By Laws, Minutes and Handbook

THE PURPOSE OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

To promote individual freedom in the framework of a just society
To promote political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens
To afford all members of the Democratic Party full, timely, and equal opportunity to participate in decisions concerning the selection of candidates, the formulation of policy, and the conduct of other Party affairs
To promote fair campaign practices and the fair adjudication of disputes
To promote democratic government, social justice, and economic opportunity for all citizens
To promote and elect the nominees of the Party for local, state, and national office
To act as the official voice for the Democratic Party in Montgomery County on all questions of public policy; and
To promote open and free elections.

BY-LAWS OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Objectives – The purpose of the Committee shall be to act as thegoverning body of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County, Maryland. This committee shall have full power and authority to act in respect to all matters pertaining to the organization, maintenance, conduct, affairs and interests of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County, Maryland. It shall be the responsibility of this organization to promote, establish and conduct political campaigns in Montgomery County, Maryland for the nominees of the Democratic Party and to act as the official spokesman for the Democratic Party in this County on all questions of public policy.

BY-LAWS OF
THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE as of October 14, 2014

ARTICLE I

Section 1. Name:

The name of this organization shall be the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, hereafter referred to as the Committee.

ARTICLE II

Section 1. Objectives:

The purpose of the Committee shall be to act as the governing body of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County, Maryland. This committee shall have full power and authority to act in respect to all matters pertaining to the organization, maintenance, conduct, affairs and interests of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County, Maryland. It shall be the responsibility of this organization to promote, establish and conduct political campaigns in Montgomery County, Maryland for the nominees of the Democratic Party and to act as the official spokesman for the Democratic Party in this County on all questions of public policy.

ARTICLE III

Section 1. Membership:

This committee shall consist of members of the Democratic Party, elected as provided by law in the Election Laws of the State of Maryland.

(a). Gender Balance Members. In addition to the members who are elected in the Democratic primary and those who are selected by this Committee to replace elected members, whenever there is an unequal number of female and male members, this Committee will select sufficient gender balance members so as to make its membership equally divided between women and men. The manner of selection, ability to speak, make and second motions, vote, and hole office, and replacement of gender balance members will be defined in the Rules section of the Montgomery County Central Committee Handbook.

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ARTICLE IV

Section 1. Officers:

Officers of the Committee shall be elected from its membership and shall be a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer elected by a majority of the full membership.

Section 2. Election of Officers:

Beginning September 1, 1998, officers will be elected at the meeting of the Committee to be convened at the permanent party headquarters on (1) the first Tuesday after the Gubernatorial Primary Election following the date of certification of election of all voting members of the Committee and (2) the second Tuesday in December following the Presidential General Election. The officers will assume duty immediately and serve until their successors are elected and qualified. Any officers

total membership of the Committee, taken at a meeting specifically called for such purpose upon not less than ten (10) days notice.

Section 3. Vacancies:

Vacancies in any office or by any member of the committee caused by death, resignation or other reason shall be filled by the committee within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the vacancy and following due note to the members. Resignations will take effect upon their acceptance by the Committee.

ARTICLE V

Section 1. Duties of the Chair:

The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Committee, preserve order during the deliberations, appoint sub-committees with the consent of the Committee and serve as ex-officio member of such sub-committees and sign appropriate documents in connection with the work of the Committee. In addition, he shall have other powers and duties as may be granted to the Chair from time to time by resolution of the Committee.

Section 2. Duties of the Vice Chair:

The Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the Chair’s absence, and shall serve as Acting Chair in the event of a vacancy in the office of Chair, until such

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rd
of the Committee may be relieved of their duties by a two-third (2/3 ) vote of the

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time as a new Chair is elected.

Section 3. Duties of the Secretary (and in the Secretary’s absence, the Assistant Secretary):

The Secretary shall have charge of all books, papers, records, and other documents of the Committee, shall compile statistics and other data as may be required for the use of the members of the Committee and shall perform other duties as may be directed by the Committee. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings of the Committee and as promptly as possible mail same to each member of the Committee. All records shall be maintained at the permanent office of the Committee.

Section 4. Duties of the Treasurer (and in the Treasurer’s absence, the Assistant Treasurer):

The Treasurer shall keep accounts of all monies the Committee receives and disburses and shall deposit all monies and valuables in the name and to the credit of the Committee in such banks and depositories as the Committee shall designate by appropriate resolution. The Treasurer shall provide a surety bond in the amount of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the cost of the bond to be borne by the Committee. The Treasurer shall submit a financial report at all regular meetings of the Committee. The Treasurer shall prepare and present an annual budget to the Committee. All expenditures shall be authorized by the Treasurer and shall be paid upon presentation of receipted bills or vouchers.

ARTICLE VI

Section 1. Finances:

The Committee shall have authority to raise funds as necessary for the implementation of the budget of the Committee.

Section 2. Audit:

An annual audit shall be conducted by an accountant who is not a member of the committee. The results of this audit shall be available at the June meeting of the committee.

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ARTICLE VII

Section 1. Meetings:

Meetings of the Committee shall be held not less than ten (10) times in each calendar year. The Chair shall call all regular or statutory meetings. In the event of his neglect, failure or refusal, the Vice Chair of Secretary shall call such regular or statutory meetings.

Section 2.

Emergency or special meetings may be called by the Chair or a majority of the Committee.

Section 3.

Notice of the time and place of any meeting shall be mailed, postage prepaid, with a copy of proposed agenda to each member of the Committee at least three (3) days prior to such meeting; provided that in case of emergency any reasonable notice shall be sufficient.

Section 4.
Any action within the power of the Committee may be taken at any regular meeting.

Section 5. Quorum:

A majority of the members of this organization in person shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If, at any meeting of this organization, or a committee thereof, a quorum is not present, those present may recess from time to time until a quorum shall be present.

Section 6.

Voting shall be in person or by proxy. All proxies shall be in writing, dated, signed by the proxy giver, and designate the person by whom the proxy is to be cast. All proxies shall set forth the specific issue upon which it is to be voted and the nature of the vote. Such proxies shall be valid only for the meeting next following the date of the proxy.

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Section 7.

The following order of business shall be observed at all meetings as far as applicable:

a) Roll call.
b) Reading, correction, and approval of Minutes of previous meeting. c) Reports of Officers and Committees.
d) Unfinished business.
e) New business.

Section 8.

A two thirds majority of those voting shall be required for adoption of the official Democratic Party positions on ballot questions and marking of the official sample ballot.

Section 9.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the Committee in all cases in which they are not inconsistent with these by-laws or any special rules of order the Committee may adopt.

ARTICLE VIII

Section 1. Headquarters:

The Committee shall establish and maintain a permanent party headquarters, the site to be determined by the Committee. This headquarters shall be staffed as deemed necessary by the Committee in order to provide the necessary services for efficient governing of the Democratic Party.

Section 2. Staff:

The Committee may employ a full time executive secretary and or such other staff as the Committee shall deem necessary, and who shall perform such duties as are assigned to him. No member of the staff of the Committee shall be permitted to participate in any Democratic Party primary on behalf of any candidate or slate of candidates.

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ARTICLE IX

Section 1.
The Chair shall appoint such standing committees as may be deemed necessary.

Section 2. Appointment of Standing Committees:

The Chair shall name the membership on all standing committees and will designate the member who will be chair. Membership on standing committees need not be restricted to members of the Democratic Central Committee.

ARTICLE X

Section 1. Amendments:

These By-Laws may be amended in the following manner: by resolution submitted to a regular meeting of the Committee and acted upon at the next meeting of the Committee by a favorable two-thirds (2/3) vote of the total membership, notice to be given to the members of the Committee in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting of the final voting upon the proposed amendment and a copy of the amendment must be sent along with the meeting notice to each member of the Committee.

ARTICLE XI

In addition to the seats on the Central Committee provided for elsewhere in these By-Laws, there shall be two seats on the Central Committee which shall be filled in the same manner as vacancies on the Central Committee are filled, provided that the occupants of these two additional seats are to be students and are to be of opposite genders.

The Chair of the Central Committee will appoint one of the two student members as the Chair of the Student Volunteer Mobilization Committee and will appoint the other student member as the Chair of the Student Club Organizing Committee. The Chair of the Central Committee will also appoint one member of the Central Committee to serve as the Vice Chair of the Student Volunteer Mobilization Committee and one member of the Central Committee to serve as the Vice Chair of the Student Club Organizing Committee.

The Central Committee may, by rule, set additional qualifications and responsibilities for the student members, set the length of office of the student members, and set the responsibilities of the Student Volunteer Mobilization Committee and the Student Club Organizing Committee. The student members of the Central Committee are entitled to all

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rights and privileges of voting members of the Central Committee and are subject to all of the same responsibilities as voting members of the Central Committee, except that they (1) are not entitled to vote at meetings of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee or of the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee, and (2) are not required to attend the meetings of the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee.

ARTICLE XII

Section 1. Attendance:

Any member of the Central Committee who fails to attend (for whatever reason) a majority of the Central Committee meetings during a twelve month period will be deemed to have resigned and their resignation automatically accepted. Submission of a proxy does not constitute attendance for these purposes.

If military service prevents a Central Committee member from attending Central Committee meeting(s), absences from up to four County Central Committee meeting and/or absence from one State Central Committee meeting within a twelvemonth period will not be counted as absences under the attendance requirement set forth in the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Bylaws, Article XII, Section 1.

Section 2. Secretary’s Report:

At each meeting of the Central Committee, the Secretary will present a report indicating the number of absences during the last twelve month period for each member of the Central Committee. In the event that a member is resigned pursuant to section 1, the Secretary will promptly notify the member and the Secretary and Executive Director of the Maryland State Democratic Party.

Section 3. Definitions: For purposes of sections 1 and 2:

  1. (a)  “Member of the Central Committee” includes all members of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, whether they are voting members or non-voting members, including (1) those members of the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee selected by the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee for gender balance and (2) the student member of the Central Committee provided for in Article XI of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee By-Laws.
  2. (b)  “Central Committee Meetings” includes all regular and special meetings of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee held on or after July 1,Page 7 of 8

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1997, and all meetings of the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee held on or after July 1, 1997.

ARTICLE XIII

The Secretary will maintain a current and correct compilation of the governing documents of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (including the By-Laws of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee; the Rules Governing Qualifications, Elections and Meetings of Democratic Precinct Officials of Montgomery County, Maryland; and the standing rules of the Central Committee). The Secretary will publish a copy of this compilation as the Rules section of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Handbook. The Rules section of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Handbook will constitute the “Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee” for purposes of the Maryland Elections Code. Within thirty days after the adoption of any change to these documents, the Secretary will transmit appropriate replacement pages of the Handbook to (1) each member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, (2) the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee, (3) the Maryland State Board of Elections, and (4) the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Notwithstanding this policy, the failure of replacement pages to be properly distributed shall not invalidate or suspend the operation of any amendment to the governing documents of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (or any new governing document) that has otherwise been properly adopted.

EFFECTIVE DATE

These By-Laws shall go into effect and become effective immediately upon their adoption, said date being 9/6/67. [Amended 3/12/75, 4/26/78, 4/11/95, 7/9/96, 5/13/97, 1/13/98, 5/11/99, 7/13/99, 10/14/2014.]

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Summary of Parliamentary Procedure from Robert’s Rules of Order

designed for MCDCC (Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee)

prepared by Paul M. Bessel, revised August 1, 2014

The following is a summary of basic rules of parliamentary procedure, based on Roberts’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 11th edition, 2011, which is the latest edition, and which is abbreviated as RONR. Please remember, though, that all summaries are simplified and every parliamentary procedure rule has complications and exceptions.

1. Purpose

The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to help a group conduct business in an orderly and dignified manner, balancing the rights of the majority and the minority. All parliamentary procedure rules should be interpreted with this in mind.

2. Quorum

quorum is needed before a group can take official actions. A quorum is usually a majority unless the bylaws provide otherwise. (The MCDCC Bylaws say a quorum is a majority of the membership, meaning 13.) If a quorum is lost at any time in the meeting, the presiding officer or anyone else can point that out and no business can be conducted until a quorum is again present. Even if no one mentions the absence of a quorum, any business done without a quorum present is null and void.

3. Make a motion

If you want the organization or committee to take a position or set a policy on a subject, you should make a motion. To make a motion, you should first raise your hand to be recognized, wait to be recognized by the presiding officer, and if and when you are called on by the presiding officer, say “I move that ………..”

4. Explain

If a motion is not absolutely clear to everyone, the presiding officer should ask the maker of the motion of the motion to explain exactly what he or she is intending.

5. Second the motion

If you feel a motion is entitled to be discussed, you should second the motion. To do this you can just yell out (without being called on) “I second that motion.” You can “second” a motion even if you don’t support it but you just want it to be discussed. The seconder’s name should never be mentioned or recorded anywhere, as the name of the seconder is irrelevant; all that matters is that a motion was seconded.

6. State the motion

After a motion is made and seconded, the presiding officer should state the motion by saying: “A motion has been made and seconded that (and then repeat the motion in its entirety).” The presiding officer should then offer the person who made the motion the opportunity to give reasons in favor of the motion, and then ask if others wish to speak about the motion, calling on each one who so requests.

7. Withdraw or change a motion

After a motion has been opened for discussion, anyone who wants to withdraw or change that motion can ask for unanimous consent to do that. However, if anyone says “objection” the motion is not withdrawn or changed and that can only be done by making a motion to do so. The person who made the motion, and especially the “seconder” should never be consulted as they have no special rights about whether or not a motion should be withdrawn or changed.

8. Debate or discussion

 

Debate or discussion must be germane, meaning it must be about the merits of the motion on the floor, and must never involve personal attacks or references to alleged motives of anyone else. The presiding officer must stop anyone from making personal attacks even if that means cutting someone off in mid-sentence. The presiding officer should not participate in discussion in any way that would detract from his or her impartiality. If the presiding office realizes he or she would be seen as not being impartial on an issue, or if he or she wishes to speak on an issue, another should be chosen as presiding officer, at least for that portion of the meeting.

9. Speaking

Each person can speak only twice on any specific motion or topic, for a maximum of ten minutes.

10. Ending debate or discussion

 

Debate is ended when everyone who wants to speak has spoken twice, or when the schedule calls for moving to another topic, or if someone is recognized by the presiding officer and says “I move the previous question” or “I move to end debate on this motion and proceed to vote.” If someone yells “call the question” the chair should say that is “out of order” and proceed as if nothing had been said. If someone is recognized and “moves the previous question,” and if someone seconds that motion, the presiding officer should call for a vote on whether to immediately end discussion. There is no debate and a vote is required to adopt this.

11. Voting

In voting, the chair should first repeat the motion in its entirety, then ask those in favor to say “Aye” or to raise their hand, or to stand. The chair, or, preferably someone appointed by the chair, should then count the number voting in favor, and then say, “Hands down.” The chair should then ask those opposed to say “No” or to raise their hand or to stand, and they are counted. The chair should never ask who abstains or allow those who are abstaining to identify themselves in any way. Abstentions don’t count or matter in any way. Someone who has a conflict of interest should not ask to be recorded as abstaining but instead should state for the record that he or she has a conflict and will not participate in any way in the consideration or vote on that issue. If the presiding officer’s vote will change the result by creating or braking a tie or achieving or not achieving a vote, the presiding officer can vote. If there is a secret ballot vote, the presiding officer can always vote.

12 Announce the decision

After determining how many have voted for and against the motion, the chair must announce the decision, saying, “There are X votes in favor and Y votes opposed,” and then say, “The motion has been adopted” or “The motion has been defeated.” The presiding officer should briefly describe the effect of the vote, and then move to the next agenda item.

13. Amend

If you feel a motion should be altered, you can “move to amend.” Those who oppose a motion have the right to move to amend it. Proposed amendments must be germane (closely related to or bearing on the same subject). However, amendments that would cause the motion to have a different effect or change the spirit of the motion, such as a substitute motion, are permitted.

14. Refer to a committee

If you feel a motion needs detailed changes or more information or study, you can “Move to refer the motion to a committee” and state which committee or ask that a special committee be established for this purpose. This procedural motion is debatable, can be amended (such as suggesting a different committee to consider the issue), and requires a majority vote to be adopted. The motion to refer to a committee can also include specific instructions on how the committee should handle the issue and when it must report.

15. Postpone

If you feel it would be helpful if a motion is considered at a later time in the same meeting or at the next meeting, you can “move to postpone” until a certain time stated in the motion to postpone (such as the next meeting). This procedural motion is debatable, can be amended, and usually requires a majority vote.

16. Table

If you feel it would be helpful to temporarily put off an issue to, for example, allow a speaker who has arrived to talk, you can “move to lay the motion on the table.” This procedural motion is not debatable and requires a majority vote to be adopted. This motion is often misused or misunderstood. It is out of order if the intent is to postpone a topic to a specific time, to refer to a committee, or to kill a motion. The motion to lay on the table should hardly ever be used. In fact, the word “table” should almost never be used in parliamentary discussion because it is very confusing. Instead, you should use terms such as “refer to a committee” or “postpone to a definite time (such as the next meeting).”

17. Limit debate

If you feel it would be useful to limit debate, you can “move to limit debate” to a certain amount of time, or a certain number of speakers. This procedural motion is not debatable and requires a vote to be adopted.

18. Change something previously voted on

If you feel it would be helpful to change something previously voted on, you can “move to amend a previously adopted motion” or to “rescind” a motion that was adopted before. These procedural motions are debatable and usually require a vote.

19. Reconsider

If you want to change the vote on a motion considered that day, you can “move to reconsider.” The person making this motion must have voted with the winning side when the motion was adopted or defeated. This procedural motion is usually debatable and requires a majority vote to be adopted. It is out of order to make this motion more than once on a particular subject.

20. Suspend the rules

If you feel the group should do something that is usually not permitted by Robert’s Rules of Order, you can “move to suspend the rules” and state exactly what you want the group to be permitted to do. This is not debatable and requires a vote. This motion should only be considered in unusual cases, and is out of order if it would violate any provisions of the bylaws.

21. Point of order

In you think the bylaws or parliamentary procedures rules are being violated by anyone, you can yell out “point of order.” The presiding officer must call on you to explain you point of order, and then give a ruling or refer it to the group for a vote. If the presiding officer issues a ruling and you disagree strongly with that ruling, you can “appeal the ruling of the chair” by making a motion to do that. This procedural motion is usually debatable and requires one more than a majority to reverse the decision of the Chair. You cannot use a “point of order” if you disagree with what someone said or feel you have been insulted. It is only permissible if you feel the rules in Robert’s or the bylaws are being violated.

22. Point of information

If you have a question about parliamentary procedure or anything else, you can ask to be recognized and make a “point of information” and ask your question. There is no such thing as a “point of clarification;” if you want to clarify something, you must ask to be recognized during discussion.

23. Point of personal privilege

If you feel someone has said or done something that accuses you or someone else of doing something wrong, you can make a “point of personal privilege” and state what you feel was said or done and what you would like done in response, such as an apology. 

24. Committees or small boards

In small boards or committees, where there are no more than a dozen members, the rules are more informal. The chair of the small board or committee can make motions and participate in debates. Motions need not be seconded and motions to limit debate are not allowed. When a committee’s report contains recommendations for its parent body to adopt, a motion to approve those recommendations does not need a second 

 

Common Misconceptions about Parliamentary Procedure

PB – August 1, 2014

Many people are “sure” we know some of the rules of parliamentary procedure in Robert’s Rules of Order. However, as Will Rogers said, “It isn’t what we don’t know that gives us trouble; it’s what we know that just ain’t so!” As you will see in this paper, some of the things that all of us “think we know” about what should be done at meetings are completely incorrect.

The following information is from Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 11th edition, published in 2011, abbreviated as RONR, which is the most current and only official form of Robert’s Rules, so any citation in bylaws to Robert’s Rules automatically refers to this edition. Each of the following points can be researched further in RONR at the page references listed after each point..

 

Motions

Myth – The chair can never make motions, and all other procedures such as the requirement of seconds for motions apply.

 

Motions-1: Small boards and committees have less rigid rules than larger groups. The chair of a small board or committee can make motions and participate in meetings exactly as all other members. He or she is not required to display the same impartiality as the presiding officer of larger groups. There is no need for seconds to motions, and the chair can handle the work of the small board of committee as informally as is practical. 

(Citation: RONR at page 500: “In committees, the chairman not only has the right to make and debate motions, but he is usually the most active participant in the discussions and work of the committee.”)

Myth – If someone wants to amend a motion, you should ask the person who made the motion and the person who seconded it if they agree to the amendment.

 

Motions-2: Once a motion has been made and seconded, and then “stated” by the Chair, it is the “property” of the group and not one or two people. Even if the maker of the motion doesn’t like the amendment, it can still be made and if made properly must be discussed and voted on. The person who seconded a motion should never be identified, so of course he or she cannot be asked if he/she supports an amendment.

(Citation: RONR at page 162)

Myth – If someone wants to postpone dealing with a motion, he or she “Moves to lay it on the table,” or to “Table it.”

 

Motions-3: The motion to lay something on the table, or to table it, should almost never be used because it is almost always misused. It should only be used when there is a need to stop the regular business because a VIP has entered the room and the group wants to hear from him or her immediately. The way to postpone a issue is to, “Move to postpone consideration of this subject until the next meeting,” or “until the end of this meeting,” or to “Move to send this issue to the E&R committee.” Those motions are debatable and may be amended, for example, by moving to substitute the “PPD committee for the E&R committee,” or to “postpone until the June meeting.”

(Citation: RONR at. pages 215-216)

 

Myth – There can only be 1 motion on the floor at a time.

 

Motions-4: There can be many motions on the floor at one time, so long as they deal with procedural or subsidiary issues and are germane (related to the same subject as the original motion). For example, there could be a main motion that we buy a new coffee machine for up to $50. Someone could then move to amend that to change $50 to $100, and someone else could move to amend the amendment to say the $100 ceiling is only applicable if the coffee machine is purchased on sale. Someone else could move to send the whole subject to a committee, and someone else could move to take a recess of 10 minutes to discuss this informally. Someone else could move to adjourn and someone else could move to set the time to which to adjourn, meaning that if the motion to adjourn is adopted, the meeting will continue starting at, for example, 2pm the following day. Each of these motions can be made so long as the newer one has a higher priority, and then each is voted on in order from the top down. This doesn’t mean this is good practice, and in reality it is not likely that there would be more than a main motion, an amendment, and a motion to refer to committee.

Myth – You cannot talk about any subject until a motion is made. Or, if people talked about a subject and no one stated a disagreement with what was said, that is the same as having a motion adopted on that subject.

 

Motions-5: Although it may be technically correct that discussion should not start unless and until a motion is made, it is probably acceptable for the Chair to allow some comments to be made before a motion is made in order to obtain the consensus of the board or committee as to whether a motion would be helpful. However, it is always wrong to say, “We agreed on xxxxx” unless a motion has been made and voted on to do that. Just because discussion took place and no one objected to something, that is not and should never be referred to as “we agreed.”

Myth – If someone mentioned something that should be done, you can simply say “so moved” and it becomes a motion. Or, you don’t have to make a motion if you or someone else talks about what the effect of a motion or policy will be.

 

Motions-6: Instead of saying “I so move” you should recite the complete motion, word for word. Any long or complicated motion should always be submitted in writing. It is much better to have all motions in writing, to avoid any misunderstandings about exactly what is in the motion. If someone makes a motion orally, that person or someone else should put it in writing immediately. While that is being done, the motion can be discussed, but before the vote is taken the Chair should read the written version of the motion to the board or committee. Also, what anyone says at a meeting is of no relevance. If you want something to be the policy of the group, you must make a motion.

(Citation: RONR at page 33)

Myth – As soon as someone makes a motion and it is seconded, it is open for debate.

 

Motions-7: A motion does not come before the group until all the following steps take place, including it being “stated” by the Chair.:

1. Someone raises a hand and is recognized by the chair. (There are some exceptions where any member of the board or committee is allowed to yell out something, but for “main motions” and most other motions you have to first be recognized by the Chair before you can make a motion.)

2. He or she then makes a motion, saying “I move (for example, that we buy a new coffee machine.”

3. Someone else yells out second (anyone can do this, without being recognized). The person who seconds is never identified in the minutes or anywhere else. Seconding is simply a way to insure that at least 2 people want to discuss this motion.

4. The Chair then “states” the motion by saying, “It has been moved and seconded that we buy a new coffee machine. If this motion is adopted, we will authorize one of our members to buy that machine. Mr. A made the motion so he is the first one recognized to speak on it.

There is no way for a motion to come before the group unless and until all these steps are followed. If someone makes a motion, someone else seconds it, and people on their own vote on it, that motion has not been adopted or even come before the board or committee.

(Citation: RONR at page 32)

Myth – No one can prevent a motion from being considered once it is made.

 

Motions-8: Consideration of a motion can be ended even before discussion begins if someone makes a motion to, “Object to consideration of this question.” That motion is undebatable and requires a vote for adoption. If someone wants to kill a motion after this is not adopted or not proposed, he or she can “Move to postpone this motion indefinitely.” That requires only a majority vote for adoption and is debatable, unless someone (perhaps the same person) “Moves the previous question,” which is undebatable and requires a vote for adoption.

(Citation: RONR at page 267)

Debate

Myth – When someone says, “Call the question,” debate must stop and a vote must be taken.

 

Debate-1: Saying “I call the question” is a useless action that should always be ignored. In fact, anyone saying it should be graveled down by the Chair and told to stop saying this or be ejected from the room. If someone wants to end debate, that can only be done in the following manner:

1. Someone raises a hand and waits to be recognized by the Chair.

2. He or she then says, “I move the previous question on the motion to xxxxxxx” or “I move to close debate and proceed to vote on the motion to xxxxxxx.”

3. Someone else yells out second (or the Chair can ask if there is a second).

4. This motion is undebatable and cannot be amended.

5. The Chair takes a vote and if are in favor, debate on that motion is ended and a vote is taken immediately.

Motions to close or limit debate are not in order in committees.

(Citation: RONR at page 202)

 

Myth – During debate anyone can say whatever he or she wants.

 

Debate-2: All discussion must relate to the motion before the group, and all debate must refer to the motion and not the people involved or their alleged motivations. If someone says, “Anyone who votes for this is a fool,” or “All of you are failing in your duty to do your jobs properly,” the Chair can and should hit the gavel and say that person is out of order and direct that he or she stop talking, and if need be order that he or she be removed from the room. The whole purpose of parliamentary procedure is to insure that the majority can rule while protecting the rights of the minority to try to convince the majority to change their minds, while always insuring that discussion is polite and respectful.

(Citation: RONR at pages 391-394)

Myth – During discussion of a motion any member of the group can speak as often and as long as he or she wants.

 

Debate-3: During discussion of a motion, a member of the group can speak no more than twice on that motion (but, for example, can speak twice on an amendment, and twice on the main motion, and twice on a motion to refer to a committee. Also, a member of the group can speak no longer than 10 minutes on any motion. (Note that the group may adopt Standing Rules that change any rules, such as limiting each speaker’s time to 3 minutes.).

(Citation: RONR at page 389)

Voting

Myth – You must take a vote of those in favor and those opposed to every motion.

 

Voting-1: If the Chair thinks everyone supports something, such as adoption of the agenda or minutes, the Chair can say, “If there is no objection the agenda will be approved.” The Chair then waits a few seconds and if no one says anything, says, “Hearing no objection, the agenda is approved by unanimous consent.”

(Citation: RONR at page 54-55)

Myth – Abstentions count and should be recorded.

 

Voting-2: Abstentions are failures to vote and should never be considered in any way. When a majority or vote is required, that refers to votes cast and by definition that does not include abstentions. When the Chair calls for votes in favor or against, he or she should never ask for abstentions and abstentions should never be recorded in the minutes. If there are votes in favor of a motion, none against, but several abstentions, the vote is unanimous is favor of the motion. The only exception is when a member of the group recuses himself or herself from a vote because of a conflict of interest. Then that person should leave the room during the entire discussion of that subject, and that fact should be recorded in the minutes.

(Citation: RONR at page 45)

Myth – The way a vote is taken is that the Chair says, “All in favor,” then “All opposed,” and then moves on, or says, “It is so moved,” or “The secretary will record that.”

 

Voting-3: The only proper way to take a vote is as follows:

1. The Chair says, “Are you ready for the question.”

2. The Chair then says, “The vote is on the motion to buy a new coffee machine.”

3. The Chair then says, “All in favor say aye,” or “All in favor raise your hand,” or “All in favor stand.”

4. The Chair then says, “All opposed say no,” or “All opposed raise your hand,” or “All opposed stand.”

5. The Chair or someone else counts the votes, and the Chair says, “There are 15 votes in favor of the motion and 12 votes opposed. The motion is adopted, and the result is that we will buy a new coffee machine. The next item of business is committee reports (or whatever it is).” If this last step is not stated, the vote is not concluded, and any member of the board or committee can make a “Point of Order” that it has not been done.

(Citation: RONR at pages 45-49)

Myth – A majority is 50% plus 1, or 51%.

 

Voting-4: A majority is simply more than half. Any other definition is invalid. For example, if there are 17 votes case, 50% plus 1 would be 9½, or rounded off to 10, while the truth is that 9 votes is sufficient to adopt the motion.

(See RONR at page 400)

Myth – When a vote is required, you can round off the number.

 

Voting-5: If a vote is required when 101 votes are cast, 67 votes are not sufficient to adopt the motion, even though they would be if rounding off was permitted. Two-thirds of 101 is 67 so 68 votes are needed to adopt such a motion.

(Citation: RONR at page 401)

Myth – The Chair cannot vote except in case of a tie, and cannot make a motion or engage in debate.

 

Voting-6: The Chair can vote whenever his or her vote would affect the result, whether to break a tie or to create a tie (in which case the motion is defeated). For example, if the vote is 10 in favor and 9 opposed, it would seem that the motion is adopted. However, the chair can vote “no” in which case the vote is a tie, which means the motion is not adopted. 

The Chair can also make motions and debate, but in order to maintain impartiality he or she should give the gavel to the next officer before doing those things.

(Citation: RONR at pages 53-54)

 

Myth – A person can explain his or her vote

 

Voting-7: A member has no right to explain his or her vote during voting, but only during debate. Therefore, a person should be ruled out of order and stopped if he or she attempts to explain why he or she voted for or against any motion or candidate..

(Citation: RONR at page 408)

Myth – When holding elections, there has to be a motion to close nominations, and if only 1 person is nominated for an office, the chair should call for a motion to elect that person by “acclamation” or to direct the secretary to cast a unanimous vote for that person.

 

Voting-8: The chair should ask for nominations and when there are no further nominations he or she declares nominations closed. It is out of order to close nominations if some members still want to make nominations. And, when only 1 person is nominated and the bylaws do not require a written ballot, the chair should simply declare that one nominee is elected..

(Citation: RONR at pages 288-289)

Meetings

Myth – Ex-officio members of boards or committees do not vote and are not counted towards a quorum.

 

Meetings-1: Ex-officio members have exactly the same rights and privileges as all other members of boards and committees, including the right to vote and to count toward a quorum.

(Citation: RONR at pages 483)

Myth – Once a quorum is established, the meeting can continue even if the quorum no longer exists so long as no one questions it.

 

Meetings-2: Any member can raise a “Point of Order” that a quorum is no longer present. If there is evidence that a quorum was not present when a vote was taken, that vote or action is void regardless of whether anyone questioned a quorum at the time. At any later time, actions taken without a quorum present can be challenged.

(Citation: RONR at page 349)

Myth – It is necessary to summarize the discussion in the minutes, and to include something if someone says, “Include in the minutes what I am saying.”

 

Meetings-3: According to RONR, not only is this not necessary, it is improper to do so. Minutes should be a record of what was done at a meeting, not what was said.

(Citation: RONR at page 468: “[Minutes] should contain mainly a record of what was done at the meeting, not what was said …..”)

Myth – Once approved, minutes can no longer be corrected.

 

Meetings-4: Minutes can be corrected at any time. If they have already been approved, someone can, “Move to amend something already adopted,” and state the proposed change to the minutes. 

(Citation: RONR at page 475)

Myth – If each member of a board or committee vote to adopt something, it is adopted without a meeting.

 

Meetings-5: A vote can only be taken without a meeting if a law or the bylaws say that is acceptable. Even then, the board or committee should ratify the action at its next meeting.

 

Myth – Meetings can be held by telephone conference call or on the internet.

 

Meetings-6: Meetings can only be held by telephone conference call or on the internet if a law or the bylaws specifically authorize that, and if everyone is able to hear everything that all others say.

(Citation: RONR at page 97)

Myth – The Chair sets the agenda.

 

Meetings-7: The board or committee sets the agenda, by vote. If the Chair or someone else proposes an agenda, anyone can move to amend it. It is only when the agenda is adopted by a normal vote, or by unanimous consent, that it becomes the agenda for that meeting.

(Citation: RONR at page 372-373)

Myth – The parliamentarian rules on issues of parliamentary procedure.

 

Meetings-8: Only the Chair can rule on specific issues. He or she can ask the parliamentarian for advice before or at any meeting, as can any member of a board or committee, but the decisions are made and announced by the Chair. If someone disagrees with the ruling of the Chair, that member can, “Appeal the decision of the Chair on this issue.” This motion cannot be amended but it is usually debatable. The Chair can state his or her reason for the decision and each member can speak once to give his or her opinion, and then a vote is taken. If the vote is tied or a majority support the Chair, the Chair’s ruling stands.

(Citation: RONR at page 465)

Myth – After a report is presented, such as a treasurer’s report or a committee report, someone has to make a motion to “accept” or “receive” that report.

 

Meetings-9: As soon as an officer or committee presents a report, it is received. There is no need for a motion to “receive” it and it is improper to have a motion to “accept” the report. If someone wants to adopt the recommendations in a report, he or she should make a motion and state word for word what recommendation he or she wishes the group to adopt. After most reports, such as a treasurer’s report with no recommendations, all that happens is the chair moves to the next item of business.

(Citation: RONR at pages 525)

Myth – If the group has voted to do something, a later meeting of that group cannot change what was previously decided.

 

Meetings-10: As a general principle, one session cannot tie the hands of the majority at any later session. It is improper to postpone anything beyond the next session, except by referring it to a committee. If a group wants something to be imposed on all future meetings, that can be done by adopting a bylaw amendment — which requires notice and (usually) a vote for adoption.

(Citation: RONR at page 87)

Officers

Myth – A resignation is effective immediately.

 

Officers-1: A resignation is effective only after it is announced to the board or committee.

(Citation: RONR at page 291)

Myth – An officer cannot be removed from office until the end of his or her term.

 

Officers-2: This is not always true. If the bylaws just state a fixed term for the officer, such as “two years,” or if they say the officer serves for a specified term “and until [the officer’s] successor is elected” (or words to that effect), then the group must use formal disciplinary proceedings, which involve the appointment of an investigating committee, preferral of charges by such a committee, and the conduct of a formal trial. The procedure is complex, and should be undertaken only after a careful review of Chapter XX of RONR. On the other hand, if the bylaws state a term for the office but add “or until [the officer’s] successor is elected,” or contain other wording explicitly indicating that the officer may be removed before the term expires, then the election can be rescinded (Citation: Chapter 7 of RONR) and a successor then elected for the remainder of the term. 

Of course, if the bylaws themselves establish a procedure for removal from office, that procedure must be followed.

(Citation: RONR at page 653)

To see any of the MCDCC minutes, click on the date shown below.

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Jan 17 Jan 16
Jan 23
Jan 18 Jan 14 Jan 26 Jan 10 Jan 16 Jan 16 Jan 13 Jan 12
Feb 21 Feb 20   Feb 17 Feb 16 Feb 7 Feb 13 Feb 11 Feb 17 Feb 9
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amended
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2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

 

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Jan 12 Jan 11   Jan 8 Jan 14
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Oct 12 Oct 11 Oct 9 Oct 8 Oct 14
Nov 9   Nov 13 Nov 12 Nov 11
Dec 14 Dec 13 Dec 11 Dec 17  
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

MCDCC
Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee

Photo and Officers and Members of the MCDCC

Officers
Chair Darrell Anderson
(District 39)
PO Box 1522
406 Grove Ave
Washington Grove MD 20880-1522
301-963-8555
darrellanderson01@comcast.net
Darrell_Anderson_Bio_Photo.jpg
Vice Chair
&
Acting Chair
Arthur Edmunds
(District 14)
8615 Augusta Farm Ln
Laytonsville MD 20882-1423
301-253-8639
edlearth@aol.com
Arthur_Edmonds_Bio_Pic.jpg
Secretary Wendy Cohen
(District 16)
5320 Allandale Rd
Bethesda MD 20816
wcohen@yahoo.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Wendy_Cohen_Bio_Shot.jpg
Assistant Secretary Johntel Greene
(District 20)
240-441-8597
johntel.greene@gmail.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Johntel_Greene_Bio_Photo.jpg
Treasurer Tim Whitehouse
(District 15)
17207 Lightfoot Ln
Poolesville MD 20837
240-246-4492
timwhitehouse@mac.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
tim_whitehouse_bio_photo.jpg
Assistant Treasurer Erin Yeagley
(District 17)
203 Croydon Ave
Rockville MD 20852
eyeagley@mcgeo.org
started on MCDCC July 2014
Erin_Yeagley_-_Slate_Photo.jpg
Members
At Large Members (8) Darrell Anderson
(District 39)
PO Box 1522
406 Grove Ave
Washington Grove MD 20880-1522
301-963-8555
darrellanderson01@comcast.net
Darrell_Anderson_Bio_Photo.jpg
Chris Bradbury
(District 14)
3500 Spencerville Dr
Burtonsville, MD 20866
301-326-5256
chris@chris-bradbury.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Chris_Bradbury_Slate_Bio_Photo.jpg
Natalia Farrar
(District 19)
4401 Oak Hill Rd
Rockville MD 20853
240-731-7771
natalia.farrar@gmail.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Marjorie Goldman
(District 15)
10917 Lamplighter Lane
Potomac, MD 20854-2782
301-758-8888/Home
mgmagoo@gmail.com
Majorie_Goldman_Bio_Photo.jpg
Johntel Greene
(District 19)
1131 University Blvd #2016
Silver Spring MD 20902
240-441-8597
started on MCDCC July 2014
johntel.greene@gmail.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Johntel_Greene_Bio_Photo.jpg
Michael Gruenberg
(District 16)
11204 Buckwood Ln
Rockville MD 20852
516-965-8454
michael.gruenberg@verizon.net
started on MCDCC July 2014
Mike_Gruenberg_Bio_Photo.jpg
Dave Kunes
Erin Yeagley
(District 17)
203 Croydon Ave
Rockville MD 20852
eyeagley@mcgeo.org
started on MCDCC July 2014
Erin_Yeagley_-_Slate_Photo.jpg
District 14 Members (2) Arthur Edmunds
8615 Augusta Farm Ln
Laytonsville MD 20882-1423
301-253-8639
edlearth@aol.com
Arthur_Edmonds_Bio_Pic.jpg
Pamela Queen
17340 Blossom View Dr
Olney MD 20832
301-774-0222
pamela_queen4107@comcast.net
Pam_Queen_Bio_Photo.jpg
District 15 Members (2) Venattia Vann
20525 Neerwinder St
Germantown MD 20873-2808
301-601-0058
vwvann@comcasst.net
Vennattia_Vann_Bio_Photo.jpg
Tim Whitehouse
17207 Lightfoot Ln
Poolesville MD 20837
240-246-4492
timwhitehouse@mac.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
tim_whitehouse_bio_photo.jpg
District 16 Members (2) Wendy Cohen
5320 Allandale Rd
Bethesda MD 20816
wcohen@yahoo.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Wendy_Cohen_Bio_Shot.jpg
Loretta Jean Garcia
6402 Whittier Ct
Bethesda MD 20817
attorneygarcia@aol.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
District 17 Members (2) Julian Haffner
254 W. Deer Park Rd
Gaithersburg MD 20877
julianhaffner@gmail.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Julian_Hafner_Bio_Photo.jpg
Jonathan Prutow
1620 E Jefferson St
Rockville,  MD 20852-4080
202-577-4814
jonathan.prutow@gmail.com
Jon_Protow_Bio_Photo.jpg
District 18 Members (2) Alan Banov
(District 18)
9605 Hillridge Drive
Kensington, MD 20895-3121
301-942-6279/Home
leaglrun@aol.com
Alan_Banov_-_Bio_Page.jpg
Aaron Kaufman
3203 Turner Lane
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-951-3477
amkaufman1987@gmail.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Aaron_Kauffman_-_Slate_Photo.jpg
District 19 Members (2) Harold N. Diamond
4400 Hornbeam Drive
Rockville, MD 20853
301-929-1107
handddiamond@hotmail.com
started on MCDCC 2010
Melissa Pinnick
1131 University Blvd W #1710
Silver Spring MD 20902
410-599-9864
melissa.t.pinnick@gmail.com
Melissa_Pinnick_Bio_Photo.jpg
District 20 Members (2)

Marlin J. Jenkins

Jeanelle Wilkins
Wilkins_Bio_Page_Photo.jpg
District 39 Members (2) Mumin Barre
8007 Cloverwood Ct
Gaithersburg MD 20879
mumin.barre@gmail.com
started on MCDCC July 2014
Mumin_Barre_Bio_Photo.jpg
Juan Cardenas
19729 Framingham Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
H: 301-963-4980
juan_miguel@verizon.net
Juan_Cardenas_Bio_Photo.jpg
State Democratic Central Committee Members (2)
(Non-Voting Members of the MCDCC)
Mabrouka (Mimi) Hassanein
2000 Tanbrook Way
Brinklow MD 20862
301-379-7868
mimicatzoo@yahoo.com
(district 39)
Jennifer M. Hosey
(district 17)
4 Monroe Place #1206
Rockville MD 20850
301-905-6779
jennifer.m.hosey2012@gmail.com
Student Democratic Central Committee Members (2) Sareana Kimia
Noah Roos