ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be known as Wood County Democratic Party, hereinafter referred to as WCDP.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of WCDP shall be to:

  1. increase political engagement and influence of Democrats in and for the county of Wood, the state of Texas, and the United States of America.
  2. provide encouragement for Democrats working in party organizations, campaigns and seeking party or public office.
  3. promote legislative, executive, and judicial policies that enhance the quality of life for all people of Wood County.

ARTICLE III: AUTHORITY AND RULES

The WCDP shall be governed by the County Executive Committee (CEC) as provided by state law and the Rules of the Texas Democratic Party and by these bylaws.  The CEC is composed of the duly elected County Chair and the Precinct Chairs.

 ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

 Section 1- Eligibility

Any person who supports the purpose of Wood County Democratic Party is eligible for membership.

 ARTICLE V: COMMITTEES

 Section 1- Standing Committee

The standing committee of the WCDP shall be the Sustaining Members Committee (SMC).

Section 1a – Eligibility

Any person who supports the purpose of Wood County Democratic Party is eligible for SMC membership.

Section 1b – Membership

A member shall be one whose membership form has been received and whose current year’s dues have either been paid or waived based on economic hardship.  The SMC Executive Board approves waivers.

Section 1c – Categories of Membership and Dues

There are four categories of membership:

  1. Individual Member
  2. Joint Members (two people sharing a household) and each will have full rights of membership.
  3. Student Members
  4. Contributing Members – Individual or Joint Members who provide additional special financial support by contributing $100.00 or more annually to the Wood County Democratic Party.

Dues for each Category of Membership shall be recommended by the SMC Executive Board and approved by the CEC.

Section 1d – Contributions and Rights

  1. Annual contributions go directly into the local treasury of the Wood County Democratic Party.
  2. Membership renewal dues and waiver requests are due at the regular meeting in January each year, with a grace period of sixty (60) days. Renewing members must pay or apply for a waiver before the end of the grace period to be considered a member in good standing for that year.
  3. All members in good standing will have full rights of membership including voting, holding office, and serving on committees.

Section 1e: SMC EXECUTIVE BOARD

 Section 1e1 – Membership

The Executive Board shall consist of seven voting members and one ex officio, nonvoting member.  The Board shall be composed of the four officers, three at-large members, and the Wood County Democratic Chair as the ex officio, nonvoting member.  The three at-large members shall be elected at the same time and in the same fashion as the officers.

Section 1e2 – Duties

 The Executive Board shall:

  1. manage the affairs of SMC and vote on requests for Wood County Democratic Party funds.
  2. review membership contribution waiver requests in executive session.

Section 1e3 – SMC Board Meetings

  1. The SMC Executive Board shall meet quarterly.
  2. Any Board member may call a special meeting as needed with at least 10 days written notice.

Section 1e4 – Quorum

A quorum shall consist of five Board members present in person or by proxy.  Proxy voting shall be permitted at Board meetings, provided no person may hold or vote more than one proxy, and that the proxy is a member in good standing and has the written consent of the absent Board member. 

Section 1e5 – Use of Funds

Any request for funds from the Wood County Democratic Party must be approved by a majority vote of SMC Executive Board members in attendance at SMC meetings or Board meetings. 

Section 1e6 – Vacancies

Vacancies of Board members will be filled by the Board with a majority vote at the next board meeting. 

Section 1e7 – Removal

A Board member may be removed by a majority vote of SMC members at a regular or special meeting if it is determined that the Board member is guilty of actions seriously detrimental to the purposes of the WCDP or has repeatedly failed to discharge his or her duties, including but not limited to, being absent from three consecutive Board meetings.  Proxy participation counts as being present.  Notice of consideration of removal must be provided to all SMC members no less than 30 days before the meeting.

Section 1f: OFFICERS

Officers shall be Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 1f1-Duties

The Chair shall:

  1. preside at all SMC meetings and Executive Board (Board) meetings.
  2. represent WCDP publicly or designate an alternate
  3. appoint Standing Committees
  4. appoint special committees and non-voting officers as needed.
  5. serve as an ex officio member of all committees.
  6. prepare the business agenda for each regular meeting.
  7. provide the agenda and other meeting information to the Secretary for distribution with the meeting announcement.
  8. prepare the agenda for each Board meeting.

The Vice Chair shall:

  1. perform the duties of the President when the President is absent.
  2. be responsible for the programs for each regular monthly meeting.
  3. be responsible for prior notification of the Wood County press about upcoming meetings, events and fund-raisers involving WCDP.
  4. be responsible for press releases about meetings, events or fund-raisers involving WCDP.

The Secretary shall:

  1. be responsible for the taking and the reporting of the minutes of each regular meeting and Board meeting.
  2. distribute meeting announcements and other meeting information to members.

The Treasurer shall:

  1. report the financial condition of Wood County Democratic Party at each regular meeting.
  2. keep and maintain all records of contributions made by members including in-kind contributions.
  3. pay all bills as authorized by the Wood County Democratic Executive Committee and keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements.
  4. keep and maintain information about each member such as, but not limited to, addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers, and membership standing.

Section 1f2 – Terms

Officers are elected for two-year terms but may be re-elected.  Officers shall hold offices until the election of their successor.

Section 1f3 – Elections

Elections are held biennially by a majority vote of the SMC membership that is in good standing attending the regular meeting of the month of October in odd numbered years.

Section 1f4 – Vacancies

Vacancies of officers shall be filled by the SMC Executive Board with a majority vote at the next meeting of the Board. 

Section 1f5 – Change of Officers

When leaving the office, all officers shall turn over all records pertaining to WCDP to the appropriate successor. 

Section 1g: MEETINGS

 Section 1g1 – Regular Meetings

Regular monthly meetings are open to the public and shall be held on the fourth Thursday evening of every month (except during the months of November and December) at a time and location determined by a majority vote of the SMC Executive Board.

Section 1g2 – Meeting Costs

There is no cost of attendance.  Donations to the Wood County Democratic Party are encouraged to defray expenses of announcement mailings, the meeting room costs, and any meal costs.

Section 1g3 – Quorum and Voting

Business shall be conducted by the members present at any regular monthly meeting.  Only members who are in good standing may vote.

Section 1g4 – Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by any officer or SMC Executive Board member and may be held at any location in Wood County.  However, all voting pertaining to the business of the SMC must be held during a regular monthly meeting.

Section 1f: SMC Committees

Standing SMC Committees shall be: a) Fundraising, b) Communications, c) Political Education and Action, d) Get Out the Vote, e) Hospitality, f) Scholarship, and other such committees as authorized by the SMC Executive Board

Section 1g: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Where Bylaws are silent, the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern SMC. 

Section 2- Special Committee

 Special committees of the WCDP may be formed as needed.

 ARTICLE VI: VACANCIES

If a vacancy in the office of County Chair or Precinct Chair occurs, the WCDP County Executive Committee shall call a meeting to fill the vacancy.  To be elected, there must be a quorum, and a person must receive a majority of the votes cast.  

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

The WCDP County Executive Committee will meet at least once per quarter every year, at a day, time, and location set by the County Chair.  Meetings may be in-person or virtual.

ARTICLE VIII: QUORUM

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the non-vacant Precinct Chairs.

ARTICLE IX: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

A County or Precinct Chair may be removed for abandonment of office as provided for in the last updated Texas Democratic Party Rules.

ARTICLE X: EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS

Expenditure of funds shall require a quorum and majority vote of CEC members present.

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

WCDP may adopt such bylaws, as from time to time it shall be deemed necessary.  Bylaws shall be adopted by a majority vote of the CEC at a regular meeting. 

Beginning June 24,1999, Wood County Democrats shall operate under these Bylaws.

Amended February 22,2002

Amended July 25, 2019

Amended June 22, 2023

Amended January 16, 2026