Table of contents

CONTINUING BYLAWS OF THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 18 REPUBLICANS 

Article IV
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
SECTION D
SECTION E
SECTION F
SECTION G

Article V
SECTION A
SECTION B

Article VI
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C

Article VII
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
SECTION D
SECTION E  

Article VIII
SECTION A
SECTION B

Article IX
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C

Article X
SECTION A
SECTION B

Appendix
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Exhibit E 

Definitions

1. "PC" shall mean "Precinct Committeeman".

2. "PCs" shall mean "Precinct Committeemen".

3. "Captain" shall mean "Precinct Captain".

4. "Legislative District 18 Republicans" shall be referred to as "District".

5. "District Chairman" shall mean "Chairman of Legislative District 18 Republicans".

6. "Board" shall mean the Executive Board which are the elected officers of Legislative District 18 Republicans.

7. "A majority" shall mean more than 50% of the votes or ballots cast.

8. "MCRC" shall mean the "Maricopa County Republican Committee"

9. "ARS" shall mean "Arizona Revised Statues"

10. "SC" shall mean "State Committeeman"

11. "SCs" shall mean "State Committeemen"

12. "GOTV" shall mean "Get-Out-The-Vote"

13. "C&T" shall mean "Credentials & Tally"

14. "Quorum" shall be twenty-five percent(25%) of the members of the District present in person or by proxy required for the transaction of any business of the District.

15. "Statuary" shall mean as established by ARS.

16. "Mandatory" shall mean as established by Bylaws.

17. "EGC" shall mean the MCRC Executive Guidance Committee.

18. "PR Manual" shall mean the District Policy and Resource Manual.

ARTICLE I NAME

SECTION A  Name

The name of this organization shall be the Legislative District 18 Republicans, hereinafter referred to as the District. The District is a portion of the Maricopa County Republican Committee, which is a portion of the Arizona Republican Party.

Back to Top

ARTICLE II OBJECT

SECTION A Objective

The objective and purpose of the District shall be:

1. To work for the election of Republican Party candidates;

2. To increase the effectiveness of the Republican Party workers in the cause of good government though training and active participation.

3. To promote the ideals of the Republican Party.

4. To support the County, State and National Republican Committees.

SECTION B Authority

1. The Bylaws are created to govern the District, existing under the MCRC of the Arizona Republican Party and by virtue of the ARS. These Bylaws shall, when not in conflict with state law or the prescribe rules governing the conduct of meetings and business of the District. These Bylaws shall apply and be binding upon its officers, committees and PCs.

2. Any subject not directly covered by these Bylaws shall be governed by the Arizona Revised Statues, the Bylaws of the Arizona Republican Party , the Bylaws of the MCRC, or the Robert's Rules of Order Revised.

Back to Top

ARTICLE III AREAS

1. For purposes of administration, the District is sub-divided into eight (8) areas, Area A through Area H. The board shall adjust the boundaries of the Areas in the even-numbered numbered years immediately after the District elections, but no later than December 15.
2. The quota for PCs shall be one factor in setting the Area boundaries. The facilitate effective administration of the District, equal attention will be given to the demands on the prospective Third Vice-Chair assigned to the Area, which will include such factors as the geographical size of the Area, the number of precincts in the Area which lack an active Precinct Captain, and the extent to which precincts in a given Area are not filled to the authorized level of PCs. Each precinct shall be entirely within one Area.
3. Each Area shall be contiguous and as compact as possible.

1. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors normally adjusts the boundaries for precincts in December of the odd-numbered year to compensate for changes in the number of registered voters. A proper precinct size is equal to the number of voters the precinct election polling place can accommodate.
2. Quotas for PCs are determined based on the number of registered Republican voters as of March 1 of each even numbered year. Each precinct has a quota of one PC plus one additional PC for each 125 registered Republicans or major fraction thereof.
3. Personnel in a precinct shall include:

a. PCs to fill the quota- one of the committeemen is elected Captain

b. The Captain may nominate three (3) members and two (2) alternatives from the precinct for the election board.

c. Block workers

d. Volunteers

e. Republican voters

Back to Top

The membership of the District shall consist of all duly elected and appointed Republican PCs who reside in the District.

PCs are elected at the Primary Election. Only elected PCs are eligible to vote at the District and MCRC Statutory Organizational Meetings. To retain their positions as elected PCs, individuals must be re-elected every two (2) years.

A vacancy occurs in a precinct when there is a failure to elect the allowed number of PCs at the Primary Election. Vacancies are also created by death, resignation, or when a PC moves from the precinct from which that person was elected or appointed.

PCs can be appointed to fill vacancies at any time. Appointees must be qualified Republican electors and must be recommended by the Captain, or the District Chairman if no Captain. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors authenticates the appointments from recommendations that are submitted by the District Chairman. Elected PCs and PCs appointed not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the MCRC Mandatory Meeting or other District votes shall have full voting rights.

       1. County        

 All of the PCs of the District are also members of the MCRC

       2. State Committeemen 

One PC for every three elected PCs shall serve as a member of the State Committee of the Arizona Republican Party. Attends the annual State Statutory and Mandatory Meeting in person or by proxy, with full voting rights.

1. The term of office of a PC is two (2) years, beginning the day after the Primary Election is certified in even- numbered years.
2.  Republican election board workers in a precinct are nominated by the Captain of that precinct or by the Board where there is no Captain. The District Chairman carries the list of nominees to the MCRC who submits the list to the Maricopa County Election Department, who then appoints the election board workers for each specific election. Active PCs are to be given preference for these paid jobs.
3. Block workers and volunteers serve indefinite periods of time.

1. Attend Precinct and District Meetings and the annual County meeting.
2.  Elect District, County, and State Party leaders who will best represent and implement the philosophies and goals of the precinct constituents.
3. Canvass the precinct periodically and keep track of changes in the neighborhood, making sure all Republicans are registered to vote.
4. Recruit precinct volunteers. Assign specific blocks to them for door-to-door and telephone work.
5. Carry nominating petitions, distribute election information and candidate literature in your precinct.
6. Participate in GOTV and election day activities.

Back to Top

Newly-elected PCs in each precinct shall elect a Captain at the Precinct Mandatory Meeting during September of each election year. The Captain shall server for two (2) years, beginning and ending with the Precinct Mandatory Meeting.

1. The officers of the District shall be Chairman, First Vice-Chairman, Second Vice-Chairman, eight (8) Third Vice-Chairmen, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers shall constitute the Executive Board.
2. These officers shall be elected at the District Statutory Organizational Meeting and shall serve two (2) years beginning with that meeting and ending at the next Statutory Meeting.

Back to Top

Goal: To identify, befriend, register to vote, early ballot, and GOTV all Republicans in their precinct.

1. Recruit precinct volunteers and assign a neighborhood block.

2. Co-ordinate precinct activities using walking list.

3. Consult regularly with the designated District Third Vice-Chairman.

4. Encourage all precinct workers to attend District meetings.

5. Work to make certain that a full quota of PC candidates file papers on time. Filing forms are: (1) Nomination Petition with minimum of 10 signatures; (2) Affidavit of Qualification must be notarized. Filing period is between 125 and 75 days before the Primary Election.

6. Nominate election board members.

1. Chairman

a   Sets agenda for District meetings.

b.  Schedules regular Executive Board meetings.

c.  Presides at all District and Board meetings.

d.  Appoints committee chairmen after advice and consent of the Board and is an ex-officio member of all the District committees.

e.  Represents the District as a member of the MCRC EGC.

f.   Reports on activities of the MCRC and State Committee.

g.   Appoints committee members for the MCRC and State Statutory and Mandatory meetings.

h.   Processes paperwork that flows between the District and MCRC.

        (1) PC appointments and resignations.

        (2) Voter lists

        (3) Election Board nominations from Captains.

i.    Arranges for reconciliation of records by an independent person when there is a change in the Office of Treasurer.

j.    In case of resignation from or vacancy in a District office, appoints a replacement who serves until an election for that position at the next District meeting, following the mailing of required notices with proxy form.

    2.   First Vice-Chairman

a.    Presides at District and Board meetings if the Chairman is absent.

b.    Maintains a "PR Manual" which shall be the repository of all bylaws, all forms, area boundaries, maps, annual committee goals and strategies, rosters, budget, Republican lists, and all other resource material deemed important to the Board for support of District planning, activities, timelines, and elections.

c.     Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chairman of the Board.

d.     Relinquishes the "PR Manual" to the successor.

     3.   Second Vice-Chairman

a.     Presides at District and Board meetings if the Chairman and the First Vice-Chairman are absent.

b.     Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chairman of the Board.

     4.  Third Vice-Chairman (8 positions)

a.     Receives and is responsible for a designated Area as assigned by the Chairman after advice and consent of the Executive Board.

b.    Works to fill PC and Captain vacancies in the precincts in the Area assigned. Shall be the acting Captain in a precinct with no PCs until a Captain is recruited.

c.     Consults regularly with Captains, delivering to them working lists and other information as requested by the Board.

d.     Reports to the Board the activities and successes of the Captains.

e.      Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chairman of the Board.

      5.  Recording Secretary

a.     Takes minutes of all District, Board, and Special meetings.

b.     Prepares a monthly  newsletter.

c.     Performs other duties as assigned by the Chairman or the Board.

d.   Preserves all minutes and permanent records and relinquishes all to the successor.

     6.   Corresponding Secretary

a.   Handles all formal correspondence between the District and others.

b.   Distributes a monthly newsletter via electronic or direct mail.

c.   Keeps a complete and up-to-date roster of the PCs, Captains, Officers, and SCs with their precinct and Area location.

d.   Perform other duties as assigned by the Chairman or the board.

e.   Preserves all correspondence and permanent records and relinquishes all to the successor.

     7.   Treasurer

a.   Custodian of all funds of the District that must be deposited and maintained in a bank selected by the board.

b.   Keeps an accurate account of all moneys received and disbursed and give reports as required by the Chairman. Disburse funds only upon the order of the Chairman, after advice and consent of the Board.

c.   Member of the Finance Committee and may serve as the Chairman of the Finance Committee.

d.   Submits an annual report to the District and completes and transmits reports that may be required by law.

e.   Preserves all deposit slips, bank statements, disbursement authorizations and financial reports and relinquishes all to the successor.

     8.   Officer Resignation

All elected District officers must resign upon formal announcement of candidacy for a partisan elective office, or upon being appointed to a vacancy in a partisan elective office other than PC.

Section C   Executive Board

     1. Plans and implements District meetings and activities.

     2. Counsels with the Chairman and approves committee appointments, goals, and strategies.

     3. Encourages and approves the work of the committees.

     4. Acts as the Nominating Committee for the election of District officers.

     5. Conducts all District elections.

Back to Top

ARTICLE VII MEETINGS

Section A    Mandatory Precinct Meeting

     1.  Precincts that elected more than one PC:

a.  A precinct meeting shall be held during September not earlier than five (5) days after the Primary Election.

b.  This meeting shall be arranged and conducted by the outgoing Captain, or a member of the Board.  A group of precincts can meet at one time and place.

c. In this meeting or at another precinct meeting held soon thereafter with the PCs, hand out and discuss the precinct GOTV effort in the up-coming General Election. The Captain should also hand out precinct maps, voter registration forms, walking lists, walking list codes, and precinct block assignments.

d.  Business shall include:

     (1)  Each PC shall complete before and bring to the meeting a "Nomination Questionnaire" Exhibit A) stating personal preferences regarding nomination to party leadership and an "Interest and Skills Survey" (Exhibit B)

     (2)  Elect a Captain.

     (3)  Nominate SCs to fill guaranteed seats on the State Committee    SC quota per precinct is based on the following:

               2-4 elected PCs        = 1 SC

               5-7 elected PCs        = 2 SCs

               8-10 elected PCs      = 3 SCs

               11-13 elected PCs    = 4 SCs

     (4)  Other precinct business as appropriate.

     (5)  The Captain of each precinct must turn in a "Mandatory Precinct Meeting Report" (Exhibit C) on the results of the meeting, along with copies of all PC surveys, to the Chairman or Board by September 30.

     2.  Precincts that elected only one PC:

a.  The lone PC shall meet, for the purposes of information, with PCs from another precinct in their Mandatory Precinct Meeting.

b.  The lone PC automatically becomes Captain of the precinct.

c.  There is no guaranteed seat on the State Committee, but there may be an available seat at the District Statutory Organizational Meeting elections.

d. The lone PC fills out the "Nomination Questionnaire" (Exhibit A), the "Interest and Skills Survey" (Exhibit B), and the "Mandatory Precinct Meeting Report" (Exhibit C), and returns all of the above to the Chairman or Board by September 30.

     3. Mandatory Precinct Meeting Forms

a. See exhibits in the "Appendix"

     4. The Board shall enter the information from  the "Interest and Skills Survey" into a computer data base for a resource.

Section B   District Statutory Organizational Meeting

     1.  Nominations for District leadership.

a.  The Nominating Committee shall use the "Nomination Questionnaires" from the Mandatory Precinct Meeting to contact all those PCs interested in running for the following District offices:  District Chairman, First Vice-Chairman, Second Vice-Chairman, eight (8) Third Vice-Chairmen, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer.

b. Every elected PC who wishes to be nominated for a position of leadership shall be considered.  It may be necessary for the Nominating Committee to recruit candidates.

c. The Nominating Committee shall submit the name of at least one (1) nominee for each office, having gotten the consent of the nominees to serve if elected. These names shall be pre-printed on the ballot for the District statutory elections.

d.  A PC shall be nominated for no more than one of the District offices.

     2.  Nominations for State Committeemen.

a.  If the total number of SCs nominated in the Mandatory Precinct Meeting is less than the District quota, then the remaining unfilled seats shall be available to all other PCs who wish to be candidates, "At-Large". They shall have their names pre-printed on the ballot to be nominated at the district elections.

b.  The District Chairman shall certify all the nomination results to the MCRC Chairman at least ten (10) days prior to the County Statutory Organizational Meeting, where SCs are officially elected

     3.  District Ballot.

a.  The Cutoff for having a candidate's name pre-printed on the District ballot is twelve (12) days before the November District election.

b.  PCs who become candidates after the pre-printed ballot deadline may run as write-in candidates at the November District elections. Blank lines will be printed on each ballot for possible write-ins. Those desiring to be write-in candidates must be given written notice to any Board member prior to the election. The Board shall have C&T post the write-in candidates' names at the elections credentials table.

     4.  District Candidate Campaigning

a.  At the District meeting in October, all candidates for District office may conduct political rally activities.

b.  Candidates will be allowed to have wall signs, if allowed in the facility then being used, and election flyers, etc.

c.  All candidates for District office will be introduced and will be allowed to give campaign speeches.

     5.  District Pre-elections Preparations.

a. The District Statutory Organizational Meeting shall be held no earlier than the second week in November after the General Election and no later than the first week in December.

b.  A call letter (Exhibit D) must be mailed ten (10) days prior to the meeting. A proxy form (Exhibit E) must be mailed  with the call letter and the signature of the PC who is appointing must be witnessed by two (2) other adults or be attested to by a Notary Public. The proxy shall be in force and effect for only the appointed proxy carrier and for the length of the election meeting. See exhibits in the "Appendix".

c.  The District Chairman shall appoint a C&T committee who will prepare an alphabetical list of all elected PCs. This list shall have two columns to establish eligibility to vote:

     (1) Present in person.

     (2) Present by proxy.

d.  Ballots shall be printed with all candidate names listed, and extra lines for possible write-ins.

e.  A ballot box, or boxes, shall be prepared for the election.

f.   PCs who will be late or absent from the meeting may vote absentee or by proxy. An absentee voter must appear before any member of the Board after the printing of the ballots. Absentee ballots shall be sealed in an envelope, identified on the outside with the name of the PC voter and the precinct. Absentee voting closes forty-eight (48) hours before the election.

     6.  District Election.

a.   All officers for the new two (2) year term shall be elected by a majority vote at the District Statutory Organizational Meeting at which a quorum is present, in person or by proxy.

b. All SC nominee candidates for the remaining unfilled two (2) year "At-Large" seats shall be elected as the candidates receiving the highest votes.

c. Polls shall open thirty (30) minutes prior to the meeting and close one (1) hour later. Those in line at the close of the polls shall be allowed to vote.

d.  The C&T committee will have each PC voter sign opposite their names in the column "Present In Person", and for each proxy carried, sign opposite the proxy's name in the column, "Present By Proxy". The committee will issue each PC voter enough ballots to equal themselves and the proxies they carry.

e. The C&T committee must declare a quorum present for the election to be valid.

f.  A proxy can be voted by any registered Republican from the same precinct as the PC.

g. Ballots should be marked and placed in the proper ballot box. The C&T counts the ballots at the close of the polls.

h. On election night, there will be a regular program, the length and nature to be determined by the Board. The speaker will be interrupted if run-offs are required. Election takes precedence over other matters. Run-off elections shall follow the procedure defined in the MCRC Bylaws.

i.  Final results should be announced as soon as possible, but in any event before the meeting is adjourned. Itemized recording of the votes cast shall be entered into the official minutes of the meeting.

j. The gavel shall be passed, if there is a new District Chairman.

Section C   Regular District Meetings

     1.  The District shall meet ten (10) times or more each year.

a.  Monthly meetings at the same time and the same location will result in better attendance.

b.  Chairman shall conduct, with use of a gavel.

c. Typical agenda:

     (1)  Call to order.

     (2)  Invocation.

     (3)  The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

     (4)  Welcome and introductions.

     (5)  Legislative reports.

     (6)  PC training.

     (7)  Committee reports and challenges.

     (8)  Business.

     (9)  Guest speaker.

    (10)  Announcements.

    (11)  Adjournment

Section D   Meetings of the MCRC of the Arizona Republican Party

     1.  MCRC Statutory Organizational Meeting.

a.  Is held in January of each odd-numbered year to elect officers of the county and certify the election of the SCs

b.  The District Chairman shall appoint PCs to serve on the C&T, Bylaws, Rules and Resolutions Committees

c.  The officers to be elected shall be:  Chairman, First Vice-Chairman, Second Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall serve a two (2) year term.

     2.  MCRC Mandatory Meeting

a. Is held in January of each even-numbered year.

b. The District Chairman shall appoint PC's to serve on the C&T, Bylaws, Rules and Resolutions Committees.

c. Five (5) at-large members are elected who serve on the EGC for a two (2) year term.

     3.  MCRC  EGC

a.  Meets monthly as determined by the committee, or upon a "Special Meeting" call.

b.  Members of the EGC shall be: the county officers, Legislative District Chairmen, and the five (5) at-large members.

Section E  Meetings of the Arizona Republican Party

     1. State Statutory Organizational Meeting

a. Is held in January of every odd-numbered year

b. The State Committee shall elect from its membership a Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer who shall serve a two (2) year term.

c. Three members at-large from each of the eight (8) Congressional Districts shall be elected at congressional caucuses held in conjunction with the State Statutory Meeting.

     2. State Mandatory Meeting

a. Is held in January of every even-numbered year.

b. The State Committee shall elect non-statutory officers who are: First Vice-Chairman, Second Vice-Chairman, Third Vice-Chairman, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, and sergeant-at-Arms, who shall serve a two (2) year term.

     3. State Executive Committee

a. Shall meet at least (3) times a year.

b. Members of the Executive Committee consist of: the elected officers of the State Committee, the National Committeeman and Committeewoman, the Chairman, and First and Second Vice-Chairman from each county, three members-at-large each congressional district, and the President of the Arizona Federation of Republican Women. 

c. Legislative District Chairmen are invited to attend, but do not have a vote on the State Executive  Committee.

     4. State Convention

a. Is held in the Spring of the presidential election year.

b. Purpose is the election of delegates and alternates to the National Convention, both at-large and representing congressional districts, and the election of the national committeeman and committeewoman.

c. District delegates and alternates to the State Convention shall be qualified Republican electors of the District.

d. There shall be no proxies for either delegates or alternates. Alternates shall serve in the order as elected in the District.

e. A Special District Caucus shall be held to elect delegates and alternates to represent the District at the State Convention.

(1) Eligible electors are District PCs who were elected or appointed by December 31 preceding the presidential year.

(2) The District quota is one delegate and one alternate for each 1000 registered Republican voters in the District.

(3) The Board shall compile a list of candidates, at the minimum, equal to the total quota for the District.

(4) The District shall elect delegates and alternates in the same election. The delegates shall be elected first by receiving the highest number of votes. Then the alternates shall be elected and listed numerically to serve in an order determined by the number of votes received.

(5) A District delegate vacancy at the State Convention shall be filled by an alternate listed as number 1, then number 2, and so forth.

Back to Top

ARTICLE VIII  ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

Section A Precinct Activities

1. First year of term (off-election year). Identify the voters.

    a. Identify all registered to vote, all non-registered, those who have moved or died, and prepare a perfect walking list.

    b. Register Republican voters.

    c. Identify voters who will want early ballots or a ride to the polls.

2. Second year of term (election year). Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV).

    a. Circulate petition to acquire ten plus (10+) signatures for self, then file with the Maricopa County Elections Department to get on the primary election ballot as a candidate for PC.

    b. Circulate petitions to acquire nomination signatures for Republican candidates of choice.

    c. Sponsor open-houses within the precinct for Republican candidates.

    d. Be a resource to your Republican neighbors--know where to request early ballots, polling time and poll location, how and where to early vote at county offices; and because you know the candidates and the issues, you will be asked how you voted.

     e. Establish a precinct phone bank to encourage Republican voters to GOTV for the Primary and General Elections. Can use yellow tear sheets in the General Election with an authorization form from the MCRC.

Section B Endorsements in Republican Primaries

1. Contested Primary Elections

     a. Any PC, including each officer of the District except the Chairman, may independently endorse a Republican candidate in his/her own name prior to the primary election, but shall not claim to speak for the District or the Board.

      b. Any PC or any officer of the District, including the Chairman, shall not offer a motion nor shall the Chairman accept a motion for the District to support one Republican candidate over another Republican candidate prior to the primary in partisan elections.

      c. The Chairman shall not endorse because:

(1) Needs to have the co-operation of every PC for a positive and harmonious District growth environment.

(2) Needs to be inclusive for all District Republicans.

(3) Needs to have PCs accept appointments to accomplish the goals of the District.

(4) Needs to be a resource for all.

2. Endorsement of Non-Republican Candidates

      a. No member of the District Executive Board shall lend an endorsement to a non-Republican candidate in any partisan election. Any officer doing so, subject to a PC petition (see MCRC Bylaws), could be removed from his/her District office.

Back to Top

ARTICLE IX COMMITTEES

Section A Appointment

1. The District Chairman shall appoint committee chairmen, after advice and consent of the Board, and is an ex-officio member of all the District Committees.

2. All PCs should choose to serve on one (1) or more committees.

Section B Standing Committees

1. The standing committees and their goals shall be:

   2. The Board shall establish the annual goals and strategies for each committee and provide a budget to help fund the activities. Maintain in the PR Manual.

Section C Special Committees

The district Chairman may, after advice and consent of the Board, appoint such other committees as may be needed from time-to-time, such as: Lincoln Day award dinner, family day picnic, election headquarters, Christmas party, and election gala.

Back to Top

ARTICLE X BYLAWS DURATION AND AMENDMENTS

Section A Duration

These Bylaws shall become effective as soon as they are adopted and will continue in force until the boundaries of the District are changed or the Bylaws are amended in accordance with this Article.

Section B Amendments

1. Amendment to these Bylaws may be proposed at any meeting of the District, subject to the following conditions:

a. A call letter with a proxy and a copy of the proposed bylaw change be sent to each PC at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.

b. A quorum must be present when Bylaws are amended.

c. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the PCs present in person or by proxy shall be necessary for passage of any motion to amend.

Back to Top

APPENDIX