 

Article VI - Voting 

Section 1 – Eligibility:  

A. Only PCs may vote on YCDCC matters. 

B. Pursuant to ARS § 16-821B only elected PCs may vote for Elective Officers and SCMs at the  Biennial Organizational Meeting. 

C. Both elected and appointed PCs may vote to fill a subsequent Elective Officer vacancy. D. The Chair may require review of credentials prior to any vote.

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Section 2 – Proxies: 

A. PCs prevented from attending a meeting of the YCDCC for any reason shall be allowed  proxies. Proxies will not be allowed at meetings of other committees. 

B. Proxies may only be given to another qualified elector of the precinct where the PC resides.  C. Each proxy shall specify the date of the meeting for which it is given. D. Proxies shall be valid only for the length of the meeting for which it is given unless revoked.  Validity of proxies when meetings are extended or postponed will be addressed in the YCDCC  Rules and Procedures Manual. 

E. Every proxy shall be attested by a notary public or two witnesses. 

F. Proxies must be received by YCDCC prior to the start of the meeting.  C. All proxies shall be in the form approved by the YCDCC. 

Section 3 - Voting Methods: YCDCC may elect to use any of the following voting methods  

A. Acclamation (limited to election of officers) 

B. Voice 

C. Show of hands/rising 

D. Roll Call 

E. Written Ballot 

F. By Proxy unless otherwise specified 

G. Electronic 

H. Mail 

I. Other methods not listed but allowed by Roberts Rules. 

Article VII – Vacancies, Removals, Resignations, Suspension 

Section 1 – Precinct Committee Person: 

A. Vacancy:  

1. The Chair may recommend that the YCBoS determine that a PC position is vacant. The  Chair may submit the name of a replacement with their recommendation.  2. The Chair shall base their vacancy recommendation on the criteria listed in ARS § 38- 291, as then in effect or its successor.  

3. A PC shall be given notice that provides the reasons and intent for recommending that  YCBoS determine that their position is vacant and provides a reasonable opportunity to  submit a response to the proposed recommendation.  

B. Cause for Removal: 

1. A PC may be removed from office for cause. Cause for removal includes the following: a. Failure to fulfill the duties of the office under Arizona law or the YCDCC bylaws;  b. Malfeasance;

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c. Willful or corrupt misconduct in office; 

d. Harassment, bullying, or other behavior inconsistent with the expectations outlined  in the ADP’s Code of Conduct; 

e. Public support of an opposition party candidate in a partisan election; or f. Conviction of a felony. 

2. Removal Procedure for PC. The procedures for removing a PC shall be as follows: a. Notice to Precinct Committeeperson. If it is recommended that a PC be removed  from office due to an offense listed in Section 1, then no fewer than fourteen (14) days  before the meeting when the recommendation for removal will be discussed and voted  on, the County Secretary must send written notice to the PC whose removal from office  is being sought. The written notice must include: (1) all reasons for the recommendation  for removal, including any supporting documentation; (2) the date, time, and location of  the meeting where the matter will be discussed and voted on; and (3) a statement that  the PC whose removal is being sought may respond in writing, will have an opportunity  to respond at the meeting, and has the right to present documents or call witnesses to  testify on their behalf at the meeting.  

b. Meeting of the County Executive Board. The Chair will preside over the meeting  where the recommendation for removal is discussed and voted on and must ensure that  the meeting is either recorded or transcribed verbatim. A representative of the  Executive Board must present the reasons for potential removal and give the PC whose  removal is sought a chance to respond. The PC must have the opportunity to present  documents or call witnesses to testify on their behalf before any vote on a  recommendation for removal. After the PC and Executive Board representative are  provided a reasonable opportunity to speak, the PC may be removed by a majority vote  of the Executive Board.  

c. Notice of Vacancy. If the Executive Board removes a PC, the Chair must promptly  send a written notice and recommendation to the Yuma County Board of Supervisors  under A.R.S. § 16-821(B). 

3. Suspension Pending Removal.  

a. A PC shall be considered suspended from all official duties and activities of the  YCDCC pending the completion of removal proceedings under Section 2 of this Article if: (1) The PC was provided with the written notice required by Section 2(a) of this  Article; and 

(2) The cause specified in the written notice required by Section 2(a) of this Article  involves conduct that presents a risk of ongoing harm to the YCDCC or any third  person.

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b. A suspension under this Section will terminate upon the earlier of the following: (1) The Executive Board voting not to remove the PC under Section 2(c) of this  Article; or 

(2) The Yuma County Board of Supervisors determining that the PC’s office is vacant  under A.R.S. § 16-821(A).  

C. Resignation from Office: 

A PC may resign at any time by providing written notice of their resignation to the Chair. In  addition, a PC will be deemed to have automatically resigned their office if they (1) move out of  the precinct from which they were elected or appointed or (2) change political parties. See  A.R.S. § 16-822(D). If a Precinct Committeeperson resigns under this Article, the Chair must  promptly send a written notice and recommendation to the Yuma County Board of Supervisors  under A.R.S. § 16-821(B). 

Section 2 - Elective Officers: 

A. Vacancy:  

1. Filling Vacancies 

a. Chair: Should the office of the Chair become vacant prior to the end of the  expiration of the term, the office shall be filled by election.  

(1) If the vacancy occurs prior to June first in a General Election year, by special  election at the earliest possible date.  

(2) If the vacancy occurs on or after June first in a General Election year, the  vacancy shall be filled by election at the next Biennial Organization Meeting per  Article II § 3.C.1. 

b. Treasurer: Vacancy will be filled in the interim by appointment pending special  election which shall occur at the earliest possible date.  

c. 1st Vice Chair, 2nd Vice Chair, and Secretary:  

(1) If the vacancy occurs prior to June first in a General Election year, by special  election at the earliest possible date.  

(2) If the vacancy occurs on or after June first in a General Election year, by  appointment until the next Biennial Organizational Meeting.  

d. Any member of the YCDCC may run to fill a vacancy in an Elective Office. 

2. The Executive Board shall determine that an elective office is vacant under the following  conditions: 

a. Death 

b. Incapacity 

c. Judicially determined insanity 

d. Resignation 

3. The Executive Board may determine that an elective office is vacant due to a failure of  the officer to maintain PC status.

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B. Removal: An Elected Officer may be removed by vote of PCs for good cause as described in  the YCDCC Rules and Procedures Manual. Good cause may include but is not limited to the  following: 

1. Office holder no longer maintains their domicile in Yuma County 

2. Failure to discharge duties of office for three consecutive months without approved  leave of absence 

3. Public support of an opposition party candidate in a partisan election 4. Malfeasance in office 

5. Failure to carry out the duties of the office 

6. Harassment, bullying, or other behavior inconsistent with the expectations outlined in  the Arizona Democratic Party’s Code of Conduct; 

7. Officeholder is convicted of a felony.  

C. Resignation: An officer may resign from their position if they feel unable to fulfill their  duties. The officer should submit a letter of resignation to the Chair or to the First Vice Chair if  the resigning officer is the Chair. The Chair shall notify the YCDCC as soon as practicable. By  mutual agreement between the officer and the Executive Board, the officer may remain in the  position until a special election to fill the vacancy is held. 

Section 3 – State Committee Person: 

A. Vacancy: Determinations that an SCM position is vacant and filling such vacancies shall be  accomplished in accordance with ADP bylaws and state statutes. 

B. During investigations to determine if an SCM should be removed under the ADP Bylaws, the  YCDCC may suspend an SCM from their duties and will give notice of the investigation and  suspension to the State Committee.  

Section 4 - Leave of Absence:  

A. May be granted for good reason given in writing and upon acceptance by Executive Board. B. The written notice shall provide the expected duration of the Leave of Absence. A PC may  resume duties earlier than the duration requested. 

C. Shall be temporary, not to exceed six (6) months. 

D. If the reasons for the leave allow, PCs on leave of absence may submit proxies during the  leave period. 

E. SCMs are responsible for ensuring that they follow ADP Bylaws provisions regarding  attendance. 

Article VIII – Code of Conduct, Harassment, and Conflict of Interest Section 1 - Code of Conduct and Harassment:

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A. Applicability: This policy applies to all YCDCC officers, members, volunteers, visitors, and  employees and will be considered when entering into contracts and affiliating with other  organizations. 

B. Policy: Those to whom this policy applies shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner  that reflects credibility of the office or position they serve and that confers respect to all other  members. A Code of Conduct and a policy on Harassment shall be adopted and maintained by  the YCDCC Executive Board. The policies may be amended, if necessary, and shall be readopted  

at the first Executive Board meeting following each Biennial Organizational Meeting. The initial  adoption of the Code of Conduct and Harassment policy shall occur within sixty (60) days of the  adoption of this Bylaws provision. Copies of the policies shall be made available to all PCs. 

C. Monitoring Compliance: Allegations of Code of Conduct violations and Harassment shall be  reported to the Executive Board for investigation and resolution. All related information shall  be held in confidence as allowable by law. A summary of activities related to the Code of  Conduct and Harassment may be presented as necessary at YCDCC meetings. 

Section 2 - Conflict of Interest Policy: 

A. Applicability: Executive Board Members and Committee Chairs. 

B. Policy: Those to whom this policy applies shall not use their office or position to gain special  privileges or benefits and shall refrain from action in their official capacities when their  judgement could potentially be affected by personal interests. A Conflict of Interest Policy shall  be adopted and maintained by the YCDCC Executive Board. The Policy may be amended, if  necessary, and shall be readopted at the first Executive Board meeting following each Biennial Organizational Meeting. The initial adoption of the Conflict of Interest Policy shall occur within  sixty (60) days of the adoption of this Bylaws provision. A copy of this Policy shall be made  available to all PCs.  

B. Monitoring Compliance: Periodic reports summarizing: 1) contracts and related procedures;  2) expenditures; and 3) any and all Conflict of Interest issues shall be presented to and  evaluated by the Executive Board. A summary of findings shall be presented at YCDCC meeting.  

Article IX- Miscellaneous, Amendments, Construction, and Definitions &  Acronyms 

Section 1 – These Bylaws do not create rights or causes of actions outside of the YCDCC .No court may determine the election of a YCDCC officer void other than for failure to comply with  the terms of ARS § 16-824.  

Section 2 - Amendments:

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A. Changes of laws or regulations which conflict with or otherwise apply to these Bylaws shall  be followed by the YCDCC until amendments can be formally adopted. 

B. Only a PC may propose an amendment or repeal to these Bylaws by submitting the proposal  to the Rules and Bylaws Committee.  

C. Proposed amendments and requests for conflict determination shall be submitted in writing  to the Rules and Bylaws Committee for review. The Committee shall recommend approval,  rejection, or amendment of all changes to the bylaws proposed by PCs and provide an opinion  prior to a vote by the YCDCC membership. The Rules and Bylaws Committee shall notify the  Executive Board of its recommendations.  

D. Approval of amendment or repeal of these Bylaws requires a Two-Thirds (2/3) vote of the  YCDCC PCs present in person or by proxy at any meeting when notice and an exact copy of the  proposal was previously made available. A quorum for such meetings shall be 25% of the YCDCC  membership. 

Section 3 - Construction: 

A. To assist with interpreting these Bylaws the following order of precedence for construction of these bylaws shall be followed: the bylaws text; any adopted YCDCC Rules and Procedures  Manual; applicable statutes; past YCDCC customs and practices; applicable ADP Bylaws  sections; drafters’ notes to the bylaws; reference to other county committee’s by-laws; and  Roberts Rules of Order, the most recent edition.  

B. These Bylaws shall be construed consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and ADP  Bylaws. Where these Bylaws conflict with applicable laws, regulations, or ADP Bylaws, the law,  regulation, or ADP Bylaws shall be controlling authority. 

Section 4 - Definitions & Acronyms: 

A. Definitions: 

1. 1st Vice and 2nd Vice: The terms 1st Vice and 2nd Vice have the same meaning as the  terms “vice-chairman” and “vice-chairwoman” as those terms are used in Arizona Revised  Statutes, Title 16. 

2. Acclamation: If there is only one nomination or no objection to a motion, the Chair after  ensuring that no members present wish to make further nominations or objections,  declares the nominee is elected or the motion is carried. 

3. Chair: The term “The Chair” refers to the chief elective officer “The Chair” or 1st Vice or  2nd Vice when either has assumed the role of the Chair pursuant to these Bylaws. The Chair  as that term is used in these Bylaws has the same meaning as “county chairman,”  “chairman,” or “party chair” as those terms are used in Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 16. 4. Electronic notice: Notice given by media such as, but not limited to, email, texting,  messaging, social media, and official internet web sites 

5. In person attendance: Presence at the YCDP headquarters or the location designated  for the conduct of a meeting and attendance by electronic or telephonic means.

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6. Motion: A formal proposal presented by a PC, in a meeting, that the YCDCC take a  certain action.  

7. Pro Tempore: For the time being. Refers to a person temporarily occupying a position.  Often shortened to “pro tem.” 

8. Quorum: The minimum number of members who must be present at YCDCC meetings  to validly transact business pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, 12th, para. 3:3. The YCDCC  quorum includes PCs in attendance in person or by proxy. 

9. Resolution: An important or complex motion where greater formality is required  pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, the latest edition. 

10. Seconding (of a Motion): Made by another PC who wishes a motion be considered by  the YCDCC. 

B. Acronyms: 

1. PC/PCs: Precinct Committeeperson. Has the same meaning as “precinct committeeman”  as that term is used in Arizona statutes as well as “precinct committeemen” and “precinct  committeewomen” as those terms are used in the Arizona Constitution. 

2. R&P Manual: Rules and Procedures Manual: The Bylaws and Rules Committee or its  successor shall draft, edit, and update a manual of rules and procedures.  3. SCM/SCMs: State Committeemember and State Committeeperson as that term is used  in the ADP Bylaws. In the ADP, SCM may also refer to the ADP State Committee Meeting. 

Article X – Bylaws Language & Approval 

Bylaws shall be published in English and Spanish. 

These Bylaws were approved and adopted by vote of the YCDCC on the 24th day of February,  2022.

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