The Bylaws of the Washington State Democratic Party require all
County and Legislative District Parties to reorganize in the December or
January following an even-year general election. At a Reorganization
Meeting, Precinct Committee Officers elected during the most recent
primary elect a new Chair, new Vice Chairs, and new State Committee
members for the organization. Other officers may be elected and
additional party business may be conducted.
The Benton County Democratic Central Committee (BCDCC), and the 8th Legislative District Democratic Organization (8LDDO) will meet at the Richland Public Library beginning at 1:30 on January 7, 2017. The Benton County
reorganization meeting will be first. Upon its conclusion, the 8th
Legislative District reorganization meeting will convene.
Elected Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) are
strongly encouraged to attend both the County and Legislative District reorganization meetings. This is an
especially important meeting for elected PCOs. According to our rules, elected PCOs are the only ones who can vote on
the new set of officers that will be elected on the 7th.
Both the BCDCC and the 8LDDO will elect chairs, vice chairs, secretaries, and treasurers. In addition, each organization will elect a state committee man and a state committee woman.
These four newly elected State
Committee Members will meet in the last weekend of January to reorganize
the State Party.
At later regular meetings, the new chairs will appoint committee chairs and membership, subject to support of the body. The committees undertake essential work for the organizations, and are responsible for recommending actions to be taken by the organization as a whole.
The BCDCC has
six standing committees:
- Finance
- Organization
- Outreach
- Candidate Development
- Voter Registration
- Platform (added in 2016)
The 8th LD has
two standing committees: Fundraising, and Legislative Candidate Search.
Chairs of standing committees are members of the respective organization's Executive Boards. The Executive Boards shall assist the chairs
in implementing the programs and policies of the BCDCC and 8th LDDO.
Members interested in taking on these
essential duties and responsibilities
at the committee level should speak with the chairs, and with other members of the Executive Board.
Finally, the BCDCC and 8th LDDO will
reexamine their bylaws, rules, and policies and propose amendments as determined necessary by the body as a whole. This is a crucial step in ensuring your party organization operates in an open, democratic, efficient manner.
Every PCO should take it upon themselves to review these documents and be prepared to propose and/or discuss proposed changes.
It is quite likely that our governing rules will be examined as an early priority of the new leadership.
