Article I. Authority, Delegation of Powers, and Severability

Section A. Authority

These bylaws are subordinate to the Stonewall DFL (SDFL) Constitution, the State DFL Constitution, Bylaws, and the Official Call.

Section B. Delegation of Powers

The Stonewall DFL Board of Directors may establish Board Policies to provide more detail on provisions written in the Operational Bylaws.

        Subsection 1. Subordination of Board Policy

Board Policies established by the Stonewall DFL Board of Directors shall be subordinate to the Stonewall DFL (SDFL) Operational Bylaws, the SDFL Constitution, the State DFL Consitution, the State DFL Bylaws, and the Official Call.

Subsection 2. Threshold for Passage

The proposed Board Policy must receive a majority vote of those voting members present at a properly called SDFL Board of Directors meeting.

Subsection 3. Board Policy Not Limited to Contents of Operational Bylaws

Nothing explained in this section shall be interpreted to limit the subject matter of what Board Policy may or may not cover.

Subsection 4. Affected Parties 

SDFL Board Policy binds only the SDFL Board of Directors.

Section C. Severability

If any portion of the SDFL bylaws is rendered invalid, the remaining portions of the SDFL bylaws shall remain in force.

Article II. Membership Dues

Section A. Dues

The following membership levels and associated dues may be paid by members in order to qualify as an Active Member, as outlined in the SDFL Constitution.

Section B. No Dues Requirement

Membership dues are voluntary. Any person who qualifies for membership may request to become an Active Member without paying dues by contacting the Membership Director or Chair.

Section C. Discipline and Removal of Members

Members may be disciplined or removed from the membership roll pursuant to the Cause for Discipline or Dismissal procedures in the State DFL Constitution and Bylaws.

Article III. Board Meetings

Section A. Call of Meetings

Subsection 1. Board of Directors

For each meeting of the Board of Directors, the Chair shall send out an email notice to the Board at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. This call shall include the meeting's time, date, location, and proposed agenda.

Subsection 2. General Members

For each meeting the Chair, or their designee, shall notify the general membership of the meeting time, date, location, and proposed agenda via reasonable means.

Subsection 3. Emergency Meetings 

An emergency meeting is a meeting that is scheduled and held within seven (7) days of an emergency call. The call for an emergency meeting must be sent out within 48 hours when any one of the following conditions is met:

• The Chair or a Vice Chair believes that an emergency meeting is necessary; or

• Three members of the Board of Directors specifically request an emergency meeting in writing to the distribution list that is customary for the Board of Director’s correspondence;

1. The special order of the emergency meeting shall hear matters related only to the call of the emergency meeting.

2. All business heard at the meeting must be germane to the matter specified in the call.

3. No emergency meeting may be held on the same day as a regularly scheduled business meeting or on a Federal holiday.

4. Absences arising from emergency meetings shall not be counted among unexcused absences.

Section B. Definitions

Subsection 1. Excused and Unexcused Absences

For the purposes of this bylaw, the following definitions shall govern:

• Excused Absence: an absence from any meeting of the Board of Directors where notice has been given:

1. Shall be received in writing prior to the start of the meeting in writing to the distribution list that is customary for the Board of Directors correspondence.
2. During an approved leave of absence, as specified in the SDFL Constitution.

• Unexcused Absence: an absence from a meeting of the Board of Directors that does not satisfy the conditions specified above.

Subsection 2. Number of Allowable Absences

Within one calendar year, no member of the Board of Directors may have more than 25 percent of the published Board of Directors meeting calendar as an unexcused absence.

Subsection 3. Reporting of Attendance

At the start of each meeting of the Board of Directors, the Secretary shall report any member who violates the Required Attendance rules.

Subsection 4. Removal of Directors

If a member of the Board of Directors violates the Required Attendance Rules, the process for removal of caucus officers specified in the SDFL Constitution may be initiated by the Chair at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

Subsection 5. Resignation

If an Executive Officer or Board Member decides to resign, they are asked to do so in writing via a signed letter or electronically to the distribution list that is customary for Board of Directors correspondence.  A resignation may also be received by at least two (2) Executive Officers.  Verbal resignations or resignations by other means may require a review and discussion at the next regular Board of Directors meeting before being accepted as valid.

Section C. Agenda

Subsection 1. Regular Board Meetings

The Chair shall submit the proposed Agenda subject to amendment and adoption by the Board of Directors.

                Subsection 2. Sample Agenda

1. Welcome/Call to Order/Introductions  
2. Reading of the DFL Outreach and Inclusion Statement-Any Officer
3. Attendance-Secretary and Administrative Officer
4.  Approval of the Agenda  
5. Approval of Previous Minutes
6. Guest Speakers and Guest Reports
7. Executive Committee Report  
8. Officer Reports

1. Chair Report
2. Co-Vice Chairs Report
3. Outreach and Inclusion Officer Report  
4. Secretary Report  
5. Treasurer Report

9. Committee Reports –Committee Chairs
10. Director Reports
11. Old Business  

1. A. E-votes

12. New Business
13. Announcements
14. Adjournment

Subsection 3. Regular Board Meeting Calendar

The Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors may set a meeting Calendar for all meetings for their term of office.  Publication of this meeting Calendar by approved means serves as the official notice.

         Section D.  Meeting Procedures

Subsection 1. Germaneness

All motions must be germane to the business at hand.  

Subsection 2. Submission of Motions

All non-procedural motions shall be submitted to the Chair or Secretary in writing.  

Subsection 3. Discussion of Motions

No Director shall be allowed to speak a second time on any motion, until all Directors have had the opportunity to speak once.  

Subsection 4. Parliamentarian

The Chair may appoint a Director to serve as parliamentarian for the year at their discretion to interpret the constitution, bylaws, and parliamentary procedures.

Section E. Voting Procedures

Subsection 1. Voice Voting

All votes shall be taken by voice vote. The Chair may request a show of hands at any point.  

Subsection 2. Secret Ballot

A secret ballot on any question will be taken if 10% or more of the voting Directors request such.  Secret ballots need not be signed.

Subsection 3. Recording Voice Votes 

The Secretary shall record all voice votes as "Passed or Passes" or “Failed or Fails."

Subsection 4. Recording Hand Votes or Secret Ballots

The Secretary shall record the number of Ayes, Nays, and Abstentions for all hand votes and secret ballots.

Subsection 5. Electronic Voting

Electronic votes may be taken under certain circumstances. An electronic vote is a vote cast via any electronic means that is sent to the Chair.

Subsubsection I. Board of Directors May Call for an Electronic Vote

At a Board of Directors meeting, a majority may call a question to be taken electronically at a future date.

Subsubsection II. Executive Committee May Call for an Electronic Vote

An electronic vote may also be called by a majority of the Executive Committee between meetings.

Subsubsection III. When an Electronic Vote is Called:

1. The motion and voting information must be sent to the electronic mail list that is customary for the Board of Director’s correspondence.
2. The Chair shall put the question to the Board of Directors via email, which must include the exact wording of the motion, the time that voting begins, and the time that voting will end.
3. Votes must be sent electronically to the Chair. A recorded phone call, e-mail, or text message(s) will be accepted.
4. Voting shall end two (2) business days after voting started at 6 p.m. or when the required majority has voted in the affirmative or negative.
5. An Evote by the full Board of Directors should be considered a rare or exceptional event.  It shall not be conducted within seven (7) days prior to a regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting.

Subsubsection IV. Endorsement E-Vote

An E-vote for any endorsement question may only be allowed if discussion/comment time for that elected office has been held previously at an open meeting per DFL rules.

Subsection 6. Communication during Meetings

Electronic communication between Board Members present at any meeting in progress is prohibited unless specifically allowed by the meeting chair.

Section F. Section Conference Call for Remote Participation

Subsection 1. General Rules

All Stonewall DFL board meetings may be held in person, in person with a remote participation option, or via remote participation only. The preferred method shall be a meeting held in person with a remote participation option. Member rights are the same regardless of attending in person or remotely, and members participating remotely count toward quorum. All participants shall be able to hear each other at the same time.

Subsection 2. Method.

The Secretary shall arrange a videoconferencing session and distribute instructions to join with the meeting notice. The videoconference shall be accessible by PC, tablet/phone app, or through standard telephone call supplemented by text message or email.

Subsection 3. Remote Officer.

The chair shall appoint a Remote Officer for meetings with more than 20 attendees. The Remote Officer shall operate the electronic equipment used to facilitate the conference. They will act to ensure the orderly and full participation of remote attendees, including receiving and reporting votes, ensuring auditory and visual clarity, and alerting the chair of members seeking recognition.

Subsection 4. Seeking Recognition.

Members may seek recognition using a nonverbal indication through a chat message, gesture function if enabled, or text message to the chair or facilitator. If none of these are accessible, the participant may verbally seek recognition.

Subsection 5. Submitting Motions.

Motions shall be submitted in writing via chat, text message, or email to the secretary or Remote Officer.

Subsection 6. Voting.

Votes taken by ballot shall be submitted using the chat function in a private chat message to the chair or Remote Officer. Members may also submit their vote through text message or email to the chair or Remote Officer. The Secretary shall be provided with a chat transcript and screenshots of texted/emailed votes containing the member's phone number or email address to verify authenticity.

Subsection 7. Cluster participation.

Multiple members may participate through an individual device provided that each participant is clearly distinguished and provides visual or verbal confirmation of their presence. Only one member may vote through the chat function; all other votes must be submitted through text message or email.

Subsection 8. Personal Privilege and Etiquette.

Members are encouraged to make points of personal privilege to address conditions hindering communication. Members are encouraged to use the mute function when not speaking. The chair or Remote Officer may mute members if they transmit sound that interferes with the meeting.

Section G. Adjournment

Subsection 1. Motion to Adjourn

A motion to adjourn shall only be in order once all business on the adopted Agenda has been completed.

Subsection 2. Adjournment

The Chair may also adjourn the Board of Directors meeting if the Agenda has been exhausted and no other business is before the body.  

IV. Article IV. Duties of Office

Office holders are responsible for Outreach and Inclusion.  All elected Board of Directors members must be in good standing with the caucus.  Board Members should come to each board meeting prepared by reading the proposed agenda, board packet, and the previous meeting minutes and ready to discuss issues with an open mind.  Disagreements among officeholders may occur, but all efforts should be made to keep the discussion of differences respectful.  A written minority report from any committee may be included with the committee notes to the full board.  

Section A. Chair  

In addition to the duties outlined in the Stonewall DFL Constitution, the Chair is always tasked with the duties of providing a safe place for Minnesota LGBTIQIA2S+ DFLers to exercise their political might.  The Chair is responsible for setting the budget and fundraising goals for the caucus, representing the caucus at events statewide, guiding caucus members to assist on political campaigns or run for public office themselves, recruiting candidates and board members, and helping get equality-minded DFL’rs elected to Minnesota public office.  The Chair also works with elected LGBTQIA2S+DFLers as needed to help them be successful. The Chair or their designee must approve all official communications. The Chair is also the Acting Treasurer should the office of Treasurer become vacant.  There should be an expectation of a minimum of 300-500 hours of work for this office annually. Party experience is encouraged but not required.

Section B. Co-Vice Chairs

In addition to the duties outlined in the Stonewall DFL Constitution, the Co-Vice Chairs are responsible for managing the committees and other internal caucus efforts and any external efforts as assigned by the Chair.  

Section C. Outreach and Inclusion Officer

In addition to the duties outlined in the Stonewall DFL Constitution, the Outreach and Inclusion Officer shall be responsible for planning events and initiatives that bring traditionally underrepresented communities into the activities and culture of the caucus.

Section D. Secretary and Administrative Director

In addition to the duties outlined in the Stonewall DFL Constitution, the Secretary and Administrative Director is responsible for publishing meeting dates/times/locations, finding accessible meeting locations, coordinating the caucus calendar, taking attendance at each meeting, publishing and/or providing meeting minutes timely, reading back motions before a vote for clarity, helping assemble meeting agendas, making copies, coordinating the overall administrative functions of the Caucus,  and perhaps other tasks as directed by the Chair, Vice Chairs, or Board of Directors.  

Section E. Treasurer

In addition to the duties outlined in the Stonewall DFL Constitution, the Treasurer is responsible for ensuring all financial records are kept and reported according to law and providing regular reports to the Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors as requested.  The Treasurer may nominate a Deputy Treasurer from the Board of Directors in good standing to help provide record keeping only for the caucus to be approved by the Executive Committee or Board of Directors, whichever meets first.  The Deputy Treasurer serves at the will of the Treasurer and may be terminated at any time.

Section F.  Directors

Directors must attend Board of Directors meetings, Committee Meetings, and other caucus events, including Pride Festivals, Parades, and Fundraisers.  They should also make efforts to attend efforts of our endorsed candidate events and attend their local party unit meetings.  They may serve on a DFL campaign or be a candidate for office themselves.  

Section G. Community Caucus Voting Director to State Executive Committee (SEC)

Subsection 1. Office of the Community Caucus Voting Director

The Community Caucus Voting Director is the Vice-Chair of Stonewall DFL.

Subsection 2. Terms of Office

The Voting Director’s term of office shall not exceed the Stonewall DFL term of office.

Subsection 3. Active Participation

The Voting Director is required to actively participate on the SEC and report their SEC Sub-Committee activities in their officer reports per the job description outlined in the State DFL Constitution and as further defined in these bylaws.

Subsection 4. Removal of Duties

The Board of Directors may excuse the Voting Director for malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance by a 2/3 majority vote of the Board of Directors. An election shall be held at the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors Meeting.

Section H. Named Directors

Subsection 1. Membership Director

The Membership Director is responsible for membership recruitment, engagement, and retention; maintaining a current roll of Stonewall DFL members; and supervising credentials for all Stonewall DFL meetings. The Membership Director shall chair the Membership Committee. The Membership Director shall serve as the caucus’ Outreach & Inclusion Officer with the duties and obligations defined within the DFL Constitution & Bylaws, including serving on the DFL State Outreach & Inclusion Committee.

Subsection 2. Communications Director

The Communications Director is responsible for administering the caucus’ social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook and Twitter. The Communications Director shall chair the Communications Committee.

Subsection 3. Field Director

The Field Director is responsible for coordinating with endorsed candidates and organizing volunteer support. The Field Director shall serve on the Political Support Committee.

Subsection 4. Policy Director

The Policy Director is responsible for leading the caucus’ engagement with public policy education and advocacy, including developing a policy/legislative agenda. The Policy Director shall serve on the Political Support Committee. The position of Policy Director shall be appointed by the Chair and approved by a simple majority vote by the Board of Directors. The appointee must already be a member of the Board.

Article V. Committees

Section A.  Executive Committee

Subsection I. Purpose and Composition of the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, Outreach and Inclusion Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer, as outlined in the SDFL Constitution. The Executive Committee is responsible for running the caucus between meetings and implementing the directives of the Board of Directors.

Subsection II. Calling of Executive Committee Meetings

The Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair or Vice Chair. The Executive Committee may utilize teleconferencing, discussions via electronic mail, or use abbreviated forms of parliamentary procedure to conduct their business.

Subsection III. Executive Committee Recordkeeping

The Secretary shall keep a record of all business taken up by the Executive Committee and shall report these minutes to the Board of Directors at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.  

Section B. Committees

The Chair shall have the power to form and disband standing committees as needed to carry out the business of SDFL, as well as appoint or remove a chair of each committee.

Subsection 1. Political Support Committee

The Political Support Committee shall be responsible for political electoral activities, including matters related to candidates' support for the party and public office, actions on legislative and political issues, and candidate development. The Political Support Committee may break these functions out into sub-committees. The chair of the Political Support Committee shall have the title of "Political Director." All SDFL members in good standing shall be eligible to participate in the proceedings of this committee

Subsection 2. Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee shall be responsible for matters concerned with raising revenue to support the activities of the SDFL. This committee shall prepare and approve an annual fundraising plan which will be submitted to the Board of Directors for oversight and review. The chair of the Fundraising Committee shall have the title of "Fundraising Officer." Members of the committee shall be appointed by a simple majority vote of the SDFL Board of Directors

Subsection 3. Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall be responsible for managing the membership database and sending out an annual membership/renewal notice. The Membership Committee chair shall have the title of "Membership Director." Members of the committee shall be appointed by a simple majority vote of the SDFL Board of Directors.

Subsection 4. Communications Committee

The Communications Committee shall be responsible for managing internal member communications and external communications, including social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.) and traditional media relations on behalf of the Board. This committee shall prepare and approve an annual communications plan which will be submitted to the Board of Directors for oversight and review. The chair of the Communications Committee shall have the title of "Communications Director." Members of the committee shall be appointed by a simple majority vote of the SDFL Board of Directors

Subsection 5. Pride Committee

The Pride Committee shall be responsible for organizing SDFL at Pride-related events, convention tabling, fundraisers, luncheons, dinners, and any other events as directed by the Board of Directors. The chair of the Pride Committee shall have the title of "Pride Director." Members of the committee shall be appointed by a simple majority vote of the SDFL Board of Directors

Subsection 6. Constitution and Operational Bylaws Committee

The Constitution and Operational Bylaws committee shall be responsible for periodic review of SDFL governing documents, as well as presenting modifications/amendments to the Board of Directors no less than 30 days before the Annual Meeting. All SDFL members in good standing shall be eligible to participate in the proceedings of this committee

Subsection 7. Outreach and Inclusion Committee

The Outreach and Inclusion Committee shall be responsible for connecting with historically under-represented communities within the membership of Stonewall DFL and the DFL at large. All SDL members in good standing shall be eligible to participate in the proceedings of the committee.

Subsection 8. Other committees

Other committees may be established by the Chair or as needed by a simple majority of the Board of Directors at any Board of Directors meeting.

Article VI. Endorsement Process

Section A. Authorizations

Subsection 1. Scope of Committee Authority

The Political Support Committee is authorized to screen candidates running for both intra-party positions and elected offices and is empowered to develop an endorsement recommendation process that is open, fair, and transparent to all candidates, SDFL members, and officers of both SDFL and the DFL Party. The determination of which offices SDFL will open for consideration of endorsement shall be at the discretion of the Political Support Committee or the direction of the Board. The Political Support Committee or Board of Directors may call for a rating system for any office in lieu of or in addition to an endorsement.

Subsubsection I. Suitability Rating of Candidates

The Political Support Committee shall establish procedures, subject to Board oversight, for determining a recommended suitability rating for each candidate. Only the Board of Directors shall have the power to ratify a final rating for any candidate by majority vote, exclusive of abstentions.  

Subsubsection II. Endorsements

The Political Support Committee shall establish procedures, subject to Board oversight, for making endorsement recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Political Support Committee may recommend the endorsement of a candidate for a position, or submit a recommendation of no endorsement by a majority vote. In the absence of a majority vote, the Political Support Committee shall forward a report of all candidates for each position and their suitability ratings to the Board without recommendation. The Board of Directors shall have final authority to endorse a candidate for a position by a 60% vote, exclusive of abstentions; to adopt an affirmative position of “no endorsement" by a majority vote, exclusive of abstentions; or, in the absence of a majority vote on the question of endorsement, record a position of "no recommendation" for the position.  

Subsubsection III. Adoption of Procedures 

The Political Support Committee shall adopt its own operating procedures, so long as those rules comply with the adopted Bylaws, and shall report the same to the Board of Directors, which may exercise oversight to modify such procedures as it deems necessary.  

Section B. Process

Subsection 1. Questionnaires

The Political Support Committee is empowered to develop and submit to the board for approval to approve questionnaires appropriate to each office for which candidates will be screened. The Political Support Committee may also adopt procedures for evaluating questionnaires and for using such evaluations in determining the recommended ratings for each candidate and which candidates may be further invited to participate in screening interviews. Submission of a completed candidate questionnaire is required of every candidate seeking an endorsement from Stonewall DFL, even those who have been endorsed in previous elections.

Subsection 2. Screening Interviews

The Political Support Committee shall adopt procedures, subject to Board oversight, for conducting candidate screening interviews. Such procedures may limit the number of candidates invited to participate in screening interviews, and shall establish a fair and equitable method for making such determination. Participation in a screening interview may only be waived under the criteria of Expedited Endorsements in Article 6. B. Section 4. The Political Support Committee shall make every effort to screen competing candidates on the same day, and questions asked of all candidates are asked by the same committee member each time.

Subsection 3. Endorsements

Endorsements may vary in level of support based on resources and the Board of Directors' approval. All endorsed candidates may use "Stonewall DFL" and its logo on campaign literature, mailings, website, etc. SDFL will promote the candidate through email, voter guide, social media, etc. Stonewall DFL may also support the endorsed candidate through volunteer efforts and include the candidate in any SDFL events or activities.   The Executive Committee may also approve financial support for the endorsed candidate up to $250, with reasonable preference given to DFL candidates who self-identify as LGBTIQIA2S+.   Financial support above the limit above must be approved by the full Board of Directors unless specifically directed.  

1. Reasonable preference should be given to candidates in “purple or swing” districts.  The Board of Directors may limit or expand this Executive Committee power further for specific endorsed candidates.

2. If Stonewall DFL is not able to provide any support for an endorsed candidate, it shall not endorse for that office.

Subsection 4. Expedited Endorsements

Subsubsection I: DFL Endorsed Candidates

The Board of Directors or Political Support Committee may waive the screening requirement for any candidate that has already received the DFL Endorsement from the appropriate DFL endorsing body and directly consider them for endorsement.

Subsubsection II: Previously Stonewall DFL Endorsed Candidates

If Stonewall DFL has previously endorsed a candidate for office in an election cycle and they are running for reelection unopposed within a reasonable amount of time before the appropriate DFL Endorsement Convention for that office, the Political Support Chair may waive the screening requirement and ask the Board of Directors to directly consider the candidate for endorsement.

 Section C. Participation

Subsection 1. Open Meetings

Stonewall DFL Political Support Committee candidate screenings are open to the public, but may be restricted to just SDFL Board and Active Members if requested by a majority of the Board of Directors. This request need not come at a regularly scheduled Board Meeting; it may be approved at a committee meeting by the Board members participating. The Political Support Committee has the authority to determine rules on the use of media or social media during candidate screenings, provided that the information is given to all attendees at the start of each screening session.  

Subsection 2. Interviewing of Candidates

When screening candidates, deference in questioning shall be granted in the order of 1) elected Officers and Directors, 2) Active Members, and 3) the general public.

Subsection 3. Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest shall be resolved according to the following rules.

Subsubsection I. The Political Director has Authority in Committee Screenings

If any conflict of interest is not clearly resolved in these Bylaws for the purposes of participation in the review of questionnaires, screening of candidates, and recommendation of ratings/endorsement, the Political Director shall have the final say. Any decision of the Political Director may be overruled by a majority of Directors participating in the screening.

Subsubsection II. Officers and Directors Will Rule on Their Own Conflicts of Interest

Each Office and Director is responsible for stating any involvement with a particular candidate or campaign at the time of screening. She or he should take great care not to bias the process towards or against any particular candidate or position. Each Officer or Director shall decide on recusal from the process and should seek input from fellow board members.  

Subsubsection III. Active Members and General Public

Any Active Member or member of the general public shall make known their conflicts of interest at the start of a meeting. The Political Director shall make a final decision on the level of participation by these members.

Subsubsection IV. Members who are Incumbents or Candidates for Office  

Members who are incumbents or candidates for elected office are not eligible to participate in the screening committee for that office, board, or legislative chamber, including for districts or wards they do not reside in.

Subsubsection V. Members who are Employees or Officers of Campaign Committees

Members who perform any paid work, volunteer campaign managers, and volunteers listed on any campaign committee registration must recuse themselves from screenings and deliberation in the race, except to observe their affiliated candidate’s interview.

Subsection 4 Committee Voting

Only members of the Board of Directors and Active Members who have paid their dues at least seven days prior to the meeting may vote on matters of candidate rating and/or endorsement recommendations at any meeting of the Political Support Committee.  

Section D. Endorsements

Subsection 1. Endorsement Usage

Any candidate who receives an endorsement from Stonewall DFL is entitled to state the same in their campaign literature, website, or other public media. Use of the name and logo of Stonewall DFL will be authorized subject to guidelines provided by the candidate by SDFL. Stonewall DFL may provide financial support, volunteer campaign assistance, and inclusion in SDFL activities to any endorsed candidate, but is under no obligation to do so, at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.  

Subsection 2. Expiration of Endorsement

Stonewall DFL endorsement shall continue in effect until the earlier of:

1. Endorsement of a different candidate by an official organizing unit of the DFL having authority to grant endorsement for the position sought
2. The candidate's defeat in any Primary Election for the position sought
3. The conclusion (including any recount process) of the General Election for the position sought. Upon expiration of the endorsement, the candidate shall immediately take steps to remove any reference to Stonewall DFL endorsement from their campaign literature, website, or other public media.  

Subsection 3. Rescinding of Endorsement

The Board of Directors of Stonewall DFL may, by a two-thirds vote, exclusive of abstentions, rescind any endorsement of any candidate for cause. Cause shall be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, including but not limited to: 1) misrepresentation as to the nature of the endorsement; 2) improper use of the name or logo of Stonewall DFL; 3) conduct or speech which SDFL, in its sole discretion, feels reflects poorly on the credibility and reputation of Stonewall DFL or its endorsement; 4) discovery of any misrepresentation or falsehood presented on the candidate questionnaire or during the screening interview; 5) for any or all of the above, whether committed by the candidate or anyone acting on the candidate's behalf; or 6) rescission of an endorsement by the official DFL Party organizing unit having authority to grant an endorsement for the position sought.

Subsection 4. "No Endorsement"; Reconsideration

"No Endorsement" is a viable option on every vote for an endorsement by the Stonewall DFL Board of Directors and requires a simple majority vote, exclusive of abstentions, to adopt. Once adopted, it may be reconsidered at the same meeting by a simple majority vote or at any future meeting during the same election cycle by a two-thirds majority vote, exclusive of abstentions.

Subsection 5. "No Recommendation"; Reconsideration

Whenever 1) the Board of Directors fails to offer a motion to be acted upon concerning an endorsement; 2) fails to achieve the prescribed 60% majority, exclusive of abstentions, to adopt endorsement for any candidate for an office; or 3) fails to adopt a motion of "No Endorsement" by the prescribed simple majority, exclusive of abstentions, then it shall be recorded as "No Recommendation" in regards to the question of endorsement for that office. In such cases, the rating given to each candidate for that office may be announced, along with a notation of "No Recommendation". The "No Recommendation" action may be reconsidered at any future meeting of the Board of Directors upon a motion, second, and a simple majority vote, exclusive of abstentions. Such motion to reconsider may direct that other action(s) be taken, including but not limited to calling for another vote on the question of endorsement; calling for another vote on the question of "No Endorsement"; asking all candidates for an office to submit an additional statement as to why each feels they deserve to be endorsed: or referring the manner to the Political Support Committee for further review and possible recommendation.

Subsection 6. Voting Procedure for Endorsements

The names of all candidates for an office shall be in consideration on the first ballot for endorsement conducted by the Board of Directors. Should no candidate receive the necessary 60% majority vote, exclusive of abstentions, then the person receiving the lowest number of votes on that ballot shall be dropped, and another ballot cast. This process will continue until a candidate receives a 60% vote, or until only two candidates remain on the ballot. After three successive ballots during which neither of the two remaining candidates receives a 60% vote for endorsement, balloting will cease, and a finding of "No Recommendation" shall be recorded for that office. The option of "No Endorsement" is a viable option on any ballot, which shall require a simple majority, exclusive of abstentions, to adopt.

Subsection 7. Endorsements for other DFL Party Officers

Subsubsection I. Caucus  

Stonewall DFL may endorse in DFL State Party races but not in any DFL Organizing Unit or Congressional District, community caucus and outreach organizations, or other local DFL units.

Subsubsection II.  Individual Support

Officers and Directors may support a candidate for any DFL Organizing Unit Officer race as an individual and may use their Stonewall DFL office title as long as they accurately represent that this is solely their individual support.

Article VII. Active Participation

Section A. Committees

All Directors are required to participate on at least one committee.  Committee participation is defined by either contributing electronically or in person outside of a Board of Directors meeting.  This is a necessity in order for the caucus to function effectively between meetings and for the committee work to happen outside of the Board meeting.  A Committee Chair may report lack of participation by a member during their committee report to the Board and ask for their removal from the committee.  

Section B. Endorsed Candidate Campaigns

Board members are required to volunteer on and/or support endorsed campaigns. While board members are not required to personally support every endorsed candidate, they should not actively support or endorse competing candidates.

Section C. Exceptions

A director may be excused from this requirement with a simple majority vote by the Executive Committee or Board of Directors.

Article VIII. Amendment/Rule-Suspension of Bylaws

Section A. Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section B. Suspension of the Rules Reminder

Any bylaw governing the meeting procedure or constituting a rule of order may be suspended upon a two-thirds vote, provided that the action the suspension would permit is not prohibited by the SDFL Constitution or any directives from the membership assembled.