Rules for Endorsements

BYLAWS ARTICLE XVII: Endorsement of Candidates and Ballot Measures

A. The Membership of the JCD may endorse candidates for partisan and nonpartisan office and ballot measure positions in primary, general, and special elections.

B. Any endorsement made by the Membership of the JCD shall be considered and approved through the following process:

  1. At its discretion, the Executive Board may place before the members, at a JCD Membership meeting convened in accordance with ARTICLE V: JCD Membership Meetings, consideration of the endorsement of a named candidate or candidates and/or endorsement of a ballot measure position or positions.

  2. Alternately, the Chair shall, upon receipt of a petition signed by no fewer than six PCOs of the JCD, place before the members, at a meeting convened in accordance with ARTICLE V: JCD Membership Meetings, consideration of the endorsement of a named candidate or candidates and/or endorsement of a ballot measure position or positions.

  3. JCD members shall be notified at least two weeks in advance of any meeting at which an endorsement will be considered through the means specified in ARTICLE V, A.

  4. Before any meeting at which an endorsement will be considered, the Membership Committee shall confirm the voting credentials of participating members. Eligible voters for endorsements are:
    a) members in good standing, as described in ARTICLE V: JCD Membership Meetings, as of the last day of the month before such a meeting; and
    b) general members whose membership lapsed during the 12 months before the meeting and who have renewed their membership before the meeting begins.

  5. Candidates for election to offices within Jefferson County or representing Jefferson County’s Legislative or Congressional District shall be offered an opportunity to address the JCD Membership at or before a meeting at which their endorsement is to be considered. The Executive Board shall arrange for the presentation of arguments for a ballot measure position being considered for endorsement and may arrange for the presentation of opposing arguments.

  6. Voting shall be by paper ballot.

  7. A two-thirds vote of all those present and voting in favor of a candidate or a position on a ballot measure is required for an endorsement.