State Central Committee Resources
2022 IDAHO DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
A Quality Education for Every Idaho Student
We believe in fulfilling our constitutional and moral obligation to fully and adequately fund public education. We believe that education is a life-long enterprise, and we support increasing access to technical and vocational training, higher education, job skills training, and life-long learning opportunities.
An Economy that Works for All
We believe in an economy that works for everyday folks and one in which every Idahoan has a fair shot at achieving economic prosperity and opportunity. We believe in implementing policies that empower workers and small business owners, raise wages, strengthen rural communities, mitigate the effects of inflation, lower the cost of living, secure affordable housing, provide tax fairness, alleviate the negative effects of growth, protect earned benefits, and level the playing field for working families.
Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for All
We commit ourselves to the vision of a government founded upon justice, liberty, and equal rights for all. As Idaho Democrats, we will protect and promote equal, inalienable, and constitutional rights, freedom, equal opportunity and equity for all, whether rural or urban — Native American, Black, Hispanic and Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, religious minorities, people with disabilities, women, and all others who have been discriminated against and disenfranchised in too many ways and for too many generations.
Quality and Accessible Health Care for Every Idahoan
We are dedicated to making health care high-quality, accessible, and affordable for all Idahoans regardless of who they are, where they live, or their ability to pay.
Strengthening Democracy, Fighting Extremism, and Ending Corruption
We recognize that our democracy is under immense pressure and assault at this moment in history. We strongly believe in strengthening our democratic institutions and passing reforms protecting the right to vote, enforcing anti-corruption laws, and defending against extremism and violence.
Protecting Our Natural Resources
We extend gratitude to the Indigenous peoples and their elders who have called this place home since time immemorial. We offer gratitude for the land itself and its original caretakers. As stewards of our natural resources, we are committed to protecting them to preserve the quality of life they afford. We have a duty to preserve their use for conservation, agriculture, and recreation as our heritage for future generations.
LA PLATAFORMA POLÍTICA DEL PARTIDO DEMÓCRATA 2022
Una Educación de Calidad para cada Estudiante de Idaho
Creemos que debemos cumplir con nuestra obligación constitucional y moral de financiar completa y adecuadamente la educación pública. Creemos que la educación es un proyecto de por vida, y apoyamos aumentar el acceso a la capacitación técnica y vocacional, educación superior y otras oportunidades de aprendizaje a largo plazo.
Una Economía Que Funciona para Todos
Creemos en una economía que funciona para ciudadanos ordinarios y una en la que todo Idahoano tiene una oportunidad razonable para obtener prosperidad y posibilidad económica. Creemos en implementar políticas que empoderen a los trabajadores y a los pequeños empresarios, que eleven sueldos, fortalecen las comunidades rurales, mitiguen los efectos de la inflación, bajar el costo de vida, aseguren viviendas accesibles, equidad de impuestos, alivien los efectos negativos del crecimiento (de la población), protegen las prestaciones adquiridas, que proporcionen igualdad de oportunidades para trabajadores con familia.
Equidad, Justicia y Oportunidad para Todos
Nos comprometemos a una visión de un gobierno fundado en justicia y libertad y que reconoce igualdad de derechos para todos. Como Demócratas de Idaho, protegeremos y promoveremos los derechos inalienables y constitucionales de igualdad, libertad y de igualdad de oportunidades y equidad de todos nuestros ciudadanos, sean rurales o urbanos -indio americano, negros, hispanos y latinos, asiatico americanos, e isleños del pacifico, mujeres, personas LGBTQ, inmigrantes, minorías religiosas, personas con discapacidades, y todos aquellos que han sido discriminados en demasiadas formas y por muchas generaciones.
Atención Médica Accesible y de Calidad para Todos los Ciudadanos de Idaho
Estamos dedicados a hacer que nuestros servicios médicos sean de alta calidad, accesibles y económicos para todos los Idahoanos independientemente de quien sean, donde vivan y su capacidad de pago.
Fortalecer la Democracia, Luchar en Contra del Extremismo y Acabar con la Corrupción
Reconocemos que nuestra democracia se encuentra bajo una presión inmensa y está siendo atacada en este momento en nuestra historia. Creemos realmente en fortalecer nuestras instituciones democráticas y aprobar reformas que protegen nuestro derecho al voto, fortalecen medidas en contra de la corrupción y nos defienden en contra del extremismo y la violencia.
Proteger Nuestros Recursos Naturales
Extendemos nuestra gratitud a las personas indígenas, sus personas mayores pasadas y presentes las cuales llaman este lugar su hogar desde tiempos inmemoriales. Ofrecemos nuestra gratitud por la tierra misma y sus guardianes originales. Como administradores de nuestros recursos naturales ahora, estamos comprometidos a protegerlos para preservar la calidad de vida que ofrecen. Tenemos la obligación de preservar su uso por la preservacion misma, para la agricultura y la recreación como nuestro patrimonio para generaciones futuras.
2022 idaho democratic party Resolutions
RESOLUTION #1
WHEREAS, a 2022 study done by Mental Health America ranked states according to the prevalence of mental illness and rates of access to care. Higher scores indicate a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care. Idaho ranked 50th out of 51.¹
WHEREAS, Kootenai Hospital in Coeur d’ Alene was forced to close its outpatient psychiatric clinic and addiction recovery programs due to chronic underfunding,²
WHEREAS, Idaho has the 5th highest suicide rate in the US in 2020,³
WHEREAS, the suicide rate in rural areas is twice that of urban areas,⁴
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports efforts to increase mental health care funding from state funds in order to preserve and expand mental health care especially in rural communities and increase funding for school counselors.
Sources:
¹ https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/ranking-states
³ https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/suicide-mortality/suicide.html
⁴ https://time.com/3737574/suicide-urban-rural/
RESOLUTION #2
WHEREAS, the right of persons to make decisions regarding their own bodies, including reproductive health care, is one of personal freedom,
WHEREAS, family planning reduces poverty, increases educational attainment and workforce competitiveness, improves health, and provides people the opportunity to make educated choices,
WHEREAS, family planning results in a reduction in the number of unintended pregnancies, which saves taxpayers and the state significant money that would be spent on support services,
WHEREAS, health care clinics that offer family planning services also offer cancer screenings, basic health services, and routine examinations, and rural communities in Idaho already lack adequate medical services,
WHEREAS, access to reproductive health care affects the circumstances under which children are born by reducing the number of children living in poverty and the number of cases of child abuse and neglect,
WHEREAS, family planning through the use of pregnancy prevention and abortion is a private medical matter involving persons and their medical health providers, without undue government interference,
WHEREAS, access to reproductive health care improves the quality of life and future outcomes for families but especially for women and children,
WHEREAS, religious beliefs can dictate the types of pregnancy prevention methods chosen for family planning,
WHEREAS, many areas in Idaho, especially rural areas, are classified as medically underserved and mothers in these areas face a greater risk of dying during or shortly after pregnancy,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports access to reproductive health care and the right of persons to bodily autonomy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party opposes laws restricting abortion and pregnancy prevention methods.
Sources:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/40/text?r=7&s=1
RESOLUTION #3
WHEREAS, Congress passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013 to create tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities to cover necessary and needful expenses while preserving access to public benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security,
WHEREAS, 48 out of the 50 states either have or are developing an ABLE account program, leaving only Idaho and South Dakota without programs,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code 56-708 states that “Idaho has not implemented its own ABLE account program, the legislature finds that ABLE accounts promote dignified personal independence and opportunities for individuals with disabilities,”
WHEREAS, although Idaho Code 56-708 states that “it is . . . the intent of the legislature to ensure that the state provide technical assistance to Idahoans interested in opening ABLE accounts in other states,” this represents an inadequate commitment to the well-being of Idahoans who want to participate in a program in this state,
WHEREAS, ABLE account holders have saved up to 550 million dollars and ABLE accounts provide investment opportunities for disabled people,
WHEREAS, people with disabilities have higher associative costs than those who are not disabled, WHEREAS, 389,000 Idaho adults have a disability, which represents 28 percent of the population of the State but only one percent of ABLE-eligible individuals have opened an ABLE account,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party calls on the Idaho State Legislature to pass a law creating an ABLE account system to implement the provisions of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013. Furthermore, the Idaho Democratic Party calls on state legislators to research and understand the program and the benefits to disabled individuals.
RESOLUTION #4
WHEREAS, there has been a rapid loss of Social Workers in the State of Idaho and significant decrease in foster families, over the past two sessions, the Governor did sign legislation to provide necessary increases bringing Idaho into the ‘moderate’ range of pay/support for our Department of Health and Welfare and its stakeholders,
WHEREAS, Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation and we must prepare for the system to be strained further and shall keep its health and stability as a priority of ours, as highly stressed as are concerns for education,
WHEREAS, all of Idaho suffers when children are left homeless and our resources are thinly spread to provide the least possible support,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party will advocate for the support of the Department of Health and Welfare and for legislation that fully funds its growing needs, not only adequately compensating those who take on some of the most difficult work in the state but appropriately compensating Idaho families who take on other’s children and the social workers who take on the difficult task of ensuring Idaho children are in the safest place and keeping them with their families or the best possible family alternative when necessary.
RESOLUTION #5
WHEREAS, safe and efficient school buildings are necessary for quality education,
WHEREAS, the Idaho legislature has a constitutional duty to provide a thorough system of public, free schools, and “maintain adequate school building facilities across the state,”¹
WHEREAS, Idaho‘s revenue relies on fluctuating income and sales taxes, which contribute to volatility in the funding to public education making local funding for public education facilities inconsistent and inadequate,
WHEREAS, Idaho spends less per student on school facilities than all neighboring states, ranks near the bottom nationally, and is the only state among its neighboring states with a 2/3 supermajority required to pass a school construction bond,
WHEREAS, the Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE) Report on K-12 School Buildings1 released in January, 2022 stated that:
• $847 million is needed to bring K-12 school buildings up to ‘good’ condition
• The high voter threshold needed to pass a school bond has resulted in most school bonds failing over the past 10 years.
• The amount of discretionary funds, which can be used for building expenses, has decreased since 2006,
WHEREAS, in 2005, the Idaho Supreme Court declared the state school funding system unconstitutional because it left the full cost of school construction to the local property taxpayers and then ordered the legislature to fix the problem,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports a permanent public school building fund that ensures safe and efficient public school facilities throughout the entire state.
Source:
¹ Office of Performance Evaluations Report: https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/OPE/Reports/R2201.pdf (pp.13, 21, 28, 29)
RESOLUTION #6
WHEREAS, Article IX of the Idaho Constitution states, “it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools,”
WHEREAS, there is unequal access to learning opportunities for Idaho children across the state because where an Idaho student lives and goes to school determines the resources and educational opportunities available to them which are largely due to whether their community can pass a supplemental levy,
WHEREAS, Idaho’s school supplemental tax levy bill has increased 56% over the past decade, setting another record for the 6th consecutive year¹ and public schools are increasingly dependent on supplemental levies just to keep their doors open and provide basic services for students,
WHEREAS, Idaho continues to be last in the nation for funding per K-12 student and last in the nation for early childhood education participation,²
WHEREAS, Idaho is one of only 6 states that do not offer any funding for Preschool³ while 57% of Idaho children under age six live with parents who work elsewhere during the day and need to go somewhere while their parents work,⁴
WHEREAS, Idaho is among the top 10 states with the most crowded classrooms,⁵
WHEREAS, Idaho ranks last among its neighbors in school building spending,⁶
WHEREAS, Idaho currently has hundreds of teacher vacancies,⁷ largely aggravated by low wages, and many schools can’t find qualified applicants, which could result in inexperienced teachers in hard-to-fill disciplines such as math, science, and special education,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports increased funding of Idaho public schools, including preschool, and endorses the Quality Education Act Initiative which will increase funding for Idaho’s K-12 public schools.
Sources:
¹ Idaho Supplemental Levies and Property Taxes: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/six-years-and-counting-idahos-supplemental-levy-bill-sets-another-record/
² K-12 student funding: https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2021%20Rankings_and_Estimates_Report.pdf
³ Early Childhood Education: https://www.kxly.com/idaho-ranks-last-in-the-nation-for-early-childhood-education/
⁴ Children Under 6 with parents who work: https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/5057-children-under-age-6-with-all-available-parents-in-the-labor-force
⁵ Crowded Classrooms: https://1035kissfmboise.com/idaho-makes-the-top-10-most-crowded-classroom-list/
⁶ January, 2022 Idaho Office of Performance Evaluation Report on K-12 Public School Buildings: https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/OPE/Reports/R2201.pdf
⁷ June 2, 2022: Idaho school districts struggling to fill nearly 900 teaching positions: https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/idaho-districts-to-fill-nearly-900-teaching-positions/277-cf3937d3-f907-4925-b6b7-a69e7d458f10
RESOLUTION #7
WHEREAS, access to books and library materials is the right of every student and every learner,
WHEREAS, our nation’s diversity is benefitted by a wide variety of ideas, voices and viewpoints available to readers
WHEREAS, our democracy is dependent upon well-educated and literate citizens who can communicate, distinguish facts from disinformation and make informed choices as to their elected representatives,
WHEREAS, as the US Supreme Court stated that students “do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression at the schoolhouse gate,” (1982 Board of Education vs Pico),
WHEREAS, restricting information and freedom of expression undermines students’ and learners’ free speech, ability to think critically and express empathy for others,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports and defends all students’ and all learners’ freedom to read and access to information. The Idaho Democratic Party upholds the right of parents to make decisions regarding what their own children can read, but not what other children can read.
RESOLUTION #8
WHEREAS, intellectual freedom is the basis of our democracy, and the right of every individual and citizen to freely access information,
WHEREAS, our democracy is dependent upon well-educated and literate citizens who can communicate, distinguish facts from disinformation and make informed choices as to their elected representatives,
WHEREAS, both school and public library collections encompass a variety of resources selected and maintained by professional librarians according to board approved policies to meet both curricular, as well as recreational interests,
WHEREAS, libraries are encountering book challenges and book bans by groups focusing on censoring subjects such as race, gender identity, history and ethnicity by restricting access and denying differing ideas,
WHEREAS, Idaho academic, school and public librarians are under threat of criminal misconduct,
WHEREAS, removal of materials and censorship threaten individuals from diverse and marginalized communities including LGBTQ+, and racial minorities,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports and defends the Intellectual Freedom of every individual to read and access information without restriction. The Idaho Democratic Party is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Librarians and Library collections to ensure our democratic freedoms.
RESOLUTION #9
WHEREAS, the Idaho Republican Party has declared its support for the 1776 Commission educational curricula,
WHEREAS, the 1776 Commission was disbanded immediately by President Biden upon assuming office,
WHEREAS, the curriculum has been condemned by legitimate historians stating the report, was “filled with errors and partisan politics”¹² and identified factual inaccuracies and a lack of scholarship.³ The American Historical Association (AHA), in a statement cosigned by 33 other historical societies, stated that the report was completed “without any consultation with professional historians of the United States,”
WHEREAS, there is no evidence that critical race theory is being taught in Idaho schools as the 1776 Commission suggests,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party strenuously opposes the adoption of the 1776 Educational Curricula in the public school system as a part of the American history curricula.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic County Party Committees and Legislative District Central Committees be made aware of the attempts by the Republican Party to use any screening tools provided by the 1776 Action organization as a criterion for candidate screening for any public office associated with education and that the screening tools provided by the Organization are not valid screening tools.
Sources:
¹ https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/01/19/1776-report-historians-trump/
² https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/us/politics/trump-1776-commission-report.html
³ https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/19/trump-1776-report-plagiarism-460464
RESOLUTION #10
WHEREAS, Idaho Democrats uphold the principle of “one person, one vote” and believe that the act of voting is inherent in the definition of American democracy and that voting is an integral part of good citizenship,
WHEREAS, voting accessibility should be increased to promote citizen participation in democracy,
WHEREAS, all electors must register before being able to vote at any primary, general, special, school or other election,
WHEREAS, over the past 40 years, an average of 62% percent of eligible Idaho voters participate in presidential-year elections and an average of 46% of eligible voters participate in non-presidential-year elections,1
WHEREAS, state-based restricted Voter ID and registration requirements suppress voting among younger voters, students, the elderly, low-income citizens, and people of color,
WHEREAS, eleven percent of American adults do not have a state-issued identification card,
WHEREAS, Idaho has transparent, consistent, high integrity elections without any evidence of significant voter fraud,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Idaho Democrats will promote legislation to increase the number of eligible Idaho citizens voting through:
• Upholding existing Idaho code that allows non-state IDs to be used in conjunction with proof of address for same day voter registration,
• Supporting Motor-Voter automatic voter registration programs that register voters at the time of driver’s license or state ID issuance or renewal for citizens who will be 18 or over during the next election, and
• Requiring early voting in all Idaho counties beginning the third Monday before Election Day and providing resources to all Idaho counties so they can provide the maximum number of early voting opportunities possible.
RESOLUTION #11
WHEREAS, only resort cities such as Sun Valley, Hailey, McCall, have the authority under Idaho Code section 50-1044 to pass local options taxes and those must be passed by a 60 percent majority vote in these resort cities,
WHEREAS, creating local-options taxation authorities can enable innovative approaches to services like mass transit besides bus service, such as light rail, trackless tram, and bicycle friendly areas as well as other local priorities including conservation, affordable housing, open space, parks and recreation, and hospitals,
WHEREAS, Idaho is the only state that does not fund mass transit at the state level whereas the expansion of mass transit is in the interest of improving accessibility to transportation for Idahoans with disabilities, improving hours and increasing routes for bus services beneficial to working Idahoans who do not have 9 to 5 working hours, as well as reducing automobile usage and thereby reduce carbon dioxide emissions and alleviating the long-term effects of climate change by removing cars from the road,
WHEREAS, transferring the tax burden from property taxes to sales taxes for localities can alleviate property tax burdens for homeowners, including disabled and senior citizens on fixed income, and reduce the breakneck pace of housing price increases,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party calls on the Idaho State Legislature to enact a law expanding general local-option taxation authority for all cities, counties, and local government subdivisions in the state.
RESOLUTION #12
WHEREAS, each city knows what is necessary to attain and maintain a viable workforce,
WHEREAS, each city should have local control and make its own determination and not be usurped by the State,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party opposes state interference concerning the minimum wage determined by Idaho cities that exceed the national guidelines.
RESOLUTION #13
WHEREAS, all of us are different, unique individuals,
WHEREAS, we are all Idahoans and all of us should respect the dignity of others and be free of discrimination based on our differences,
WHEREAS, our mental health, physical health, and our ability to participate and contribute to society are dependent upon our own unique perceptions of ourselves,
WHEREAS, the Idaho Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment, education, housing and public accommodations on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or mental or physical disability, but does not include other differences,
WHEREAS, “gender identity” means a person’s actual or perceived gender identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other characteristics without regard to their sex at birth, since many other factors influence these characteristics, including hormonal differences, which are what we are born with and not a choice,
WHEREAS, “sexual orientation” means a spectrum from asexual to pansexual, which is their right to express in order to live their best lives,
WHEREAS, civil rights should guarantee equal social opportunities and equal protection under the law, regardless of race, religion, disability, or any other personal characteristic, WHEREAS, freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution, so also is freedom FROM the religious beliefs of others. Sexual orientation is not a choice, while religious belief is and all Idahoans should be allowed to live their lives free of oppression from religious dogma. Religion cannot be used as a tool to discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, gender, or orientation in the secular sphere,
WHEREAS, currently, there’s no law against discrimination on the basis of “gender identity” or “sexual orientation” in Idaho other than in local ordinances in only a few jurisdictions. Elsewhere in the state, for example, it is legal to fire someone or deny them housing solely because they’re gay or perceived to be gay, WHEREAS, members of hate groups such as those representing the Patriot Front arrested recently in Coeur d’Alene,¹ and even the pastor of a small Boise Baptist church² have expressed outright threats to the safety and even the very lives of LGBTQ Idahoans,
WHEREAS, every Idahoan should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity because we all deserve to live our lives, work, and have the families of our choosing, WHEREAS, Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 U.S. (2020), was a landmark United States Supreme Court civil rights case in which the Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against discrimination because they are gay or transgender,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports freedom from discrimination because of “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” as a civil right that should be included in the Idaho Human Rights Act (Title 67 Chapter 59).
Sources:
RESOLUTION #14
WHEREAS, climate change is associated with extreme weather events such as wildfire, drought, floods, and intense heat that are worsening in frequency and severity and threaten life, property, and ecosystems in Idaho and around the world,
WHEREAS, climate change and weather extremes adversely affect health, well-being, property values, financial circumstances, social stability, agriculture, energy production, recreation, access to goods, and more,
WHEREAS, human causes of climate change are known to include fossil fuel combustion and complex feedback processes associated with urbanization and other changes in land use,
WHEREAS, building and transportation sectors are major emitters of greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change,
WHEREAS, Idaho has been the nation’s fastest-growing state for five consecutive years and such growth adds pressure on the system’s capacity to meet everyone’s needs while conserving resources for this and future generations,
WHEREAS, climate change will harm future generations,
WHEREAS, although some adverse effects are irreversible, their intensity and duration can be moderated through mitigation and adaptation strategies implemented today,
WHEREAS, today’s challenges also present opportunities for innovation and investment in Idaho’s future,
WHEREAS, smart land use planning, energy choices, resource conservation, consumptive practices, environmental justice, and science-informed policies are vital to sustainable outcomes,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports:
• science-based actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change,
• exploration of statewide expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, public transit, non-motorized travel accommodations, and incentives for the restoration of passenger train service and transition away from reliance on fossil fuels,
• state tax policies providing incentives for residential and commercial energy efficient facility development and robust energy and building codes that facilitate efficiency and reduce consumer costs, and
• incentives for job creation in clean, renewable energy technologies.
RESOLUTION #15
WHEREAS, Medicare and Social Security are essential for American seniors and Americans with disabilities, ensuring access to health care, disability income, and a retirement with a minimum guaranteed income proportional to one’s contributions,
WHEREAS, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) has proposed to sunset all federal laws in five years, including laws enabling Medicare and Social Security,
WHEREAS, Congressional Republicans have a track record of attempting to cut Medicare benefits and curtail and/or privatize Social Security,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party strenuously opposes the repeal or sunset of any legislation on which the implementation of Medicare and Social Security rely and opposes cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits.
RESOLUTION #16
WHEREAS, vibrant and prosperous rural communities are essential components and play an important role across the state. Rural communities in Idaho grow and supply food, steward natural resources, contribute disproportionately to the armed services, and are critical to our state’s economy,
WHEREAS, rural Idaho communities are richly diverse and face varying challenges and opportunities that threaten the livelihood of a large portion of Idaho citizens. At the same time, they share common characteristics, such as low population density and distance to urban centers, housing shortages and limited educational and job opportunities that create challenges for economic prosperity,
WHEREAS, rural populations in Idaho are increasing rapidly. By offering opportunities, connectivity, and quality of life, rural communities can thrive and prosper while improving economic stability and protecting the rural character and natural resources that draw people to these areas,
WHEREAS, small businesses and industries, including timber, farming, ranching, and recreation, are the foundation of rural economies generating tax revenues, creating jobs, providing essential goods and services, and contributing to the culture and character of small towns,
WHEREAS, natural resources from rural communities produce the revenue and products that help build and feed larger Idaho communities. Rural communities adjacent to public lands carry the burden of providing emergency services to all Idaho residents and out-of-state visitors. Rural communities need statewide financial support via reinvestment into necessary infrastructure to not burden services designed for small communities,
WHEREAS, federal lands cannot be taxed by state or local governments, so PILT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) was created to compensate local governments for loss of income. Currently, the formula for PILT gives urban areas with small amounts of federal land more money per acre than rural areas with large tracts (Ex. Ada County = $1.69/acre, while Custer County = $.25/ acre). PILT is the only money rural areas receive that are not dedicated funds and they can be leveraged as seed money to provide rural economic development,
WHEREAS, natural resources are often extracted from our rural communities and do not invest enough back into the communities where they came from. This undermines the economic foundations of rural communities by making timber, farming, ranching, and recreation increasingly more difficult to make profitable, as well as eliminating essential services that support the people within the rural community,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party will promote the interests and concerns of rural Idaho by engaging community leaders, enhancing connections to rural voters, creating equitable distribution of funds to rural Idaho, and stimulating economic development in our rural communities that fosters prosperity and provides viable resources that maintain essential infrastructure.
Source:
Western Governors Association – Policy Resolution 2020-07 Rural Development Family Farm Alliance.org
RESOLUTION #17
WHEREAS, the rate of gun deaths in Idaho increased 43% between 2011 and 2020, and the rate of gun suicides increased 40%.1 Eighty-four percent of all gun deaths among children and teens in Idaho are suicide,¹
WHEREAS, Idaho had the 16th highest number of gun related deaths per capita of all 50 states in 2020,2 WHEREAS, an average of 278 people die in Idaho every year by guns with an average of 21 of those being children and teens,²
WHEREAS, evidence suggests that age-based restrictions may limit gun violence.³ Young people, due to brain development, are often more impulsive than adults⁴ and federal law currently limits the ability of those under 21 to purchase handguns but does not stop those 18 and over from buying assault-style rifles,⁵
WHEREAS, the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,”
WHEREAS, we recognize responsible Idaho gun owners’ 2nd Amendment Rights, we also recognize that unregulated vs. “well regulated” gun ownership infringes on our liberty to walk safely in our schools, churches, cinemas, shopping malls, etc. without fear of gun violence,
WHEREAS, Idaho is 49th in the nation for Gun Law Strength,⁶
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party supports common sense gun laws including safe storage, universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, firearm responsibility education, and raising the age to purchase assault-style weapons to 21, in order to prevent injury and loss of life by gun violence in Idaho.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party stands in support of H.R. 7910 – Protecting our Kids Act and H.R. 2377 – Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021 (summaries below) and the election of candidates to office who support these pieces of legislation.
Sources:
¹ https://everystat.org/state-pdfs (Idaho)
² https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/firearm_mortality/firearm.htm
³ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/06/04/upshot/mass-shooting-gun-laws.html
⁴ https://www.science.org/content/article/why-teenagers-are-so-impulsive
⁵ https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/does-customer-have-be-certain-age-buy-firearms-or-ammunition-licensee
⁶ https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/
Bill summaries authored by Congressional:
H.R.7910 Protecting Our Kids Act
This bill makes various changes to federal firearms laws, including to establish new criminal offenses and to expand the types of weapons and devices that are subject to regulation. Among the changes, the bill
• generally prohibits the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals who are under 21 years of age;
• establishes new federal criminal offenses for gun trafficking and related conduct;
• establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate ghost guns (i.e., guns without serial numbers);
• establishes a framework to regulate the storage of firearms on residential premises at the federal, state, and tribal levels;
•subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws; and
• generally prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
H.R.2377 Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021
This bill authorizes and establishes procedures for federal courts to issue federal extreme risk protection orders. A federal extreme risk protection order is a federal court order that prohibits a person from purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition. A family or household member, or a law enforcement officer, may petition for a federal extreme risk protection order with respect to an individual who poses a risk to themselves or others. The bill also expands the categories of persons who are prohibited from purchasing, shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition. Specifically, it adds, as a new category, persons who are subject to an extreme risk protection order.
NOTE: H.R. 7910 passed the House on 6-8-2022 and H.R. 2377 on 6-9-2022. Both have been sent to the Senate.
RESOLUTION #18
WHEREAS, for over 130 years Governor of the State of Idaho has been the only person who may call the Idaho Legislature into an extraordinary legislative session and this remains an important check and balance on legislative power;
WHEREAS, without sufficient checks on the legislature’s power to convene extraordinary sessions, Idaho’s part-time citizen legislature is at risk of becoming a full-time legislature attracting career politicians who spend all of their time in Boise rather than living and working in our communities,
WHEREAS, the public, businesses, and stakeholders need a government that operates in a routine and predictable manner so that they can meaningfully participate in the legislative process;
WHEREAS, other states require a higher threshold of ⅔’s or ¾’s of the legislature to consent to convene an extraordinary legislative session;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Idaho Democratic Party strongly opposes SJR102, a proposed Idaho Constitutional Amendment that would allow the Idaho Legislature to call itself into a special session.
These bylaws were submitted from the Idaho Democratic Party Rules and Bylaws Committee and approved by the Idaho Democratic Party State Central Committee on the twelfth of March, 2022.
ARTICLE I – NAME
Section 1.1 Name.
The name of the organization is the Idaho Democratic Party (the “IDP”).
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
Section 2.1 Purposes of the IDP.
2.1.1 To promote the interests of the IDP in the State of Idaho;
2.1.2 To elect candidates to public offices in all levels of government;
2.1.3 To adopt a platform declaring policy positions of the IDP;
2.1.4 To represent the IDP with other states and at the national level;
2.1.5 To assist and support Idaho Democratic county and legislative district organizations;
2.1.6 To create county and legislative district organizations and to nominate candidates to fill vacancies of Democratic officeholders as provided herein.
2.1.7 To engage in other activities necessary to manage and transact IDP business consistent with law and the Democratic National Committee’s (“DNC”) national charter (the “National Charter”).
ARTICLE III – MEMBERS
Section 3.1 Open and Inclusive Organization.
The IDP is open and inclusive and all persons who wish to support the values and goals of the IDP are encouraged to participate fully in party activities. The IDP designates certain persons as the members of the IDP in these Bylaws solely for purposes of defining the formal operations of the party.
Section 3.2 Designation of IDP Organizations.
The IDP consists of several organizations, operating at the state level and in each county and legislative district in Idaho. These organizations are as follows, each with the powers and duties set forth in these Bylaws:
3.2.1 A state central committee (the “State Committee”);
3.2.2 A legislative district committee (the “Legislative District Committee”) for each Idaho legislative district (currently Idaho has 35 legislative districts); and
3.2.3 A county central committee (the “County Committee”) for each Idaho county (currently Idaho has 44 counties).
Section 3.3 The State Committee.
3.3.1 State Committee Membership. The members of the State Committee (the “State Committee Members”) are:
3.3.1.1 County Membership. The chair of each County Committee (the “County Chair”), and the state committeeman and the state committeewoman from each county. Based on the number of counties as of June 6, 2009, the State Committee has a total of 132 positions for representatives from County Committees;
3.3.1.2 Legislative District Membership. The chair of each Legislative Committee (the “Legislative District Chair”). Based on the number of legislative districts as of June 6, 2009, the State Committee has a total of 35 positions for representatives from Legislative Committees;
3.3.1.3 State Officers. The chair of the State Committee (the “State Chair”), the vice-chairs of the State Committee (the “State Vice-Chairs”), the treasurer of the State Committee (the “State Treasurer and the secretary of the State Committee (State Secretary”).
3.3.1.4 The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, at-large members of the DNC, and IDP Special Group chairs.
3.3.1.5 The Democratic Leader of the Idaho House of Representatives and the Democratic Leader of the Idaho Senate.
3.3.1.6 No person may hold more than one position on the State Committee at the same time.
3.3.1.7 Members of the State Central Committee must have declared their party affiliation as ‘Democratic’ with the Idaho Secretary of State.
3.3.1.8 Certification. Within thirty (30) days following the organizational meetings required in Sections 5.3.2 and 5.4.2, each County Committee and each Legislative District Committee shall certify to the State Committee the names and full contact information of its members on the State Committee. Each County Committee and each Legislative District Committee shall update its certification within thirty (30) days following any change in the designated members.
3.3.1.9 Resignation. A State Committee Member may resign only by written notice to the State Chair and to the County Chair or Legislative District Chair. Such resignation shall be effective immediately.
Section 3.4 The Legislative District Committee.
The members of each Legislative District Committee (the “Legislative District Members”) are:
3.4.1 The Precinct Captains within the legislative district; and
3.4.2 The Legislative District Officers.
Section 3.5 The County Committee.
The members of each County Committee (the “County Members”) are:
3.5.1 The Precinct Captains within the county; and
3.5.2 The County Officers.
Section 3.6 Precinct Captain Vacancies.
At any of its meetings, the County Committee shall have the power to appoint legally qualified candidates to fill any vacancy in Precinct Captain positions. If such appointments are made, the County Chair shall provide such notice to the county clerk or otherwise as provided by law. Failure to notify the county clerk or to follow any other provision of Idaho election law shall not nullify the validity of the appointment. The State Chair shall have the authority to appoint legally qualified persons to vacant Precinct Captain positions should the County Committee be unable to do so.
Section 3.7 Ethical Practices.
The IDP shall ensure the widest and fairest representation of its members in its organization and activities. All rules shall be adopted by procedures that assure the fair and open participation of all interested people. Discrimination in the conduct of Party affairs on the basis of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status, and physical disability shall be prohibited. The Idaho Democratic Party supports freedom, equality, and justice & due process for all.
3.7.1 The IDP State Central Committee will adopt a Code of Conduct.
Section 3.8 County and Legislative District Authority to Adopt Bylaws.
County and Legislative District Committees are entitled to enact additional bylaws for themselves provided those bylaws do not conflict with the bylaws set forth herein.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
Section 4.1 Officers of the State Committee.
4.1.1 Designation of Officers. The officers of the State Committee (the “State Officers”) are:
4.1.1.1 The State Chair;
4.1.1.2 The First Vice-Chair of the State Committee (the “State First Vice-Chair”);
4.1.1.3 The Second Vice-Chair of the State Committee (the “State Second Vice-Chair”); and
4.1.1.4 The Treasurer of the State Committee (the “State Treasurer”).
4.1.1.5 The Secretary of the State Committee (the “State Secretary”).
4.1.2 Eligibility. Any legal resident of the State of Idaho who is neither a candidate for, nor incumbent in the office of United States Senator, United States Representative, or any position elected from the State of Idaho at-large, shall be eligible to be a State Officer. The State First Vice-Chair shall be of the opposite gender of the State Chair. The State Second Vice-Chair shall be of the opposite gender of the First Vice-Chair.
4.1.3 Nomination and Election. The State Chair, State Vice-Chairs and State Treasurer shall be nominated in writing, and submitted to the State Chair or their designee no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the organizational meeting of the State Central Committee to be held in conjunction with the Frank Church Banquet. The election will take place at that meeting. In writing will include digital as well as traditional forms of notification. SCC members will be provided with a list of the nominated candidates as well as any contact or biographical information provided by the candidates for dissemination to the SCC within forty-eight (48) hours of the deadline. At the time of the meeting if there are no candidates nominated for an open office, nominations may be made from the floor.
4.1.3.1 The State Chair and State Treasurer shall be elected in odd-numbered years.
4.1.3.2 The State Vice-Chairs and the State Secretary shall be elected in even-numbered years.
4.1.3.3 Voting shall be by signed ballot and a majority of members of the State Committee present shall be required to elect.
4.1.4 Term of Office. The State Officers shall be elected for terms of two (2) years beginning immediately following the meeting at which they are elected and ending when their successor takes office. The State Officers are not limited in the number of terms in office they may serve.
4.1.5 Removal from Office. Any State Officer may be removed from office in accordance with the following procedure:
4.1.5.1 Action shall be initiated by a petition specifying the reasons for removal and bearing the signatures of one-quarter or more members of the State Committee. The completed petition shall be delivered to the IDP state office.
4.1.5.2 Within seven (7) days of delivery of a petition meeting the criteria in Section 4.1.5.1, the State Chair shall call and set a date, time and location for a special meeting of the State Committee. The meeting shall occur within thirty (30) days of the State Chair’s receipt of the petition. If the State Chair fails to call such a meeting, any other State Officer may do so. If all the State Officers fail to call a meeting, the petitioners may issue the call.
4.1.5.3 The IDP staff shall mail a notice of any special meeting where a petition for removal of an officer is to be considered together with a copy of the petition to all members of the State Committee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting.
4.1.5.4 A State Officer may be removed from office by a majority vote of the State Committee present at the special meeting. The quorum requirements of Section 5.2.5 shall apply.
4.1.5.5 A special meeting called for removal of a State Officer may include other items on the agenda which shall be adopted at the beginning of the meeting.
4.1.6 Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of any State Officer may be filled in accordance with the following procedure:
4.1.6.1 In case of the resignation, death or incapacity of the State Chair, the State First Vice-Chair shall become the acting State Chair until a special election is called to fill any unexpired portion of the term by the acting State Chair within 60 days of assuming the Chairpersonship.
4.1.6.1(i) The special election shall be conducted according to a process set out by the State Executive Committee.
4.1.6.1(ii) Ballots will be cast in person at geographically balanced locations around the state, to be determined by the State Executive Committee.
4.1.6.1(iii) Voting shall be by signed ballot and a majority of members of the State Committee present shall be required to elect.
4.1.6.1(iv) For the purposes of the election of officers, “present” means physically present in one of the locations set for the election. Validly carried proxies shall count as being physically present in the person carrying the proxy. “Signed ballot” means the ballot shall be signed in person at the physical location set for the election. Proxy carriers shall sign the ballot in their own name.
4.1.6.2 The State Chair, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the State Committee (for “Executive Committee” see Article 6), shall make appointments to fill vacancies in the positions of the State Vice-Chairs, State Treasurer, and the State Secretary for the remainder of the unexpired term.
4.1.7 Duties. The State Officers shall have the following duties:
4.1.7.1 State Chair. The State Chair shall:
(i) Preside at all meetings of the State Committee and the Executive Committee.
(ii) Prepare a proposed agenda for each meeting of the State Committee.
(iii) In consultation with the Executive Committee, appoint the chair of all standing and special committees except as provided elsewhere in these Bylaws.
(iv) Appoint the legal counsel of the IDP with the approval of the Executive Committee.
(v) Employ and appoint all other full-time paid personnel with the approval of the Executive Committee; and
(vi) Perform such duties as may be assigned by the State Committee as well as those which are customarily delegated to the State Chair.
4.1.7.2 State Vice-Chairs. The State Vice-Chairs shall:
(i) In the absence of the State Chair, or the inability to act, the State First Vice-Chair may perform the duties of the State Chair with prior approval of the Executive Committee.
(ii) The State Vice-Chairs shall also discharge such other duties as the State Committee may assign.
4.1.7.3 State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall:
(i) Be the official custodian of all funds and securities of the State Committee of the IDP.
(ii) Maintain adequate records pertaining to the finances of the State Committee.
(iii) Pay all legal obligations and receive all monies of the State Committee.
(iv) Prepare and submit to the Executive and State Committee a financial report for inclusion within each meeting notice packet.
1. Perform such duties as may be assigned by the State Committee and such duties as are customarily delegated to the Office of Treasurer.
2. Serve as a member of the Finance and Compliance Committee.
4.1.7.4 State Secretary. The State Secretary shall:
(i) Record the minutes of all meetings of the State Committee and the meetings of the Executive Committee or designate a member of such committee to record minutes.
(ii) Consistent with these Bylaws and any rules adopted by the State Committee, prepare, and distribute to all members of the State Committee and the Executive Committee, the notice of and the proposed agenda for meetings.
(iii) Keep all records and minutes of the two Committees for at least seven years or as required by law.
(iv) Perform such duties as may be assigned by the Chair, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of State Secretary.
Section 4.2 Officers of the Legislative District Committees.
4.2.1 Designation of Officers. The officers of each legislative district (the “Legislative District Officers”) are:
4.2.1.1 The Legislative District Chair;
4.2.1.2 The vice-chair of the legislative district (the “Legislative District Vice-Chair”);
4.2.1.3 The secretary of the legislative district (the “Legislative District Secretary”); and
4.2.1.4 The treasurer of the legislative district (the “Legislative District Treasurer”).
4.2.2 Eligibility. Any legal resident of the state of Idaho who is neither a candidate for, nor incumbent in the office of United States Senator, United States Representative, or any position elected from the state at-large shall be eligible to be a Legislative District Officer.
4.2.3 Nomination and Elections.
4.2.3.1 The Legislative District Members for a legislative district shall elect the Legislative District Officers for that legislative district. If a person holds more than one office, they shall have only one vote, excluding validly held proxies.
4.2.3.2 The Legislative District Officers shall be nominated from the floor and elected at the organizational meeting of the Legislative District Committee. Voting shall be by roll call vote and a majority of the Legislative District Members present shall be required to elect each Legislative District Officer. The Legislative District Committee may adopt such run-off procedures as it deems appropriate.
4.2.4 Term of office. The Legislative District Officers shall be elected for terms of two (2) years, beginning immediately following the organizational meeting at which they are elected and ending when their successor takes office. The Legislative District Officers are not limited in the number of terms in office they may serve.
4.2.5 Removal. The Legislative District Officers may be removed by following the procedures set forth for removal of State Officers set forth in Section 4.1.5 with the exception that at least one-quarter of the Precinct Captains in the legislative district must sign the removal petition.
4.2.6 Vacancies.
4.2.6.1 In the event of a vacancy in the office of Legislative District Chair, the Legislative District Vice-Chair shall convene a meeting of the Legislative District Committee within thirty (30) days of the vacancy to elect a new Legislative District Chair. If the Legislative District Vice-Chair fails to complete the election or if the legislative district does not have a Legislative District Vice-Chair, the State Chair shall convene the meeting, and designate a person to conduct the meeting, within thirty (30) days of the vacancy, if feasible.
4.2.6.2 Following the vacancy in the position of Legislative District Chair, the Legislative District Vice-Chair shall serve as Legislative District Chair until such time as the Legislative District Committee shall elect a replacement.
4.2.6.3 In the event there is no Legislative District Committee (no Precinct Captains), the State Chair shall have the power to fill a vacancy immediately in the office of Legislative District Chair, provided the State Chair shall first obtain the approval of the Executive Committee, and shall convene an election of the Legislative District Committee within thirty (30) days of the appointment.
4.2.6.4 The Legislative District Chair shall fill vacancies in the other Legislative District Officer positions as they occur. The term of such appointments shall continue until the Legislative District Committee shall elect replacements, which shall occur no later than the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Legislative District Committee.
4.2.7 Duties. The legislative district committee officers shall perform the following duties:
4.2.7.1 Legislative District Chair. The Legislative District Chair shall:
4.2.7.1.1 Chair all Legislative District Committee meetings.
4.2.7.1.2 Prepare a proposed agenda for each meeting of the Legislative District Committee.
4.2.7.1.3 Perform such duties as may be assigned be assigned by the State Committee or its designees, or by the Legislative District Committee and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of Legislative District Chair.
4.2.7.2 Legislative District Vice-Chair. The Legislative District Vice-Chair shall:
4.2.7.2.1 Act as the Legislative District Chair at any meeting of the Legislative District Committee if the Legislative District Chair is absent.
4.2.7.2.2 Perform such duties as may be assigned by the Legislative District Committee, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of Legislative District Vice-Chair.
4.2.7.3 Legislative District Secretary. The Legislative District Secretary shall:
4.2.7.3.1 Record the minutes of all meetings of the Legislative District Committee or designate a member of such committee to record the minutes.
4.2.7.3.2 Consistent with these Bylaws and any rules adopted by the Legislative District Committee, prepare and distribute to all members of the Legislative District Committee, the notice of and the proposed agenda for meetings of the Legislative District Committee.
4.2.7.3.3 Keep all records and minutes of the Legislative District Committee for at least seven years or as required by law.
4.2.7.3.4 Perform such duties as may be assigned by the Legislative District Committee, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of Legislative District Secretary.
4.2.7.4 The Legislative District Treasurer shall:
4.2.7.4.1 Be the official custodian of all funds and securities of the Legislative District Committee.
4.2.7.4 .2 Maintain adequate records pertaining to the finances of the Legislative District Committee.
4.2.7.4.3 Pay all legal obligations and receive all monies of the Legislative District Committee.
4.2.7.4.4 Prepare and submit to the Legislative District Committee a financial report for each year within thirty (45) days of its closure.
4.2.7.4.5 Perform such duties as are customarily delegated to the Office of Treasurer.
Section 4.3 Officers of the County Committees.
4.3.1 Designation of Officers. The officers of each county (the “County Officers”) are:
4.3.1.1 The County Chair;
4.3.1.2 The vice-chair of the county (the “County Vice-Chair”); and
4.3.1.3 The secretary of the county (the “County Secretary”)
4.3.1.4 The state committeeman for the county (the “State Committeeman”)
4.3.1.5 The state committeewoman for the county (the “State Committeewoman”).
4.3.1.6 The treasurer of the county (the “County Treasurer”).
4.3.2 Eligibility. Any legal resident of the state of Idaho who is neither a candidate for, nor incumbent in the office of United States Senator, United States Representative, or any position elected from the state at-large, shall be eligible to be a County Officer.
4.3.3 Nomination and Elections.
4.3.3.1 The County Members for a County shall elect the County Officers for that County. If a person holds more than one office, they shall have only one vote, excluding validly held proxies.
4.3.3.2 The County Officers shall be nominated from the floor and elected at the organizational meeting of the County Committee. Voting shall be by roll call vote and a majority of the County Members present shall be required to elect each County Officer. The County Committee may adopt such run-off procedures as it deems appropriate.
4.3.4 Term of office. The officers shall be elected for terms of two (2) years beginning immediately following the organizational meeting at which they are elected and ending when their successor takes office. The County Officers are not limited in the number of terms in office they may serve.
4.3.5 Removal. The County Officers may be removed by following the procedures set forth for removal of State Officers set forth in Section 4.1.5 with the exception that at least one-quarter of the Precinct Captains in the County must sign the removal petition.
4.3.6 Vacancies.
4.3.6.1 In the event of a vacancy in the office of County Chair, the County Vice-Chair shall convene a meeting of the County Committee within thirty (30) days of the vacancy to elect a new County Chair. If the County Vice-Chair fails to complete the election or if the County does not have a County Vice-Chair, the State Chair shall convene the meeting, and designate a person to conduct the meeting, within thirty (30) days of the vacancy, if feasible.
4.3.6.2 Following the vacancy in the position of County Chair, the County Vice-Chair shall serve as County Chair until such time as the County Committee shall elect a replacement.
4.3.6.3 In the event there is no county committee (no Precinct Captains), the State Chair shall have the power to fill a vacancy immediately in the office of County Chair, provided the State Chair shall first obtain the approval of the Executive Committee, and shall convene an election of the County Committee within thirty (30) days of the appointment.
4.3.6.4 The County Chair shall fill vacancies in the other County Officer positions as they occur. The term of such appointments shall continue until the County Committee shall elect replacements, which shall occur no later than the next regularly scheduled meeting of the County Committee.
4.3.7 Duties. The County committee officers shall perform the following duties:
4.3.7.1 County Chair. The County Chair shall:
4.3.7.1.1 Chair all County Committee meetings.
4.3.7.1.2 Prepare a proposed agenda for each meeting of the County Committee.
4.3.7.1.3 Perform such duties as may be assigned be assigned by the State Committee or its designees, or by the County Committee, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of County Chair.
4.3.7.2 County Vice-Chair. The County Vice-Chair shall:
4.3.7.2.1 Act as the County Chair at any meeting of the County Committee if the County Chair is absent.
4.3.7.2.2 Perform such duties as may be assigned by the County Committee, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of County Vice-Chair.
4.3.7.3 County Secretary. The County Secretary shall:
4.3.7.3.1 Record the minutes of all meetings of the County Committee or designate a member of such committee to record the minutes.
4.3.7.3.2 Consistent with these Bylaws and any rules adopted by the County Committee, prepare and distribute to all members of the County Committee, the notice of and the proposed agenda for meetings of the County Committee.
4.3.7.3.3 Keep all records and minutes of the County Committee for at least seven years or as required by law.
4.3.7.3.4 Perform such duties as may be assigned by the County Committee, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of County Secretary.
4.3.7.4 The County Treasurer shall:
4.3.7.4.1 Be the official custodian of all funds and securities of the County Committee.
4.3.7.4.2 Maintain adequate records pertaining to the finances of the County Committee.
4.3.7.4.3 Pay all legal obligations and receive all monies of the County Committee.
4.3.7.4.4 Prepare and submit to the County Committee a financial report for each year within thirty (45) days of its closure.
4.3.7.4.5 Perform such duties as are customarily delegated to the Office of Treasurer.
4.3.7.5 State Committeeman and State Committeewoman. The State Committeeman and State Committeewoman shall:
4.3.7.5.1 Represent the County Committee on the State Committee;
4.3.7.5.2 Report to the County Committee regarding the activities of the State Committee.
4.3.7.5.3 Perform such duties as may be assigned by the State Committee or its designees, or by the County Committee, and such duties as are customarily delegated to the office of State Committeeman or State Committeewoman.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Section 5.1 Open Meetings.
All IDP meetings shall be open to the public. Party organizations may adopt reasonable rules to permit executive sessions to discuss election strategy and other sensitive matters.
Section 5.2 Meetings of the State Committee.
5.2.1 Regular Meetings. The State Chair shall designate the time and place of regular meetings of the State Committee.
5.2.2 Frequency of Meetings. The State Committee shall meet at least four (4) times each year, including at least two (2) in-person meetings. The State Committee shall hold an organizational meeting in conjunction with the Frank Church Banquet in each year following the legislative general election at which the State Officers are elected. The State Committee shall also meet at the IDP State Convention during legislative election years.
5.2.3 Special Meetings. The State Chair may call a special meeting of the State Committee at any time. In the State Chair’s absence or incapacity, the State Vice-Chair may call a special meeting. Any other State Officer may call a special meeting in the absence or incapacity of the State Chair and the State Vice-Chair. One-fourth (1/4) of the State Committee Members (not including vacant positions) may call a special meeting at any time.
5.2.4 Notice. The person or persons calling any meeting of the State Commit-tee shall notify the State Committee Members in writing at least fourteen (14) days in advance of such meeting of the date and time, place and the purpose for the meeting. Emergency meetings called upon shorter notice shall be deemed properly called if two-thirds (2/3) of the State Committee Members (not including vacant positions) are present or duly represented.
5.2.5 Quorum. One quarter (1/4) of the seated State Committee Members shall constitute a quorum for any regular or special meeting of the State Committee.
5.2.6 Agenda.
5.2.6.1 The person(s) calling the meeting shall prepare a proposed agenda and, where feasible, provide notice to the State Committee Members of the proposed agenda prior to each meeting. Proposals for additional items for the agenda or suggested changes shall be submitted to the Chair prior to the meeting. The first order of business of each meeting shall be the adoption of the agenda as amended, including such amendments as may be added from the floor by a majority of State Committee Members present.
5.2.6.2 Once adopted, the agenda shall govern the business conducted at the meeting, and matters not included on the agenda will not be considered, nor shall matters be considered in a different order than the adopted agenda, except by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting.
5.2.6.3 Except as expressly stated elsewhere in the bylaws (e.g., replacement of officers), no business may be transacted at a special meeting that is not discussed in the notice of the meeting.
5.2.7 Voting.
5.2.7.1 Only those State Committee Members, or their proxies, who are present at the State Committee Meeting, in person or by telephone, web link, or similar device, shall be eligible to vote on Committee business.
5.2.7.2 In the absence or incapacity of a County Chair or a Legislative District Chair, the Vice-Chair may attend a meeting of the State Committee and vote in place of the County Chair or Legislative District Chair.
5.2.7.3 Except as set forth in Section 5.2.7.2, any State Committee Member may vote by proxy at any meeting of the State Committee. Such proxy shall be in writing, shall identify the meeting in question by date and the person to whom the proxy is granted. State Committee Members may grant their proxies only to another person who resides in their legislative district or county, whichever is greater in population. No person shall carry more than two proxies to a State Committee meeting.
5.2.7.4 The State Chair shall not vote except to break a tie.
5.2.8 Minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and distributed by a person appointed by the State Chair.
Section 5.3 Meetings of the Legislative District Committee.
5.3.1 Regular Meetings. The Legislative District Chair shall designate the time and place of regular meetings of the Legislative District Committee.
5.3.2 Frequency of Meetings. The Legislative District Committee shall meet, at a minimum, within 11 days following the primary election at which Precinct Captains are elected (currently, this election occurs every two years in even-numbered years). This paragraph shall apply both to existing committees and to newly constituted committees. If the organizational meeting does not occur, fails for want of a quorum or includes any defect, the Legislative District Chair or the State Chair may reconvene the meeting at any time, and the subsequently completed meeting will be deemed to meet the requirements of these Bylaws and applicable law.
5.3.3 Special Meetings. The Legislative District Chair may call a special meeting of the Legislative District Committee at any time. In the Legislative District Chair’s absence or incapacity, the Legislative District Vice-Chair may call a special meeting. Any other Legislative District Officer may call a special meeting in the absence or incapacity of the Legislative District Chair and the Legislative District Vice-Chair. One-fourth (1/4) of the Legislative District Committee Members may call a special meeting at any time. Special meetings of the Legislative District Committee may be called on whatever timetable is practicable for the purpose of recommending candidates to fill vacancies in the State Legislature.
5.3.4 Notice. The person or persons calling any meeting of the Legislative District Committee shall notify the Legislative District Committee Members in writing at least fourteen (14) days in advance of such meeting of the date and time, place and the purpose for the meeting. Emergency meetings called upon shorter notice shall be deemed properly called if two-thirds (2/3) of the Legislative District Committee Members (not including vacant positions) are present or duly represented.
5.3.5 Quorum. One quarter (1/4) of the seated Legislative District Committee Members shall constitute a quorum for any regular or special meeting of the Legislative District Committee.
5.3.6 Agenda.
5.3.6.1 The person(s) calling the meeting shall prepare a proposed agenda and provide notice to the Legislative District Committee Members of the proposed agenda prior to each meeting. Proposals for additional items for the agenda or suggested changes shall be submitted to the Chair prior to the meeting. The first order of business of each meeting shall be the adoption of the agenda as amended, including such amendments as may be added from the floor by a majority of Legislative District Committee Members present.
5.3.6.2 Once adopted, the agenda shall govern the business conducted at the meeting, and matters not included on the agenda will not be considered, nor shall matters be considered in a different order than the adopted agenda, except by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting.
5.3.6.3 No business may be transacted at a special meeting that is not discussed in the notice of the meeting except to fill a vacancy that occurs after the call for a meeting.
5.3.7 Voting.
5.3.7.1 Only those Legislative District Committee Members and Officers, or their proxies, who are present at the Legislative District Committee Meeting, in person or by telephone, web link, or similar device, shall be eligible to vote on Committee business. Proxy holders may be other Precinct Captains or other Democrats residing in the legislative district.
5.3.7.2 Proxies must be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Legislative District Chair. Proxies may be held by other Legislative District Committee Members but no person may hold more than one proxy. Legislative District Committees may grant automatic proxies to vice-captains or persons holding similar positions.
5.3.7.3 The Legislative District Chair shall not vote except to break a tie.
5.3.8 Meetings to Fill Legislative Vacancies.
5.3.8.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, in the event a Legislative District Committee has the right to recommend candidates to fill a vacancy in the Idaho State Legislature, the Chair of the Legislative District Committee in which such vacancy exists shall call a meeting of the Legislative District Committee within (10) days or such other period as required by law. At least forty-eight (48) hours notice shall be provided, by telephone, e-mail or facsimile wherever practicable.
5.3.8.2 Except as set forth in this paragraph, the voting procedures of Section 5.3.7 shall apply. Only Precinct Captains shall have the right to nominate candidates. The Legislative District Committee shall nominate three candidates, each of whom shall be a Democrat and shall have the legal qualifications to serve in the Idaho Legislature. Each Precinct Captain shall have the right to vote for three (3) candidates in order of preference.
5.3.8.3 The Legislative District Chair shall submit the names of the three nominees to the Governor within two (2) days of their selection. The nominees shall be listed in order of preference.
5.3.8.4 In the event the Governor does not fill the vacancy within the time required by law, and unless the Legislative District Committee specifically takes other action, the Legislative District Committee shall be deemed to have selected the candidate who had the highest vote total at the Legislative District Committee meeting and the Legislative District Chair shall notify the governor and any other necessary persons of this selection.
Section 5.4 Meetings of the County Committee.
5.4.1 Regular Meetings. The County Chair shall designate the time and place of regular meetings of the County Committee.
5.4.2 Frequency of Meetings. The County Committee shall meet, at a minimum, within 10 days following the primary election at which Precinct Captains are elected (currently, this election occurs every two years in even-numbered years). This paragraph shall apply both to existing committees and to newly constituted committees. If the organizational meeting fails for want of a quorum or includes any defect, the County Chair or the State Chair, if the County Chair is unable to act, may reconvene the meeting at any time, and the subsequently completed meeting will be deemed to meet the requirements of these Bylaws and applicable law. County Committees are strongly encouraged to meet at least four (4) times a year.
5.4.3 Special Meetings. The County Chair may call a special meeting of the County Committee at any time. In the County Chair’s absence or incapacity, the County Vice-Chair may call a special meeting. Any other County Officer may call a special meeting in the absence or incapacity of the County Chair and the County Vice-Chair. One-fourth (1/4) of the County Committee Members may call a special meeting at any time. Special meetings of the County Committee may be called on whatever timetable is practicable for the purpose of recommending candidates to fill vacancies in county offices.
5.4.4 Notice. The person or persons calling any meeting of the County Committee shall notify the County Committee Members in writing at least fourteen (14) days in advance of such meeting of the date and time, place and the purpose for the meeting. Emergency meetings called upon shorter notice shall be deemed properly called if two-thirds (2/3) of the County Committee Members (not including vacant positions) are present or duly represented. Special meetings of the County Committee may be called on whatever notice is practicable for purposes of recommending candidates to fill vacancies in county offices.
5.4.5 Quorum. One quarter (1/4) of the seated County Committee Members shall constitute a quorum for any regular or special meeting of the County Committee.
5.4.6 Agenda.
5.4.6.1 The person(s) calling the meeting shall prepare a proposed agenda and provide notice to the County Committee Members of the proposed agenda prior to each meeting. Proposals for additional items for the agenda or suggested changes shall be submitted to the Chair prior to the meeting. The first order of business of each meeting shall be the adoption of the agenda as amended, including such amendments as may be added from the floor by a majority of County Committee Members present.
5.4.6.2 Once adopted, the agenda shall govern the business conducted at the meeting, and matters not included on the agenda will not be considered, nor shall matters be considered in a different order than the adopted agenda, except by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting.
5.4.6.3 No business may be transacted at a special meeting that is not discussed in the notice of the meeting, except to fill a vacancy that occurs after the call for the meeting.
5.4.7 Voting.
5.4.7.1 Only those County Committee Members and Officers, or their proxies, who are present at the County Committee Meeting, in person or by telephone, web link, or similar device, shall be eligible to vote on Committee business. Proxy holders may be other Precinct Captains or other Democrats residing in the county.
5.4.7.2 Proxies must be in a form reasonably acceptable to the County Chair. Proxies may be held by other County Committee Members but no person may hold more than one proxy.
5.4.7.3 The County Chair shall not vote except to break a tie.
5.4.8 Meetings for filling county commission vacancies.
5.4.8.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, in the event a County Committee has the right to recommend candidates to fill a vacancy in the county commission, the County Chair of the County Committee in which such vacancy exists shall call a meeting of the County Committee within (10) days or such other period as required by law. At least forty-eight (48) hours notice shall be provided, by telephone, e-mail or facsimile wherever practicable.
5.4.8.2 Except as set forth in this paragraph, the voting procedures of Section 5.4.7 shall apply. The County Central Committee shall have the right to nominate candidates. The County Central Committee shall nominate three candidates, each of whom shall be a Democrat and shall have the legal qualifications to serve as a county commissioner. Each member of the County Central Committee shall have the right to vote for three (3) candidates in order of preference.
5.4.8.3 The County Chair shall submit the names of the three nominees to the Governor within two (2) days of their selection. The nominees shall be listed in order of preference.
5.4.8.4 In the event the Governor does not fill the vacancy within the time required by law, and unless the County Committee specifically takes other action, the County Committee shall be deemed to have selected the candidate who had the highest vote total at the County Committee meeting and the County Chair shall notify the governor and any other necessary persons of this selection.
5.4.9 Meetings to Fill Other County Vacancies.
5.4.9.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, in the event a County Committee has the right to recommend candidates to fill a vacancy in any county office other than commissioner, including prosecuting attorney, treasurer, sheriff, coroner, assessor, auditor, clerk or clerk of the district court, the County Chair of the County Committee in which such vacancy exists shall call a meeting of the County Committee within (10) days or such other period as required by law. At least forty-eight (48) hours notice shall be provided, by telephone, e-mail or facsimile wherever practicable.
5.4.9.2 Except as set forth in this paragraph, the voting procedures of Section 5.4.7 shall apply. Only Precinct Captains shall have the right to nominate candidates. The County Committee shall nominate three candidates, each of whom shall be a Democrat and shall have the legal qualifications to serve in the office in which the vacancy exists. Each Precinct Captain shall have the right to vote for three (3) candidates in order of preference.
5.4.9.3 The County Chair shall submit the names of the three nominees to the board of county commissioners within two (2) days of their selection. The nominees shall be listed in order of preference.
5.4.9.4 In the event the board of county commissioners does not fill the vacancy within the time required by law, and unless the County Committee specifically takes other action, the County Committee shall be deemed to have selected the candidate who had the highest vote total at the County Committee meeting and the County Chair shall notify the board of county commissioners and any other necessary persons of this selection.
ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 6.1 Creation of Executive Committee.
It being necessary for the business of the State Committee to be carried on from month to month and the size and geographical distribution of the State Committee being such that frequent, regular meetings of the State Committee are impractical, an Executive Committee of the State Committee is hereby created.
Section 6.2 Powers.
The Executive Committee shall have the power to:
6.2.1 Act for the State Committee between regular meetings, provided the actions are submitted to the State Committee for ratification or rejection at its next meeting.
6.2.2 Carry forward the policies and programs of the Democratic National Committee and the IDP.
6.2.3 Make recommendations to the State Committee on budgetary and personnel matters and provide oversight for State Party expenditures.
Section 6.3 Membership.
6.3.1 Except as set forth in Section 6.4, the voting members of the Executive Committee (the “Executive Committee Members”) shall consist of the State Chair, State Vice-Chairs, State Treasurer, State Secretary, the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman, and eight State Committee Members from seven regions (the “Regional Representatives”) designated as follows:
Region I: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone (one representative).
Region II: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce (one representative).
Region III: Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington (one representative).
Regions IV: Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley (two representatives, one from Congressional District 1 and one from Congressional District 2).
Region V: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls (one representative).
Region VI: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power (one representative).
Region VII: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton (one representative).
6.3.2 Additionally, the State Chair may from time to time appoint non-voting, advisory members to the Executive Committee to reflect the views and interests of the various constituent groups of the IDP. Such members shall receive notice of all meetings of the Executive Committee and may participate in such meetings except as noted.
Section 6.4 Election of Members.
The Regional Representatives shall serve two year terms and shall be elected by the State Committee Members from their respective regions, with each State Committee Member receiving one vote. A State Committee Member’s region shall be determined by the location of his or her physical residence. The election shall be conducted in the same manner and at the same meeting as that of the State Chair.
6.4.1 Each State Committee Member may nominate Regional Representative candidates from his or her own region, and may nominate himself or herself. The State Chair may nominate Regional Representative candidates for any and all regions.
Section 6.5 Meetings and Telephone Conferences.
6.5.1 The Executive Committee shall meet to act for the State Central Committee when time does not permit a proper calling of a meeting of the Central Committee, provided the actions are submitted to the State Central Committee for endorsements or rejection at its next meeting.
6.5.2 The State Chair or his or her designee shall give notice in writing and by mail to all Executive Committee Members at least ten (10) days prior to the date of any Executive Committee meeting. Notice of telephone conferences shall be attempted by telephone at least twenty-four (24) hours before the conference. Any shorter notice shall need to be sanctioned by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at the meeting or during the telephone conference.
6.5.3 Five (5) Executive Committee Members may call a meeting of the Executive Committee by providing notice of such meeting, in writing, to each of the other members at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
Section 6.6 Quorum.
A majority of the voting members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum. Except for the Regional Representatives, a vacancy in any position on the Executive Committee shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.
Section 6.7 Proxies.
Proxies shall not be permitted for Executive Committee Members.
Section 6.8 Vacancies.
Any vacancy in a Regional Representative position on the Executive Committee shall be filled, in the first instance, by the State Chair, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Any such appointee must be a member of the State Committee from a county within the region experiencing the vacancy. The State Committee shall either confirm or reject the State Chair’s appointment at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 6.9 Removal.
Members of the Executive Committee serve at the pleasure of the State Committee and may be removed by a majority vote thereof at any properly called meeting of the State Committee.
ARTICLE VII – OTHER COMMITTEES
Section 7.1 Standing Committees.
The standing committees of the State Committee (the “Standing Committees”) shall be:
7.1.1 Membership and Fundraising Committee
7.1.2 Finance and Compliance Committee
7.1.3 Personnel Committee
7.1.4 Rules and Bylaws Committee
7.1.4.1 The Rules and Bylaws Committee shall act as the Committee on Convention Standing Rules and shall advise the State Chair and Convention Chair during State Conventions.
7.1.5 Convention Committees: (Convention Committees shall be active during convention years and at other times as deemed appropriate by the State Chair.)
7.1.5.1 Platform Committee
7.1.5.2 Credentials Committee
7.1.5.3 Program Committee
7.1.5.4 Standing Rules Committee (The Standing Committee on Rules and Bylaws shall act as the Standing Rules Committee during Conventions)
7.1.6 Campaign Committee(s): (Campaign Committees shall be active during campaign years and at other times as deemed appropriate by the State Chair. These committees may be one committee or two committees as designated by the State Chair.)
7.1.6.1 Coordinated Campaign Committee
7.1.6.2 Statewide Candidate Recruitment Committee
7.1.7 Communications Committee
7.1.8 Technology and Voter File Committee
7.1.5.5 Resolutions Committee (All Resolutions to be heard by the IDP shall first be heard by the Committee. Any Resolution not recommended to the body by the Resolutions committee may be advanced from the Committee with a 2/3 vote of the body)
7.1.9 Ethical Practices Committee
Section 7.2 Duties of Standing Committees.
The State Chair or his or her designee shall, in consultation with the Executive Committee, designate the objectives and duties of the Standing Committee to the committee chair in writing. No Standing Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the State Committee unless the State Committee expressly grants such power in writing.
Section 7.3 Additional Standing Committees and Special Committees.
7.3.1 The State Committee may create additional Standing Committees as it deems appropriate by majority vote of the State Committee Members present at any meeting of the State Committee.
7.3.2 The State Chair may appoint special committees to address issues not otherwise addressed by the standing committees and may limit the duration of the committee’s operation.
Section 7.4 Committee Chairs and Membership.
7.4.1 The State Chair shall appoint all Standing Committee and Special Committee chairs, in consultation with the Executive Committee. Committee Chairs shall serve at the discretion of the State Chair.
7.4.2 The State Chair shall appoint all members of all Standing Committees and Special Committees, in consultation with the appointed Committee Chair. Membership in Standing Committees shall be as geographically representative as is reasonable. Term of membership in all Standing and Special Committees shall be at the discretion of the State Chair.
7.4.3 A committee chair shall have the same powers within the committee as the State Chair has within the State Committee, including the right to vote on all matters before the committee.
7.4.4 Reporting Procedures: All Standing Committee chairs or their designees shall report on behalf of the committee to the State Committee during the meeting of the State Committee at the Frank Church Banquet and at any other State Committee meeting when requested by the State Chair. The form of the report shall be designated by the State Chair. The State Chair may request that the Committee Chair or designee report from time to time to the Executive Committee to provide information important to decision making of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VIII – DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Section 8.1 DNC Affiliate.
The IDP shall serve as the affiliate of the DNC for the State of Idaho.
Section 8.2 Idaho Members of DNC.
The State Chair, next highest officer of the State Committee of a gender different than that of the State Chair (failing that, a member of the State Committee satisfying the gender requirement elected by that body specifically for this purpose), and a gender-balanced group of National Committeemen and National Committeewomen elected to fill such additional slots as allocated by the DNC, shall serve as members of the DNC as provided by the National Charter.
Section 8.3 Election of National Committeeman/Committeewoman.
The National Committeeman and National Committeewoman shall be elected at the State Democratic Convention in presidential election years by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting. Such members shall serve for a term of four (4) years; this term of office shall commence at the next quadrennial reorganization meeting of the DNC.
Section 8.4 Vacancies.
In the event that a vacancy should occur in the office of a National Committeeman or National Committeewoman, the State Chair shall within sixty (60) days call a meeting of the State Committee at which time a new National Committeeman or National Committeewoman, as the case may be, shall be appointed by the State Committee until a successor can be duly elected at the next State Democratic Convention
Section 8.5 Duties.
The duties of National Committeeman and National Committeewoman shall be as provided by the National Charter. In addition, they may be asked to undertake such other duties as the State Committee may designate, the acceptance of which is solely at their individual discretion.
Section 8.6 Election of National Delegates.
The IDP shall participate in the election of delegates to the Democratic National Convention in accordance with the IDP’s delegate selection plan approved by the DNC.
ARTICLE IX – CONVENTIONS
Section 9.1 Call.
The State Chair, acting on the recommendations of the State Committee, shall call the State Democratic Convention (“State Convention”) each legislative election year during the month of June. The purpose of the State Convention shall be:
9.1.1 Adopt a platform for the IDP.
9.1.2 In the year of Presidential elections:
9.1.2.1 Elect delegates to the Democratic National Convention in the manner prescribed by DNC rules.
9.1.2.2 Elect National Committeeman and National Committeewoman pursuant to sections 8.2 and 8.3 of these Bylaws.
9.1.2.3 Ratify the selection of Presidential electors nominated by the State Chair; in the event that one or more such electors are rejected by a majority of the State Convention delegates, the State Chair shall nominate for ratification new electors to fill any such slots until all elector positions are filled.
9.1.2.4 Perform other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Committee and consistent with the National Charter, applicable law, and these Bylaws.
Section 9.2 Delegate Selection Procedure.
The procedures for selecting delegates to the State Convention shall be determined by the State Committee but must be consistent with the National Charter, applicable law, these Bylaws and a delegate selection plan/convention call if applicable. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention shall be elected in accordance with the applicable DNC delegate selection plan.
9.2.1 Delegations. Delegates selected to the State Convention shall be proportionally apportioned among various geographic-region delegations by a formula chosen by the State Committee that may factor in the population of each region and the most recent vote totals for the Democratic Gubernatorial and/or Presidential candidates within each region.
9.2.2 Delegation Regions Defined. For any county contained wholly within the boundaries of a single Congressional District, that County shall constitute a Delegation Region. For any county divided among Congressional Districts, each geographic subdivision uniquely determined by the combination of County and Congressional District shall constitute a Delegation Region.
9.2.3 Eligibility to Serve as Delegate. Any person who is a registered Democrat in the state of Idaho at the time of the subsequent Legislative Election, and who resides in a Delegation Region at the time of selection, may serve as a State Convention Delegate from that region.
9.2.4 Ex-Officio Delegates. The following persons are automatically ex-officio voting delegates to the State Convention: State Committee members, members of the DNC from Idaho (whether elected under these Bylaws or otherwise so designated), any Democratic Idaho State Senator, any Democratic Idaho State Representative, any Democratic Idaho U.S. Senator, any Democratic Idaho U.S. Congressman, Democratic statewide elected officials. These members shall be added on as a part of their respective delegations, but shall not be replaced with alternates in their absence.
9.2.5 Delegation Chair. Prior to the State Convention, each Delegation shall elect from among its ranks a Delegation Chair, to perform whatever administrative duties are so assigned under the rules of that Convention.
Section 9.3 General Provisions.
9.3.1 Any contested election held during the State Convention or any delegate-selection process thereto shall be conducted by signed written ballot. Pursuant to the National Charter, secret ballots are explicitly prohibited at any step in the Convention process.
9.3.2 The State Chair, his or her successors, and their respective staff, shall ensure that ballots are preserved for a reasonable period of time not less than five years after the Convention concludes.
9.3.3 No mandatory fee may be imposed upon any delegate for the privilege of attending and voting at the State Convention or any step of the delegate-selection process.
9.3.4 The State Convention, and any caucuses or committee hearings therein, shall be an open meeting to which the media is explicitly permitted and invited to attend and report upon.
9.3.5 The use of the Unit Rule regarding the voting practices of any delegation is explicitly prohibited.
9.3.6 Minority Reports. Upon the vote of 25% of the members of any State Convention committee, a minority report shall be prepared and presented to the convention as a whole, either by way of amendment or as a substitute for a majority report.
9.3.7 Petition Requirements. A petition signed by 25% of the Delegates attending a Convention shall automatically place a specified item of business, for which there is not already a specified process, on that Convention’s agenda. Such petition must be submitted on forms prescribed by the State Chair, and each State Delegate’s signature must be accompanied by a printed name, delegation, and County identifier.
9.3.8 Proxy Voting. Delegates may assign a signed proxy to another member of their delegation provided no alternate from that delegation remains available to take that delegate’s spot. When an alternate is not available, proxies may be assigned pursuant to the provisions of such proxy votes in the State Convention rules.
9.3.9 Location. The location of the State Convention shall be at the discretion of the State Committee.
9.3.10 Conclusion of Business. Convention Business will be concluded at a reasonable time each day, at the discretion of the Convention Chair.
Section 9.4 Convention Orders.
9.4.1 Convening and Temporary Roll. The State Chair, acting as Temporary Chair of the State Convention, shall convene and call-to-order the State Convention at the predetermined time and location specified under the Call for same. Immediately thereafter, the Credentials Committee shall submit to the Convention for ratification a preliminary report establishing a temporary roll for same.
9.4.2 Permanent Chair. Subsequent to the establishment of the temporary roll of the Convention, the Temporary Chair shall open the floor for nominations for the election of a Permanent Chair for the Convention. Subsequent to the election of a Permanent Chair, that Chair shall announce the times and location of subsequent Convention committee hearings, and then commence any Opening Ceremonies that have been scheduled. A recess may then be in order to provide for those committee hearings and any other events that may have been scheduled.
9.4.3 Committee Reports. No earlier than noon local time on the first-scheduled “full” day of the State Convention, the State Convention shall be called back into order to receive, in order, the reports of the:
9.4.3.1 Rules and Bylaws Committee, regarding the rules and any delegate-selection-plan-related issues (if appropriate).
9.4.3.2 Credentials Committee, to establish the permanent roll of the State Convention.
9.4.3.3 Platform Committee, to present a draft platform for debate and subsequent ratification.
9.4.3.4 Resolutions Committee, to review and present proposed Resolutions for debate and adoption.
9.4.4 Non-Presidential-Election Years. In a year without a Presidential election, subsequent to the ratification of the platform, the Permanent Chair shall call upon the State Convention for whatever other business has been delegated to it by the State Committee; following that, any closing ceremonies and then adjournment would be in order.
9.4.5 Delegate Selection. Following the ratification of the platform, the Permanent Chair shall recess the State Convention that the delegates may reconvene in their appropriate geographic-and-preference caucuses for the election of the delegates so-apportioned to the Democratic National Convention.
9.4.6 At-Large Delegate Selection. Once the delegate selection caucuses have adjourned, the Permanent Chair shall re-convene the Convention for the purpose of electing any National Convention delegates apportioned to the convention at-large.
9.4.7 National Committee Selection. Once the National Convention delegate selection has been completed, the State Convention shall proceed to the election of Democratic National Committeeman and Committeewoman as provided for in sections 8.2 and 8.3 of these Bylaws.
9.4.8 Presidential Electors. Following the completion of the election of National Committeeman and National Committeewoman, the State Convention shall proceed to the ratification process for Presidential electors identified in section 9.1.2.3 of these Bylaws.
9.4.9 Presidential-Election Years. In a year with a Presidential election, subsequent to the ratification of the Presidential Electors, the Permanent Chair shall call upon the State Convention for whatever other business has been delegated to it by the State Committee; following that, any closing ceremonies and then adjournment would be in order.
ARTICLE X – SPECIAL GROUPS
Section 10.1 – Special Groups
The State Central Committee may grant official recognition to a statewide group of Democrats sharing demographic or similar identifying factors. These groups are meant to encourage people with similar interests to be active in supporting the Democratic Party’s mission. The purpose of granting official recognition is to enable increased participation in the policy decisions and the outreach programs of the IDP.
Recognition is subject to the following provisions:
10.1.1 A group must present a proposal and a draft mission statement for approval by the Executive Committee.
10.1.2 Group bylaws must be submitted for approval to the IDP through the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the IDP.
10.1.3 After approval of the Executive Committee, the proposed group must obtain the signatures of at least 20 percent of the membership of the State Central Committee. The signatures must be submitted to the Rules and Bylaws Committee along with the proposed bylaws of the group.
10.1.4 The Rules and Bylaws Committee reviews the bylaws of prospective special group to ensure those Bylaws meet the goals and bylaws of the IDP. The committee may recommend approval of the group to the State Central Committee.
10.1.5 To achieve official recognition, the group must be approved by the State Central Committee within a year of the recognition process.
10.1.6 Each group is responsible for complying with any state regulations and financial requirements and is responsible for its own compliance requirements.
10.1.7 Official recognition of a group extends until the State Central Committee votes to remove recognition.
10.1.8 The group must demonstrate it has at least 10 active members.
10.1.9 Membership and full voting rights in an officially recognized group is open to all registered Democrats who meet the membership requirements.
10.1.10 Group Bylaws must include a statement declaring that the group will support only Democratic elected officials and Democratic nominees in partisan races.
10.1.11 Failure to comply may result in a vote by the State Central Committee to remove recognition of the Group. If recognition of the Group is removed, the Group may reapply for recognition through the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE XI – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY AND INTERPRETATION
Section 11.1 Rules and Guidelines.
The rules contained in the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the IDP in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws, applicable law, and any special rules the IDP shall adopt.
Section 11.2 Parliamentarian.
The State Chair shall have the authority to appoint a parliamentarian to serve at the Executive Committee, State Committee and other designated meetings.
Section 11.3 Interpretation.
11.3.1 The term “in writing” shall include e-mail, facsimile and other methods of electronic transmission, where appropriate.
11.3.2 These Bylaws shall be interpreted liberally to achieve their stated and intended purposes.
ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS
Section 12.1 Amendments.
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the State Committee, provided that:
12.1.1 The proposed amendment has been reviewed and given a recommendation for its disposition by the Rules and Bylaws Committee.
12.1.2 A copy of the proposed amendment, together with the portion of the bylaws it would change, has been sent to each State Committee Member not less than (10) days prior to the meeting, and
12.1.2.1 “Sent” is defined as: mailed, received and acknowledged by phone or by e-mail, e-mailed and acknowledged, served in person at a meeting or at another place by someone designated by the State Chair or Rules and Bylaws Committee.
12.1.3 The proposed amendment shall be favored by a two-thirds vote of members present.
12.1.4 Any change under Idaho state law that changes the legislative districts or names or numbers of counties within the State of Idaho shall constitute an administrative change to the bylaws and shall be incorporated into these Bylaws immediately upon adoption by the Idaho State Legislature and shall not require an amendment of these Bylaws by the State Committee.
