BYLAWS OF THE

COLLEGE DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

Last updated October 26, 2025.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BYLAWS 

Preamble                         3

Article I. Name          3

Article II. Object and Affiliation             3

Article III. Federations             3

Article IV. Regions             6    

Article V. Membership          6

Article VI. Officers          7

Article VII. National Conventions            13  

Article VIII. National Council          17

Article IX. Executive Board          19

Article X. Executive Director and Employees          20

Article XI. Judicial Council          21

Article XII. Caucuses          22

Article XIII. Committees         23

Article XIV. Advisory Council         23

Article XV. Procedural Provisions            24

Article XVI. Parliamentary Authority          25

Article XVII. Amendments          25

         

ENDNOTES

History of Amendments          27

Notes on Citation        28

Acknowledgements         28

 

PREAMBLE

We, Democratic college students of the United States of America, understanding the importance of our participation in the Democratic Party and in the political process, and in our collective wanting to see a more perfect Union realized, hereby ordain and establish these Bylaws as the College Democrats of America.

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be the College Democrats of America, (herein referred to as “the organization”).  

ARTICLE II. OBJECT AND AFFILIATIONS

Section 1. Object. The organization shall exist to support the philosophy and purpose of the Democratic Party, and shall support efforts to increase the participation of college and university students in the Party. The organization shall educate students about the Democratic Party and its values, work with Democrats across the country to achieve the goals of the organization and the Party, work to introduce and integrate more students into the political process, and shall be proactive in representing the views of college students in the Democratic Party.

Section 2. Affiliations.                                                         

  1. National. The organization shall be the official collegiate arm of the Democratic Party.  Quorum for meetings at which an amendment to this Clause is to be considered by the National Council shall be 3/4 of the members of the National Council.
  2. International. The organization may, upon a two-thirds ⅔ vote of Delegates at the National Convention, affiliate with an international organization of youth wings of political parties. This shall be voted on at the National Convention following a majority vote of the National Council. If this is done that organization and the organization’s representation therein shall be reflected here in the bylaws.

ARTICLE III. FEDERATIONS

Section 1. Federations.

  1. Establishment. The organization shall be composed of units called Federations. One Federation may be chartered per State, Territory, or jurisdiction of the United States of America, and one Federation may be chartered to serve Democrats Abroad. Federations shall be composed of Chartered Chapters within their State, Territory, or jurisdiction, and shall only recognize one Chartered Chapter per college, university, or other postsecondary educational institution. The statewide, territory-wide, or jurisdiction-wide leadership of Federations shall act as the liaisons between the organization and all Chartered Chapters within their State, Territory, or jurisdiction.
  2. Certification.  
  1. Requirements for Certification. To be considered eligible for certification, a Federation shall have an Executive Board of no less than four (4) individuals, governing documents (such as a Constitution or Bylaws) which are consistent to the greatest extent possible with these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, and no less than one (1) Chartered Chapter.  
  2. Granting a New Certification. A Federation shall supply the National Vice President of Membership with the following: A roster of its Executive Board with the names of officers, their office, their email, their phone number, the school they attend, and their classification; their governing documents; and a roster of the Chartered Chapters in their Federation with the names of each President (or highest elected officer), their email, their phone number, the school they attend, and their classification. The National Vice President of Membership shall grant certification to a new Federation, after which the Federation shall be granted all rights and privileges ordained to it by these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.  
  3. Re-certification. Federations shall re-certify with the organization once (1) every calendar year at least two weeks before the Summer National Convention. This will be accomplished by providing the National Vice President of Membership with updated rosters listed in the previous clause. Re-certification shall begin at least sixty-days (60) days prior to the Summer National Convention being called to order. Federations which do not certify during the aforementioned time period shall not be afforded any rights or privileges at National Conventions ordained to them by these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, and shall have until sixty (60) days after the end of the Summer National Convention to re-certify before they are no longer considered certified.  

Section 2. At-Large Chartered Chapters.

  1. Establishment. Campus organizations which are in States, Territories, or jurisdictions which do not have a Federation or do have a non-certified federation may petition to be certified as At-Large Chartered Chapters of the organization. Only one At-Large Chartered Chapter per college, university, or other post-secondary educational institution shall be recognized by the organization.
  2. Certification.
  1. Requirements for Certification. To be considered eligible for certification, an At-Large Chartered Chapter shall have an Executive Board of no less than four (4) individuals, governing documents (such as a Constitution or Bylaws) which are consistent to the greatest extent possible with these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, and no less than seven (7) members.
  2. Granting a New Certification. An At-Large Chartered Chapter shall supply the National Vice President of Membership with the following: A roster of its Executive Board with the names of officers, their office, their email, their phone number, the school they attend, and their classification; and their governing documents. The National Vice President of Membership shall grant certification to a new AtLarge Chartered Chapter, after which the At-Large Chartered Chapter shall be granted all rights and privileges ordained to it by these Bylaws and the rules of the organization as if it were a Charted Chapter within a Federation. 
  3. Re-certification. At-Large Chartered Chapters shall re-certify with the organization once (1) every calendar year at least fourteen (14) days before the Summer National Convention. This will be accomplished by providing the National Vice President of Membership with updated rosters listed in the previous clause. Re-certification shall begin at least sixty (60) days prior to the Summer National Convention being called to order. At-Large Chartered Chapters which do not certify during the aforementioned time period shall not be afforded any rights or privileges at National Conventions ordained to them by these governing documents, and shall have until sixty (60) days after the end of the Summer National Convention to re-certify before they are no longer considered certified.  

ARTICLE IV. REGIONS

Section 1. Regions.  

  1. Eastern Region. The States, Territories, and jurisdictions within the Eastern Region shall be Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  2. Midwestern Region. The States, Territories, and jurisdictions within the Midwestern Region shall be Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
  3. Southern Region. The States, Territories, and jurisdictions within the Southeast Region shall be Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virgin Islands.
  4. Western Region. The States, Territories, and jurisdictions within the West

Region shall be Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership Requirements. Membership in the organization shall be granted to individuals who are enrolled in a college, university, or other postsecondary educational institution or who have graduated in the past year, and who are members of the Democratic Party. They shall be members of Federations, members of At-Large Chartered Chapters, or at-large members as specified in this Article.                                                        Section 2. Federation Members. Individuals who are members of their Federation shall be members of the organization, and shall be afforded any rights and privileges ordained to them by these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, subject to the rules of their Federation.                                      Section 3. At-Large Chartered Chapter Members. Individuals who are members of an At-Large Chartered Chapter shall be members of the organization, and shall be afforded any rights and privileges ordained to them by these Bylaws and the rules of the organizations, subject to the rules of their At-Large Chartered Chapter.                                                                          Section 4. At-Large Members. Individuals who are students at an institution without a Chapter and are members of the Democratic Party qualify to be At-Large Members and shall be afforded any rights and privileges ordained to them by these Bylaws and the rules of the organizations.

ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS

Section 1. Eligibility to Serve. All officers of the organization — whether elected or appointed — shall be members of the organization. The National President and National Executive Vice President may not serve more than one term in their respective office.                                                                 Section 2. Elected Officers.

  1. Officers. The Elected Officers of the organization shall be the National President, the National Executive Vice President, the National Vice President of Membership, the National Vice President of Political Affairs, and the National Vice President of Programs. The National President and National Executive Vice President shall be students in different federations.
  2. Election. All Elected Officers shall be elected at the Summer National Convention. Their term of office shall run until the next Summer National Convention or until their successors are elected, or until they are removed from office. Members running for office must be in good standing and enrolled in college, university, or an institution of higher learning. No Elected Officer shall serve in two national elected or appointed offices in the organization at the same time, unless it is an office in a Caucus. The National President and National Executive Vice President shall be of different gender identities. The National President and National Executive Vice President shall run together on a ticket.
  3. Representation to the Democratic National Committee. The National President and National Executive Vice President shall represent the organization to the Democratic National Committee, subject to its rules.
  4. Duties of Elected Officers.
  1. National President. The National President shall carry out the programs and policies of the organization, and be responsible for determining the goals and direction of the organization. They shall preside over meetings of the Executive Board, provide regular reports to the National Council and the Democratic National Committee, appoint other officers as are needed to aid in the operation of the organization with the consultation of the National Council, Executive Board, and Executive Director, provide general administrative direction to the Executive Director, draft an annual budget which shall be presented to the National Council, shall be the official spokesperson for the Organization, and execute the duties assigned to them by the Executive Board, the National Council, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. They shall serve as a member of the Executive Board.
  2. National Executive Vice President. The National Executive Vice President shall assist the National President in the execution of their duties, including in the determination of the goals and direction of the organization. They shall act as National President when the National President is temporarily unable to execute their duties, and shall provide regular reports to the National President. They shall also lead the National Council and preside over it. They shall assist in the development of the Federations and foster communication between them with the National Vice President of Membership, and shall execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. They shall serve as a member of the Executive Board.
  3. National Vice President of Programs. The National Vice President of Programs shall oversee all matters related to programming carried out by the organization and lead the Department of Programs. They shall work to promote events that are pertinent to the goals of the organization, plan and implement programs which further the goals of the organization, and execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. They shall serve as a member of the Executive Board.
  4. National Vice President of Membership. The National Vice President of Membership shall oversee all matters related to membership in the organization and lead the Department of Membership. They shall oversee the certification of Federations, assist in the chartering of new Chartered Chapters, work to increase membership in the organization, keep records of membership in the organization, oversee the activities of the Regional Directors and the YDA Caucus Representatives, maintain consistent communication with Federation and chapter leaders, and execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. They shall serve as a member of the Executive Board.
  5. National Vice President of Political Affairs. The National Vice President of Political Affairs shall oversee all of the political affairs of the organization and lead the Department of Political Affairs. They shall manage all political and issue-based campaigns which the organization promotes and involves itself in, work with the National President and National Executive Vice President in maintaining relationships with organizations, implement the platform of the organization, and execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. They shall serve as a member of the Executive Board.

Section 3. Appointed Officers.

  1. Officers. The Appointed Officers of the organization shall be the National Directors, the Regional Directors, and other officers as are needed to aid in the operation of the organization.
  2. Appointment.  
  1. Appointment of National Directors. The National President shall nominate members to serve as National Directors of Finance and Communications, who shall each be confirmed by a majority vote of the National Council.
  2. Appointment of the Other Appointed Officers. The National President shall nominate a member to serve in the other various appointed offices, who shall each be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Board.  
  1. Duties of Appointed Officers.  
  1. National Director of Finance. The National Director of Finance shall oversee the management of the finances of the organization and lead the Department of Finance. They shall develop and implement fundraising methods, programs, and events, and execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.  
  2. National Director of Communications. The National Director of Communications shall oversee all activities related to the internal and external communications of the organization and lead the Department of Communications. They shall oversee the development of the organization’s presence in old and new media, the protection of the organization’s digital assets, prepare communications materials, maintain relationships with the press and media, distribute information to members of the organization, and execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.
  3. Regional Directors. Regional Directors shall work with the Executive Board and the National Council to build membership in their respective region, coordinate national initiatives with Federations, coordinate regional initiatives with Federations, and communicate with the membership in their respective region. They shall report to the National Vice President of Membership and work with them in their duties. They shall also execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.
  4. International Affairs Officer. The International Affairs Officer shall build membership among Democrats Abroad and support chapters outside the States, Territories, and Dependencies of the United States, and lead the organization’s delegation to any international youth political organizations that the organization may participate in. They shall report to the National Director of Membership and work with them in their duties. They shall also execute the duties assigned to them by the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.
  5. Deputy Directors. The Deputy Directors of the various departments shall assist the leads of the various departments in the execution of their duties. Each department shall have one Deputy Director. They shall act as the lead of their department when the National Director of their department is temporarily unable to execute their duties, and execute the duties assigned to them by their National Director, the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.

Section 4. Vacancies.  

  1. Vacancy in the Office of National President. When a vacancy occurs in the Office of National President, the National Executive Vice President shall become the National President. If there is a vacancy in the Office of National President and the Office of National Executive Vice President, the National Council shall elect a new National President through a majority vote.
  2. Vacancy in the Office of National Executive Vice President. When a vacancy occurs in the Office of National Executive Vice President, the National President shall nominate a member of a differing gender identity to serve as National Executive Vice President, who shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the National Council. The National President may appoint an Acting National Executive Vice President who shall execute the duties of the vacant office until the National Council has confirmed the National President’s nominee.
  3. Vacancy in the Office of Other National Vice Presidents. When a vacancy occurs in the Offices of the other various National Vice Presidents, the National President shall nominate a member to serve in the vacant role, who shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the National Council. The National President may appoint an Acting Officer who shall execute the duties of the vacant office until the National Council has confirmed the National President’s nominee.
  4. Vacancy in the Appointed Offices.
  1. Finance or Communications Vacancies. When a vacancy occurs in the offices of National Director of Finance or National Director of Communications, the National President shall nominate a member to assume the vacant office, who shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the National Council. The National President may appoint an Acting Officer who shall execute the duties of the vacant office until the National Council has confirmed the National President’s nominee.
  2. Other Vacancies. When a vacancy occurs in any of the other appointed offices, the National President shall nominate a member to assume the vacant office, who shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The National President may appoint an Acting Appointed Officer who shall execute the duties of the vacant office until the Executive Board has confirmed the National President’s nominee.

Section 5. Removal from Office.

  1. Cause of Removal. All Elected and Appointed Officers of the organization may be subject to removal from office for tending to injure the good name of the organization, disturb its well-being, or hamper it in its work; or, for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance of assigned duties as per these governing documents; or, for violations of any law or rule of the organization; or, for committing a felony under the laws of the various States and Territories or the United States of America while in office; or, for failure to maintain decorum while acting in a capacity as an officer of the organization.  
  2. Removal of Elected Officers.
  1. Removal by the National Council. When necessary and proper, the National Council may, by three-fourths (¾) vote, remove an Elected Officer from office, so long as the National Council has adopted a written resolution of removal. A Presiding Chair elected by a majority vote of the National Council shall preside over the National Council when such a resolution is being considered.
  2. Impeachment by the Executive Board and Removal by the National Council. When necessary and proper, the Executive Board may, by two-thirds (⅔) vote, impeach an Elected Officer who shall no longer be able to execute the duties of their office so long as the Executive Board has adopted a written resolution of impeachment; the National Council shall, within fourteen (14) days convene to hear the impeachment and vote to remove the Elected Officer from office by two-thirds (⅔) vote vote; if the Elected Officer is not removed, they shall be able to once again execute the duties of their office; if the National Council is unable to convene within fourteen (14) days, the Elected Officer shall be removed from office. A Presiding Chair elected by a majority vote of the National Council shall preside over the National Council when such a resolution is being considered.
  1. Removal of Appointed Officers.
  1. Removal by the Executive Board. When necessary and proper, the Executive Board may, by majority vote, remove an Appointed Officer from office. The National President shall notify the National Council when an Appointed Officer has been removed from office and provide explanation as to why to the greatest extent possible.
  2. Removal by the National Council. When necessary and proper, the National Council may, by two-thirds (⅔) vote, remove an Appointed Officer from office, so long as the National Council has adopted a written resolution of removal. A Presiding Chair elected by a majority vote of the National Council shall preside over the National Council when such a resolution is being considered.

Section 6. Stipends. Officers of the organization may receive a monthly stipend for their work. This amount shall be set by the National President and confirmed by a majority vote of the National Council.

ARTICLE VII. NATIONAL CONVENTIONS

Section 1. Authority. The National Conventions shall be the highest authority of the organization, subject to these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.  

Section 2. Object. The National Conventions shall be held to educate members of the organization and others about the Democratic Party, to train members in participating in the political process, to foster community among members, to, during the Summer, elect new officers, to amend the platform, to amend these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, and to take such actions as it deems necessary and proper to affect the operations of the organization.          Section 3. Location.

  1. Time and Place. There shall be a mandatory Summer National Convention every calendar year during the months of June or July in Washington, DC. The time and place of a National Convention shall be determined at least sixty (60) days before the National Convention is to be called to order. The National President shall issue the Call for a National Convention when the time and place have been determined.
  2. Emergency Changes. Under extraordinary circumstances, the National Convention may change its time or place past the sixty (60) days or hold the National Convention virtually. It shall be one of the primary goals of the organization to hold the National Convention in person, and every action should be pursued to ensure this is accomplished.

Section 4. Officers of the National Convention.  

  1. Convention Chair. At least thirty (30) days before a National Convention is to be called to order, the National President shall appoint a Convention Chair who shall preside over the proceedings of the National Convention.
  2. Convention Vice Chair. At least twenty (20) days before a National Convention is to be called to order, the Convention Chair shall appoint a Convention Vice Chair who shall act as the Convention Chair when the Chair is unable to perform their duties and otherwise assist the Chair in proceedings.
  3. Convention Secretary. At least twenty (20) days before a National Convention is to be called to order, the Convention Chair shall appoint a Convention Secretary. The Convention Secretary shall be learned in parliamentary law and in the procedures of the organization.
  4. Other Officers. The National President may appoint other officers as are needed to aid in the planning and execution of a National Convention in consultation with the Convention Chair.

Section 5. General Sessions. At a National Convention, there shall be at least one (1) designated General Session on the platform, and, at the Summer National Convention, at least one (1) designated General Session for the election. If the National Council has previously approved it, at least one (1) designated General Session shall be held on the international affiliation of the organization. There may be a designated General Session on these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. Designated General Sessions are not required if there is no business to consider.  

Section 6. Delegations. At a National Convention, a certified Federation’s delegation shall consist of four (4) delegates selected by the Federation, and one (1) delegate for each of the Chartered Chapters in the Federation who shall be a representative from the Chartered Chapter. Each certified Federation shall have a Delegation Chair selected by their Delegates. At-Large Chapters shall be entitled to one (1) Delegate. Delegates shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges ordained to them by these Bylaws, the rules of the organization, and the parliamentary authority of the organization respective to a National Convention, including but not limited to casting a ballot for Elected Officers, voting on amendments to the platform, voting on amendments to these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, and voting on international affiliation.

Section 7. Convention Committees.

  1. Convention Committee on Awards. The Convention Committee on Awards shall set the criteria for awards awarded by the organization to Federations, Chartered Chapters, or individuals, and shall select the recipients of such awards. The Committee shall be composed of at least five (5) members: a Chair appointed by the National President with the advice of the officers of the National Council, and four (4) members appointed by the National President with the advice of the officers of the National Council. Quorum for meetings shall be a majority of all of the members of the Committee.
  2. Convention Committee on Credentials. The National Vice President of Membership and designated individuals within their department shall execute the duties of the Convention Committee on Credentials and shall establish credentials criteria and arbitrate credentials disputes before and during the convention.
  3. Convention Committee on the Platform and Resolutions. The Convention Committee on the Platform and Resolutions shall be made up of one (1) Delegate from each of the certified Federations. The Committee shall be responsible for voting on resolutions, amendments to the platform, and amendments to these Bylaws. All items which pass the Committee through a majority vote shall go to the Convention floor for final approval. They shall be voted on as a single vote which shall be passed by a majority, unless twenty (20) percent of the delegates vote to separate an item from the package to be voted on separately.

Section 8. Election of Officers.

  1. Filing. At least forty-five (45) days before the Summer National Convention is to be called to order, the National President shall make available to all members of the organization a method by which they may file to run for an elected office. The National President shall certify that prospective candidates meet the qualifications for office as prescribed by these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. The filing period shall last for at least fourteen (14) days. The National President shall make publicly available a list of all certified candidates by (3) days after the filing period has ended. Candidates for National President and National Executive Vice President shall run together as a ticket.
  2. Financial Disclosure. Candidates shall be required to disclose to the National Council a list of campaign related expenditures no less than three (3) days before the National Convention. Candidates may not fundraise more than five-thousand (5000) dollars for their campaigns.
  3. Debate. Following the end of the filing period and at least seven (7) days before the start of the National Convention, the National President shall organize a debate between the different candidates for National President and another debate between the different candidates for National Executive Vice President. The National President may organize a debate for candidates for the other various elected offices.
  4. Nominating Speeches. During the General Session at the Summer National Convention, the Convention Chair shall call on members of the organization to nominate other members for elected office. Members nominating candidates for National President and National Executive Vice President shall be limited to three (3) minute nominating speeches. Following the nomination of candidates, the Convention Chair shall call on candidates to deliver their acceptance speeches, which shall be limited to eight (8) minutes each. Members nominating candidates for the other various National Vice Presidents shall be limited to two (2) minute nominating speeches. Following the nomination of candidates, the Convention Chair shall call on candidates to deliver their acceptance speeches, which shall be limited to five (5) minutes each.
  5. Election by Ballot. Elected officers shall be elected by delegates by ballot as prescribed by the Convention Chair. The election of the National President and National Executive Vice President shall happen at the same time as a ticket and shall be the first election, followed by elections for National Vice President of Membership, National Vice President of Political Affairs, and finally National Vice President of Programs. There shall be a five (5) minute break following each election. Delegate votes shall be reported to the National Convention by each Delegation Chair in alphabetical order by Federation. During the election of the National President and National Executive Vice President, Delegation Chairs shall have one (1) minute to “brag” on behalf of their Federation before reporting their votes. Delegates representing At-Large Chapters shall report their votes separately and directly to the Convention Committee. During all other elections Delegation Chairs and Delegates representing At-Large Chapters shall report their votes directly to the Convention Committee. Candidates shall be elected by majority vote, with the candidates who receive the fewest votes being removed from the following ballot. This shall continue until a ticket receives the majority of votes cast. Write-ins shall not be allowed. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed. No member entitled to cast a ballot as a delegate shall be denied such regardless of if they are at the National Convention in-person or not. Delegates shall have at least ten (10) minutes to cast their ballot. The Convention Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that all delegates understand voting procedures and the ballot before voting begins.
  6. Announcement of Results. The Convention Chair shall announce the results of the election following each election as prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the organization.
  7. Violations.  
  1. Filing a Complaint. Individuals who believe that a candidate has violated the Code of Elections, these Bylaws, or the rules of the organization, or has deliberately worked against the execution of a free and fair election shall be able to file a complaint with the Judicial Council which describes the nature of the supposed violation. The Judicial Council shall prescribe the method by which an individual may file a complaint. The National President shall appoint Judicial Council members for the National Convention fourteen (14) days before the start of Convention to arbitrate disputes during the Convention.
  2. Review of a Complaint. The Judicial Council shall review all complaints submitted to it, and may call hearings in order to further review a complaint, at which both the complainant and respondent shall be given the opportunity to respond to the complaint.  
  3. Injunctions. If the Judicial Council finds that a candidate has committed a violation, the Committee may, by majority vote, issue injunctions against candidates including but not limited to: a written warning and imposing a temporary suspension of public campaigning. The Judicial Council may, by a unanimous vote, disqualify a candidate.  
  4. Complaints of Election Procedures. During the five (5) minute break following elections, any delegate may file a complaint to the Convention Chair on the election procedure or credentials of delegates. Complaints shall not be heard during voting. The Convention Chair shall inform the Judicial Council of the complaint, and the Judicial Council shall make a decision on what actions to pursue or to disregard the complaint. If the complaint is regarding the credentials of Delegates, the Judicial Council may refer the decision to the Convention Committee on Credentials. The break may be extended to discuss this complaint.

Section 9. Caucus Elections. YDA Caucuses’ College Chairs shall be elected during Caucus meetings at the Summer National Convention by a majority vote of the members of each Caucus. The outgoing College Chair, or an Acting College Chair, shall preside over the Caucus meeting and over the election. The College Chair may appoint assistants for the meeting and election. 

ARTICLE VIII. NATIONAL COUNCIL

Section 1. Authority. The National Council shall have full power and authority between National Conventions, except that which is reserved for a National Convention, subject to these Bylaws and the rules of the organization. Among these powers they may amend the platform, amend these by laws, endorse candidates, and confirm the appointment of officers.

Section 2. Members.

  1. Members. The National Council shall be made up of one (1) representative per Federation, the National President, and National Executive Vice President. Each Federation, the National President, and the National Executive Vice President shall have one (1) vote, with each Federation choosing who their representative is and how their vote is cast. Members of the National Council shall be members of the organization.
  2. Dismissal of a Member. When necessary and proper, the National Council may, by majority vote, send a written notice to all Federation leadership of malfeasances by their National Council representative with the expectation that the Federation review who represents them.

Section 3. Officers. The officer of the National Council shall be the National Executive Vice President, who shall preside over all meetings. If the National Executive Vice President is absent, the National President shall preside over the meeting. If neither are available, the National Council may appoint a presiding officer. The National Executive Vice President may designate a Secretary to take minutes during meetings of the National Council.

Section 4. Meetings.

  1. Regular Meetings. The National Council shall meet at least three (3) times every calendar year, determined by the National Executive Vice President. One (1) meeting should occur from January to March, one (1) in April, May, or August, and one (1) from September to November. Written notice of the meeting shall be given to members of the National Council at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting being called to order. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given. Meetings may be fully virtual or hybrid.
  2. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the National Council may be called so long as written notice of the meeting has been given to members of the National Council at least three (3) days prior to the meeting being called to order, determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given.  
  3. Special Meetings Called by the National President. On extraordinary occasions, the National President may call a special meeting of the National Council so long as written notice of the meeting has been given to the officers of members of the National Council at least three (3) days prior to the meeting being called to order. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given.
  4. Quorum. Quorum for regular and special meetings shall be one-third (1/3) of all members of the National Council.  

Section 5. Resolutions. All items to be voted on by the National Council shall be presented in the form of resolutions. These resolutions may be submitted by any member of the organization through a form which is made publicly available by the Executive Board. Resolutions must be submitted at least seven (7) days before the meeting and its text distributed to members three (3) days before the meeting.

ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. Authority. The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the organization and shall have the authority to draft and release statements, make endorsements, and take any actions deemed necessary between National Council meetings.

Section 2. Members. The voting members of the Executive Board shall be the National President, the National Executive Vice President, the National Vice President of Programs, the National Vice President of Political Affairs, and the National Vice President of Membership.

Section 3. Officers. The National President shall preside over the Executive Board, and shall appoint a Secretary who shall take meeting minutes, the Secretary may be a member of the Executive Board or another member of the organization.

Section 4. Meetings.  

  1. Regular Meetings. The Executive Board shall meet at least once (1) every fourteen (14) days, determined by the National President. Written notice of the meeting shall be given to members of the Executive Board at least three (3) days prior to the meeting being called to order. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given.  
  2. Special Meetings.  A special meeting of the Executive Board may be called so long as written notice of the meeting has been given to members of the Executive Board at least one (1) day prior to the meeting being called to order, determined by the National President. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given.  
  3. Quorum. Quorum for regular and special meetings shall be a majority of the voting members of the Executive Board.
  4. Business Outside of Meetings. The Executive Board may conduct business virtually outside of regular or special meetings, including but not limited to drafting and releasing statements and making endorsements.

Section 5. Departments. The various departments of the organization, led by the the National Vice President of Programs, the National Vice President of Political Affairs, the National Vice President of Membership, the National Director of Finance, and the National Director of Communications, shall be entities of the Executive Board, subject to the authority of the National President, the Executive Board, and these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.  

ARTICLE X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND EMPLOYEES

Section 1. Authority. The Executive Director shall be responsible for administrative affairs of the Organization under the general direction of the President and in accordance with policies and directives of the Executive Board and the National Council. The Executive Board may delegate to the Executive Director any duties and responsibilities required of them under these Bylaws.

Section 2. Appointment. The Executive Director shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Board and confirmed by a majority vote of the National Council. They shall serve across different administrations of the organization until they resign or are dismissed.

Section 2. Dismissal. The Executive Director may be dismissed by a vote in favor of such an action by the National President and National Executive Vice President, a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Executive Board, and a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the National Council.

Section 3. Compensation. The Executive Director shall serve full time and receive compensation as may be determined by the National President with the approval of the Executive Board. It is the responsibility of the organization to ensure that the Executive Director receives proper benefits and the organization may work with external organizations to achieve this goal.

Section 4. Employees.

  1. The Executive Director shall propose such staff positions as necessary to carry out the functions of the Organization, along with salaries to be paid. All budgeted positions or changes in salaries of budgeted positions must be approved by the National President and the Executive Board. It is the responsibility of the Organization to ensure that employees receive proper benefits and the Organization may work with external organizations to achieve this goal.
  2. The Executive Director, in coordination with the Executive Board, shall be responsible for the hiring of qualified staff members for all budgeted and other approved or temporary positions and institute dismissal or other disciplinary actions as necessary against such employees.

Section 5. Complaints. Appeals from disciplinary actions affecting the Executive Director or employees shall be made to the Executive Board.

ARTICLE XI. JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Section 1. Authority. The Judicial Council shall act as a body of final review over certain affairs of the organization. They shall hear complaints regarding violations of these Bylaws and the rules of the organization, complaints regarding elections, appeals to impeachment by the Executive Board and removal by the National Council, and have original jurisdiction over disputes between Federations. When necessary and proper, the National President or National Executive Vice President may immediately refer matters to the Judicial Council for review. Appeals from disciplinary actions affecting the Executive Director or employees shall be made to the Executive Board and not the Judicial Council.

Section 2. Complaints. The Executive Board shall maintain a publicly available form to submit complaints with an anonymous option. The ability to submit complaints shall be available to everyone, not just members of the organization.

Section 3. Members.  

  1. Composition. The Council shall be composed of four (4) members: one (1) member from each of the various regions nominated by the National President in coordination of each of the various Regional Directors. The Judicial Council shall be formed when complaints are made and its members shall not have any part in the complaint. Members shall be in Federation leadership.  
  2. Impartiality. Members of the Judicial Council shall remain impartial in all affairs of the organization. They shall not be candidates for any office within the organization, and may not hold any other elected or appointed office.

Section 4. Procedural Provisions.

  1. Quorum. Quorum for meetings shall be all four (4) of the Judicial Council’s members.
  2. Standing Rules. The Judicial Council may establish its own standing rules, so long as they are consistent with these Bylaws and the rules of the organization.  
  3. Decisions. Decisions made by the Judicial Council shall be final and shall be published in writing and archived by the National President or by the Convention Secretary if the complaint occurs during the National Convention.
  4. Dissolution. Once final decisions regarding a complaint are made, the Judicial Council shall dissolve. When new complaints arise, the National President shall appoint a new Judicial Council.

Section 5. Removal from Office.

  1. Cause of Removal. All members of the Judicial Council shall be subject to removal from the Judicial Council for tending to injure the good name of the organization, disturb its well-being, or hamper it in its work; or, for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance of assigned duties as per these governing documents; or, for violations of any law or rule of the organization; or, for committing a felony under the laws of the various States and Territories or the United States of America while in office; for failure to maintain decorum while acting in a capacity as an officer of the organization; or, for failure to remain impartial in all affairs of the organization once confirmed.  
  2. Removal by the National Council. When necessary and proper, the National Council may, by three-fourths (¾) vote, remove a member from the Judicial Council, so long as the National Council has adopted a written resolution of removal. 
  3. Impeachment by the Judicial Council and Removal by the National Council. When necessary and proper, the Judicial Council may, by three-fourths (¾) vote, impeach one of its members who shall no longer be able to execute the duties of their office so long as the Judicial Council has adopted a written resolution of impeachment; the National Council shall, within one (1) day convene to hear the impeachment and vote to remove the member from the Judicial Council by three-fourths (¾) vote; if the member is not removed, they shall be able to once again execute the duties of their office; if the National Council does not convene within one (1) day, the member shall be removed from the Judicial Council.

ARTICLE XII. CAUCUSES  

Section 1. Establishment. The organization shall partner with the Young Democrats of America in the matter of caucuses, with all YDA caucuses, except the College and High School caucuses, having a College Chair, who shall serve as a voting member of the executive committee of their respective caucus. The College Chairs shall be elected at the National Convention. The College Chairs shall provide updates to the National Vice President of Membership and work to organize for their caucus among chapters, federations, and membership.        Section 2. Partnership with YDA. Through a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the National Council, the organization may end its partnership with YDA on caucuses. If this is the case or if YDA ends its partnership with the organization, the organization may create its own caucuses.

ARTICLE XIII. COMMITTEES

Section 1. Special Committees.  

  1. Appointment by the National President. The National President may appoint special committees to conduct the business of the organization as a whole, the National President, or the Executive Board. These Committees shall exist until their specified purpose has been carried out to its completion, or dissolved by the National President, as prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the organization.
  2. Appointment by the National Council. The National Council may appoint, by majority vote, special committees to conduct business on behalf of the National Council. These Committees shall exist until their specified purpose has been carried out to its completion, or dissolved by the National Council, as prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the organization.
  3. Procedural Provision. Quorum for meetings of shall be a majority of all of the members of a Special Committee.

ARTICLE XIV. ADVISORY COUNCIL

Section 1. Authority. The Advisory Council shall advise the Executive Board on the affairs of the organization, and shall work with the National President, the National Executive Vice President, and the Executive Board to ensure that the goals of the organization are met. They shall also ensure that the long term strategic goals of the organization are maintained across administrations.         Section 2. Members.  

  1. Composition. The Advisory Council shall be composed of individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to the highest ideals of the organization and the Democratic Party, and who have demonstrated their commitment to the success of the organization both internally and externally. They shall be nominated by the National President and confirmed by the National Council by majority vote. These individuals are not required to be members of the organization, and shall not be Elected or Appointed Officers.  
  2. Term. Members of the Advisory Council shall serve on the Advisory Council for two (2) years from the date of their confirmation. Their terms may be renewed indefinitely.

Section 3. Meetings.

  1. Regular Meetings. The Advisory Council shall meet at least once (1) every six (6) months, determined by the National President. Written notice of the meeting shall be given to members of the Advisory Council at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting being called to order. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given. Meetings shall include members of the Executive Board, the Advisory Council, and any other interested parties.
  2. Special Meetings.  A special meeting of the Advisory Board may be called by the National President or the members of the Advisory Council so long as written notice of the meeting has been given to members of the Executive Board at least three (3) days prior to the meeting being called to order. A tentative agenda shall be provided to members when written notice is given.  

ARTICLE XV. PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Public Session. Meetings of the National Council and Judicial Council shall be held in public session, though meetings may be moved into executive session as prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the organization. Meetings of the Executive Board may be held in public session. Meeting minutes of all meetings shall be made public upon request, unless to protect individual privacy.                                                                        Section 2. Meetings Held Virtually. Except as otherwise provided in the governing documents, all meetings of the organizations may be conducted through the use of Internet meeting services that support voting and support visible displays identifying those participating, identifying those seeking recognition to speak, showing (or permitting the retrieval of) the text of pending motions, and showing the results of votes. These virtual meetings shall be subject to all the rules of the organization to govern them, which may include any reasonable limitations on, and requirements for, participation. Any such rules shall supersede any conflicting rules in the parliamentary authority, but may not otherwise conflict with or alter any rule or decision of the organization.         Section 3. Suspension of the Rules. A motion to suspend the rules shall never be in order, unless, on extraordinary occasions, the National President or, during the National Convention, the Convention Chair rules the motion in order, or after two-thirds (⅔) of the voting body rules for the motion to be in order, after which the rules may be suspended as prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the organization.                                                                          Section 4. Information Transition. In any situation that results in a transition of leadership or responsibility in the Executive Board, the departing individual shall prepare an inventory list of all documents, credentials, passwords, materials, and any other pertinent information and documents related to the organization that are relevant to their role and hand over the inventory of information and discuss any ongoing projects, pending tasks, and provide insights and guidance relevant to the role to the incoming individual. A transition document shall be created.

ARTICLE XVI. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these governing documents, and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.  

ARTICLE XVII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments Made By a National Convention. These Bylaws may be amended by a National Convention by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of all members eligible to vote in the elections of the organization, provided that the amendment has been submitted to the officers of the National Convention at least fourteen (14) days prior to a National Convention being called to order. The officers of the National Convention shall distribute the text of the amendment to each eligible member at least seven (7) days prior to the National Convention being called to order. The amendment shall be amendable by the National Convention. Before a vote before the National Convention, the amendment must pass a majority vote by the Convention Committee on the Platform and Resolutions and may be amendable there.                                         Section 2. Amendments Made By the National Council. These Bylaws may be amended by the National Council by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, provided that the amendment has been submitted to the National Executive Vice President at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at which it will be considered. The National Executive Vice President shall distribute the text of the amendment to each member of the Council at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. The amendment shall be amendable by the Council. The requirement for previous notice of an amendment to the Bylaws may be suspended by unanimous consent of the Council.  

End of the Bylaws.

HISTORY OF AMENDMENTS 

September 19, 2021. The National Council amended Article II Section 2 of these Bylaws to provide for an increased quorum requirement at a meeting at which an amendment to this section is to be considered.  

October 26, 2025. Necessary reorganizations were made to the organization through changes to every article of these Bylaws to adapt to the new national environment.

NOTES ON CITATION

To cite these Bylaws, format the citation as follows: e.g. “Article XII Section 2C2” or “Art. XII Sec. 2C2”.  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

A special thank you to Cordelia E. Scales, Ben Parsons, and Tyler Carruth for their help in writing these Bylaws, and to National President Gabrielle Harris for her support in the writing effort. Shoutout to Cameron Landin.

BYLAWS OF THE COLLEGE DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA