Standing Rules

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Democratic Party of Clackamas County


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Democratic Party of Clackamas County

STANDING RULES

Standing Rule 1: FINANCE (May 16, 2013)

ARTICLE I FINANCE-RELATED PROCEDURES

  1. Each year, the Finance Committee shall prepare an annual budget for discussion and recommendation by the Executive Committee, followed by consideration for approval by the Central Committee. 

  2. Monthly budget reports to the Executive Committee and Central Committee shall apprise the membership of the financial situation per the budget.

  3. Payment for authorized expenditures shall be made by the program or activity chair by one of the following procedures:

  1. Submitting a vendor’s invoice (preferred)

  2. Sending an email to the Treasurer with the name of the responsible person and the details needed to make the payment

  1. The Treasurer shall forward payment information for all authorized, budgeted expenditures to C & E Systems for State reporting and for payment processing.

  2. Reimbursement for authorized, budgeted expenditures shall be requested by submitting the original receipt and record of payment along with the REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM. Note: An individual who incurs an expense for the Central Committee and does not seek reimbursement shall follow the procedure for in-kind donations to facilitate the required State reporting. Such non-reimbursed expenditures constitute political donations.

  3. Adjustments to the budget shall be considered by the Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall incorporate any resulting changes to the adopted budget into a proposed revised budget, to be reviewed by the Executive Committee. The proposed revised budget shall then be forwarded to the Central Committee for consideration and adoption.

  4. The Executive Committee may approve a non-budgeted expenditure that does not exceed $200 without Central Committee approval, but must notify the Central Committee as soon as possible.

  5. The Executive Committee shall allocate funds budgeted for candidates endorsed by the Democratic Party according to the following criteria:

  1. Likelihood of election to office

  2. Relative need for funds

  3. Estimated effectiveness of the contributed funds

  4. Importance to the furtherance of Clackamas County Democratic Party values and goals


Standing Rule 2: ELECTIONS 

(July 18, 2013; rev. September 18, 2018 and Sept. 2023)


ARTICLE I ELECTIONS OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE OFFICERS


  1. Vacancies in Central Committee offices (Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, Electronic Secretary and Treasurer) shall be filled by majority vote of the Central Committee at elections--including the biennial organizational election--organized and supervised by the Rules Committee.

  2. The following positions shall be filled at the organizational meeting: Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, Electronic Secretary and Treasurer of the Central Committee. The First Vice-Chair must be of a different gender from the Chair. Positions shall be open to any registered Democrat in Clackamas County with all newly elected PCPs eligible to vote. (ORS 248.035.b)

  3. A Nominations Sub-Committee of the Rules Committee consisting of five members representing at least three House Districts shall be elected at least six weeks prior to the biennial reorganization meeting with the following membership: 

    1. One member of the Executive Committee elected by the Executive Committee.

    2. Four members elected by the Central Committee, at least two of whom shall not be members of the Executive Committee.

  4. Membership on the Nominations Sub-Committee does not disqualify a [candidate] sub-committee member from being a candidate for office.

  5. Notice of any election for an officer of the Central Committee shall be announced to the full voting membership of the Central Committee by the day following the Executive Committee meeting in the month in which the election will be held. The notice shall include the office or offices to be filled and the name and email address of the chair of the Nominations Committee and the deadline for receipt of nominations by the committee.

  6. Any voting member of the Central Committee may submit a nomination for any open office to be included on the list of nominees submitted by the Nominations Sub-Committee. The Nominations Sub-Committee shall compile a list of names received, including self-nominations, and any willing and suitable candidates selected by a majority of the Nominations Sub-Committee.

  7. At least ten days before any election, the Nominations Sub-Committee shall provide to the chairs of the Central Committee and the Rules Committee the name(s) of candidates for the position(s). This list shall be communicated to the membership in the meeting announcement sent to all voting members at least six days before the election.

  8. At the time of the election, additional nominations may be made and write-in votes shall also be permitted. 

  9. Balloting will proceed one position at a time in the following order: Chair, [Vice-Chair] First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, Electronic Secretary, Treasurer.

  10. Ballots shall be counted by tellers appointed by the Rules Committee, with results reported to the Chair.

  11. If no candidate receives a majority on the first ballot, a run-off vote between the top two candidates shall determine the winner.

  12. Voting by acclamation is acceptable for any uncontested race. 

  13. Voting conducted electronically shall be governed by the provisions in Standing Rule 11- Conducting Electronic or Hybrid Electronic/in Person Meetings that Comply with Robert’s Rules of Order, 12th Ed.


[September 2018: PCP Attendance 118; Yes … 117, No … 0, Abstain … 1]



Standing Rule 3: JILL THORN GRANT 

(September 18, 2014)


ARTICLE 1 GRANT DESCRIPTION

The Jill Thorn Grant is an award of $500 or more depending on contributions provided by the Clackamas County Democratic Party and individual donors. It is available to help a woman from Clackamas County run for public office for the first time. Candidates may be nominated by any Clackamas County Democratic PCP at any time during the year. In no case will more than one award be made per calendar year; however, if no candidate is selected, no award will be made. 


ARTICLE 2 CRITERIA 

Candidates must be female registered Democrats who have not previously run for public office and who are either residents of Clackamas County or are preparing to run for public office in a district that includes at least part of Clackamas County. Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrated commitment to public service

  2. Likelihood of success as a candidate for office

  3. Need for support in pursuing candidacy for office


ARTICLE 3 PROCEDURES

  1. The availability of the Jill Thorn Grant will be posted on the DPCC web site. It will also be announced in the January meeting packet of the Clackamas County Democratic Central Committee each calendar year and at other times as may seem appropriate. 

  2. Award of the grant may be made as early as the February meeting of the Central Committee each year, but may be made at any point following that as long as the grant has not been awarded that calendar year.

  3. Nominations may be initiated by any Clackamas County Democratic PCP at the initiative of the PCP or at the request of a candidate.

  4. Preliminary screening of candidates will be done by a three-member committee appointed by the Chair of the county party with the consent of the Executive Committee. The committee will normally be appointed by the December meeting of the Executive Committee each year and will review all applicants for the following year. The selection committee will determine eligibility and appropriateness of all candidates and, in the case of multiple candidates, forward a ranked list to the Executive Committee. Review will consider an application form and an in-person interview with all candidates.

  5. The recommendation of the Executive Committee will be subject to approval of the Central Committee.

  6. Funds will be provided to the candidate as a donation from the county party following approval by the Central Committee.

  7. The Jill Thorn Grant is given to help defray the costs of a woman running for public office the first time and may be used at the discretion of the recipient for training, preparation for an actual political campaign, or other campaign-related expenses.


Standing Rule 4: MONROE SWEETLAND AWARD 

(October 20, 2017, revised Sept. 2023)


Monroe Sweetland (1910-2006) played a vital role in building a powerful, progressive Democratic Party in Oregon after World War II. He was a key architect of Democratic victories in both state and national campaigns and served in both the Oregon House and Senate. Long a resident of Milwaukie, Monroe Sweetland lived a life dedicated to supporting human rights, social justice, and the public good, especially in the field of education. 


Each year the Central Committee of the Clackamas County Democratic Party presents the Monroe Sweetland award to a Clackamas County Democratic PCP whose outstanding commitment and active engagement have contributed to the development of the Clackamas County Democratic Party. The recipient may not have received the award during the previous ten years.


The Chair of the Clackamas County Democratic selects the recipient of the award each fall in consultation with the other party officers. Presentation is normally made at the annual Roosevelt Dinner or other meeting or event in the fall, with the recipient receiving a commemorative plaque.


Standing Rule 5: CLACKAMAS COUNTY DELEGATION TO THE 

STATE PLATFORM CONVENTION 

(February 15, 2018, rev. Sept. 2023)


1. Eligibility and Selection of Delegates and Alternates


  1. All Democrats registered to vote in Clackamas County are eligible to serve as delegates or alternates to the state platform convention. Delegates and alternates are elected by majority vote at a regular meeting of the DPCC held at least one month prior to the opening date of the state platform convention. If there are no objections, delegates may be elected by acclamation.


  1. The chair of the DPCC shall notify the DPO by mail or email within 7 days of the county election of the names and contact information of those selected to attend the state platform convention.


  1. Representatives of the county should reflect the diversity of Clackamas County voters. Whenever possible, no more than 50% of delegates should be of one gender. 


2. Delegation Chair


  1. The chair of the DPCC shall chair the delegation to the DPO platform

convention. If the chair is unable to attend the platform convention, the vice chair or another officer of the county party designated by the chair shall serve as delegation chair. 


  1. After the county election of delegates and alternates, the chair of the delegation may add delegates and/or alternates to fill vacancies in the delegation up to the opening of the convention, notifying the DPO as soon as possible of the names and contact information of any additional delegates. Delegates added after the county delegate election may not be able to receive convention materials in advance, depending on the distribution procedures being followed.



3. Fees and materials


  1. Delegates and alternates selected to represent Clackamas County shall be responsible to pay the fee charged for participation. 


  1. The fee, along with the time and place of the convention, will be announced by the DPO in materials circulated to delegates and alternates at least 20 days prior to the convention.


4.  Delegates and alternates


  1. Delegates to the DPO platform convention are expected to attend all sessions and to vote by electronic ballot following the convention in the formal adoption of the platform. No county “may impose a binding unit rule on any vote cast by the members of any delegation” (DPO Bylaws, Art. VII). 


  1. If all delegate slots are filled, up to one-half the number of delegates may be elected (or appointed by the chair) as alternates. All alternates should register for the convention and participate in all sessions. However, only alternates accredited as replacement delegates may vote.


  1. Delegates who cannot attend the Platform Convention should notify the county chair at least one week in advance or as soon as possible. 


Standing Rule 6: ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE: 

VOTING PROCEDURES 

(September 20, 2018, rev. Sept. 2023)

These instructions supplement those in Article VI of the Bylaws. 

A. Nominations 

The Nominations Sub-Committee of the Rules Committee ( See Bylaws Art. VI.C.2.c. and d. and Standing Rule on Elections) shall present a slate of one or more qualified candidates for every county office. 

  1. Nominations and self-nominations for any position may be made by any member of the Central Committee or relevant House District until nominations are closed just prior to balloting. (See Standing Rule on Elections) 

  2. Prior to balloting, nominees for Central Committee offices, State Central Committee delegates/alternates, and Congressional District delegates/alternates will indicate on the Nominee Acceptance Form their name, gender, and willingness to serve. (If the nominee is not present, the nominee may provide the information by phone or confirmed email to the Chair of the Central Committee, the Chair of the Nominations Committee, or the Chair of the Rules Committee.) (See Appendix A for sample form.) 

  3. Voters will add to their ballots the names of any nominees added at the meeting. 

B. Voting Eligibility 

  1. Only PCPs elected in the most recent primary election may vote for Officers of the Central Committee: Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer. 

  2. Delegates to the State Central Committee, Congressional District 3 (CD 3), and Congressional District 5 (CD 5) and Congressional District 6 are elected by Clackamas County PCPs, both elected and appointed. 

  3. House District Leaders are elected by PCPs resident in the House District. 

C. Ballot election 

  1. Voting by acclamation is acceptable for any uncontested race. 

  2. Voting conducted electronically shall be governed by the provisions in Standing Rule 11- Conducting Electronic or Hybrid Electronic/in Person Meetings that Comply with Robert’s Rules of Order, 12th Ed.

  3. Except when there is only one nominee, all non electronic voting shall be by ballots which shall be placed in a ballot box and counted by tellers under supervision of the Rules Committee. Totals shall be reported to the Chair, who will announce the results. [Revised January 16, 2020 by unanimous voice vote, with 62 PCPs voting]

  4. Ballots shall be counted by tellers appointed by the Rules Committee in an area separated from the assembly. Results will be reported by the Head Teller to the Chair, who will announce results. 

  5. Up to four observers may be allowed in the counting area as ballots are counted. They must stay at least five feet from any counting process and may not speak, interact, or interfere with those counting ballots, except to ask questions of the head teller. Any observer asked to leave the counting area by the head teller must do so at once. Any questions or problems noted by an observer should be referred at once to the Chair or to a member of the Rules Committee. 

  6. Raising a point of order or reporting a violation 

Except for a violation of procedure of a continuing nature, such as the election of someone not eligible to serve in the office for which they are elected, all challenges to the results or procedures related to an election must be made no later than immediately after the chair’s announcement of the results, “before any debate or business has intervened.” (RONR, 11th ed., p. 409.) If the main meeting is in recess during vote counting, problems or questions may be promptly reported to the Chair or a member of the Rules Committee. 

  1. Election of officers 

    1. Officers will be elected in the following order: Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, Electronic Secretary, Treasurer. (See Bylaws VI.C.) 

    2. The election of the Chair and First Vice-Chair will be conducted by a temporary chair as specified in Article VI.C.2.d of the Bylaws. The newly elected Chair will preside for the remainder of the organizational meeting. 

    3. The First Vice-Chair shall be of a different gender from the Chair. Once the result of the election of the Chair is announced, nominations are open for the next position. Any candidates for Chair who are not elected may, if of a different gender, run for First Vice- Chair or, regardless of gender, run for Second Vice-Chair. 

  2. Election of delegates to the State Central Committee (SCC), Congressional District Committee 3 (CD 3) Congressional District 5 (CD 5) and Congressional District 6 (CD6.) (Bylaws Art. VI.C.2.g) 

  1. Nominees for delegate/alternate positions for CD 3 CD 5 and CD 6 shall fill out a Nominee Acceptance Form (Appendix A). 

  2. All nominees for a congressional district committee shall be listed on a single ballot. (Sample Ballot, Appendix B) 

  3. Votes cast shall equal the total number of delegate slots as specified by the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) on a single list. 

  4. No more than half of the allotted votes (or in the case of an uneven number of slots, fifty percent plus one) shall be cast for any one gender. Ballots on which more than the allotted slots are selected will be invalid. (Appendix A) 

  5. Positions as Delegates and Alternates will be awarded in the order of votes received, with no more than fifty percent or, in the case of an odd number of delegates, fifty-one percent of Delegate/Alternate slots going to candidates of any one gender. If multiple non-binary candidates are elected (place among the winning vote-getters), they will reduce male and female positions as equitably as possible. (Art.VI.C.2.j(i)) (See Appendix C, “Counting Procedure”) 

  6. Should the chair resign or be unable to continue their duties, an election will be held by all members of the SCC or Congressional delegation to elect a new chair. 

Appendix A: Nominee Acceptance Form


Nominee Acceptance Form

November, 2018


Name________________________________


Position______________________________


Gender: M_____  F_____  N_____


If elected, I agree to serve:


________________________________(signature)


Appendix B: Sample Ballot


Congressional District 3 (Vote for 3—

No more than two of any gender. )

Men Votes -Result


Scott XXXXXX 10


Joe YYYYYYY 21 (M3-A23)


Sam CCCCCCCC 32 (M2-A1)


Don SSSSSSSS 43 (M1-D3)


__________________________  ____


Vote Totals


FranN    59 (Delegate1--Chair)

LindaF   57 (Delegate2)

DonM    43 (Delegate3)

SamM   32 (Alternate1)

JudyF    28 (Alternate2)

JoeM     21 (Alternate3)

ScottM   20

JodyN    19

EllenF    16

MollyF  10



Note: If the top three vote-getters were female, only two could become Delegates. The third would become an Alternate and the top male or non-binary vote-getter would become a Delegate.  (VI.C.2.g.)


Note: If a Delegate resigns, the replacement must come from the list of Alternates, with gender as the first criterion and number of votes as the second. (VI.C.2.g). When an Alternate becomes a Delegate, an election is held to replace the Alternate.

Women Votes- Result


Molly XXXXX 20


Linda MMMM 57 (F1-D2)


Judy TTTTTT 28 (F2-A2)


Ellen  FFFFFF 16


__________________________    ____

Non-Binary Votes - Result


Fran 59 (N1-D1)


Jody 19


_______________________  ____


_______________________  ____


Appendix C: Counting Procedure


  1. Tally all the votes, producing a vote total for each nominee. 


  1. Designate the top vote-getters to fill the Delegate slots in order of votes received, with no more than half of the Delegates of any one gender.


  1. Repeat the process to fill the Alternate slots, with the number of males and females as balanced as possible, and no more than half of the total delegation identifying as any one gender. 


  1. In the event of a tie for the last Delegate or Alternate slot, hold a run-off election, unless half of the slots in that category are already held by someone of the same gender as one of the nominees involved in the tie. In that case, the nominee who is not from the same gender as the majority of Delegates or Alternates already elected receives the position. In all other cases, hold a run-off election, with the highest vote-getter of that election declared the winner. 


  1. List Alternates according to the number of votes received, highest first. When a Delegate is absent (from a meeting) or resigns (from the position), the highest-ranked Alternate of the same gender becomes a Delegate. 


  1. After the organizational meeting, any vacancies in the delegation are filled by election at the next regular Central Committee meeting, keeping in mind that “replacement preference for alternate delegates will utilize gender category first.” (DPO Bylaws, Article IX, Section 1.)


  1. The top vote-getter willing to serve shall chair the delegation.


[September 2018 PCP Attendance 118 Adopted by Unanimous Voice Vote]



Standing Rule 7: GUIDELINES FOR DRAFTING AND SUBMITTING A RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE 

(October 18, 2018, rev. Sept. 2023)


I.  Definition and Scope of Resolutions.

A resolution is a written motion, adopted by majority or super-majority vote of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County (DPCC) that expresses the formal position of the DPCC on a specific topic external to it. The DPCC may consider two kinds of resolutions: (a) resolutions by the DPCC regarding a matter appropriately of county concern, and (b) resolutions endorsed by the DPCC for submission to the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) on a topic of statewide or national concern.

II. Submission of Resolutions

A. A resolution may be proposed by the chair of any standing committee or any member of the DPCC.

B. Ordinarily the proposal must be submitted to the DPCC chair at least 10 days before a scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCom).

C. At the chair’s discretion, the proposed resolution may be referred to the Platform and Resolutions Committee (PRC) or other appropriate standing committee for review and recommendation to the ExCom on whether to endorse. Alternatively, it may be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the ExCom if it is of an urgent nature and is in the form specified in this rule. 

D. If referred to committee, the reviewing committee will report to the ExCom at its next meeting with a recommendation to endorse, reject, or extend review.

E. If the matter is urgent and the reviewing committee is unable to make a recommendation in time for inclusion on the ExCom agenda, but is able to do so in time for inclusion on the agenda of the Central Committee (CentCom) meeting, the DPCC chair may at his or her discretion include it. In that case, 

F. Timely received and reviewed resolutions require a majority vote to be adopted.

G. In extraordinary circumstances, resolutions referred to in this Standing Rule may be brought to the floor of a Central Committee meeting without prior notice, as stated in Art. VI.A.45.c of the Bylaws. The motion to consider such a resolution is debatable and requires a two-thirds majority vote in support of consideration. Approval of a motion taken up in this manner shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote. 

H. The DPCC may endorse without change a resolution that has been submitted to the DPO by another county party, subject to the review and time requirements in this rule and conforming to all DPO specifications.

III. Resolutions to the DPO. 

A. Submission of resolutions intended for consideration and action by the DPO are controlled by Article XVI of the DPO Bylaws. These requirements may be found at http://dpo.org/how-submit-resolution. (Note that the DPO provisions are different from the provisions for DPCC-only consideration with regard to process, timing, and form.)

B. Resolutions intended for submission to the DPO may originate in any standing committee or any member of the DPCC. The DPCC Chair may send the draft resolution to the DPCC Platform and Resolutions Committee for final editing. In unusual circumstances, such editing may occur between consideration by the ExCom and forwarding to the CentCom.

IV. Disposition of Resolutions. The DPCC Chair is responsible for conveying adopted resolutions to parties named in them and to publicize them as appropriate in electronic and print media, deferring to the Media Policy Guidelines for the DPO Platform and Resolutions Committee with regard to Proposals submitted to the DPO.

V. Form of DPCC Resolutions. (Please refer to example below when reading this section.) A resolution has three parts:

A. Title. The title should concisely state the substance of the resolution. The language used will vary with the subject but should be built with a verbal such as “to support,” “to create,” “opposing,” or “calling for.” These are more effective than the weaker “regarding” or “concerning.” A number will be assigned by the secretary when the resolution is adopted.

B. WHEREAS part. One or more clauses beginning with the conjunction “WHEREAS” state the basis for the resolution. (Note that, contrary to mistaken common practice, there should not be a comma after the word “WHEREAS.”)

1. The point made in a WHEREAS clause may be one of the following kinds:

a. Point of fact. If not general knowledge, facts asserted should be documented with a reference in the clause itself to a reputable and verifiable source of the information, backed up by a footnote to the exact source.

b. Principle or value acknowledged by the party that cogently entails the position taken in the resolution. Care should be taken to avoid making WHEREAS clauses an unfocussed litany of the Party’s values. A clause citing an article in the Party’s Platform or a priority legislative action item satisfies this criterion and particularly strengthens the resolution.

c. Law or constitutional provision. If the resolution relates to a pending bill or an existing law or court decision, that should be referenced in a WHEREAS clause.

d. Other circumstance that directly justifies or gives currency or urgency to the resolution.

2. If there is only a single WHEREAS clause, it should be punctuated with a comma at the end, followed immediately with the RESOLVED clause or sections.

3. If there are multiple WHEREAS clauses, each ends with a semi-colon, followed by the clause on a new line. Only the next-to-last clause gets the conjunction “and” after the semi-colon (without a comma after “and”). The final WHEREAS clause ends with a semicolon and is followed immediately (on a new line) with the THEREFORE part.

C. THEREFORE part. The second major part of the resolution is made up of one or more conclusionary sentences introduced by the words “NOW THEREFORE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CLACKAMAS COUNTY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:”

1.That introduction is followed by one or more sentences, each beginning a new line. 

2. If there are more than one, the sentences following THEREFORE should be numbered Section 1, Section 2, etc.

3. Each section is one or more complete sentences expressing a single action or conclusion, each capitalized and ended with a period.

4. If sections are not closely related and entailed by the same set of WHEREAS clauses, then a separate resolution should be devised, with its own set of relevant WHEREAS clauses.

5. Lines for signature, date, and other submission information will be added by the secretary to the adopted resolution and are not the responsibility of the drafter.

 

(Note on the grammatical form of a resolution: A well-formed resolution structurally comprises a single complex sentence beginning with the first THEREFORE clause and concluding with the period at the end of the first THEREFORE clause. Recognizing this overall structure of a resolution will help to understand correct punctuation usage. 

However, an exception is ordinarily made when there are multiple sections in the THEREFORE part. While it would be grammatically proper to integrate additional THEREFORE clauses in a resolution’s single complex sentence, with appropriate conjunctions and punctuation, it is less awkward to treat such additional clauses simply as successive sentences without compromising the unity and cohesion of the resolution, which remains a paramount consideration.)

 

D. External resolutions. From time to time, the DPCC is invited to endorse or duplicate a resolution adopted by another county party. The DPCC may endorse without change such a resolution, subject to the following requirements:

1. The process for endorsement is consistent with that for adoption of resolutions originating in the DPCC under this rule: and

2. Communication of the endorsement and execution of actions pursuant to it acknowledge the source of the original resolution;

E. In some cases, a resolution offered to the DPCC for endorsement may be worthy of endorsement, but fail to meet the standards for resolutions specified by the DPO. In such a case, the DPCC may prefer to write its own resolution, referring to its support for the point made in the other resolution.

F.  Sometimes it is felt that the substance of a proposed resolution is of such an urgent nature that it requires suspension of the normal process of adoption. A matter should be considered urgent only if the delay caused by adhering to normal requirements would seriously diminish the effect of the resolution, result in permanently lost opportunity, or otherwise do significant harm. 


SAMPLE RESOLUTION:

 

A RESOLUTION ON COUNTY NONCOOPERATION IN UNJUST TREATMENT OF IMMIGRANTS

 

WHEREAS in these uncertain times all Clackamas County families need to know they can use County programs and facilities, including public education, our public highways and byways, without fear of confronting County personnel acting as agents of U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE);

 

WHEREAS it is a violation of Oregon law (ORS 181A.820) to use public resources to detect or apprehend people in violation of federal immigration rules, for example, an ICE ‘detainer’ request;

 

WHEREAS in the 2014 case Miranda-Olivares v. Clackamas County, U.S. District Court of Oregon, the court ruled that Clackamas County would be legally liable for wrongful detention if it held anyone at ICE’s requests without independent probable cause;

 

WHEREAS it would be a waste of county resources voluntarily to cooperate with ICE in ideologically-driven and legally challengeable behaviors resulting in social injustice and costly litigation; and

 

WHEREAS adopting a county-wide policy of inclusivity will demonstrate basic respect and fairness for all of our residents and clarifies and guides all County agencies and personnel regarding interaction with immigration enforcement agencies;

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CLACKAMAS COUNTY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

 

Section 1. Clackamas County agencies and personnel, within their powers and in conformity with Oregon statutes and the finding of the court in Miranda-Olivares v.Clackamas County 2014 are hereby urged to prohibit the use of county facilities and operations by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement, their cohorts, or other related entities.

 

Section 2. All Clackamas County agencies, facilities, and personnel are requested to take any and all actions required to protect all residents of Clackamas County from any detention without just cause that might result from cooperation with ICE requests.



Standing Rule 8: REIMBURSABLE ACTIVITIES 

OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR

(March 21, 2019)


Due to the expansion of the scope of activities expected of the leadership of the Clackamas County Democratic Party, the allocation of $500 in the current budget for attendance at conferences, conventions, and meetings defrays only a small percentage of the costs of events they need to attend in order to represent the Clackamas County Democratic Party in meetings, conferences, and conventions of the following: the DPO, Congressional District Organizations, elected officials of relevance to Clackamas County, components of the CCDP and neighboring county parties.


This Standing Rule increases the annual amount budgeted to such expenses and clarifies the scope and nature of expenditures, including the following basic limitations on the use of funds:


  1. Funding is normally provided for one representative of the CCDP. Except in cases where the Vice Chair is explicitly obligated to attend an event or is substituting for the Chair, that representative shall be the Chair.

  2. Funding is not provided for purely social activities and may cover only transportation, food not provided as part of the event, lodging where necessary, and admission fees.


  Standing Rule 9: CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT POLICY 

(September, 2023)

Rationale

The primary goal of the DPCC is to elect or appoint a Democrat to every elected and appointed office, board, or commission, locally, state-wide and nationally. While it is critical to elect Democrats, it is essential to elect Democrats who will champion the values of the Party as expressed in the Party Platform and Resolutions. Our elected and appointed officials must have the freedom to make decisions based upon what they deem appropriate to serve the greater good while maintaining accountability to our Party’s stated values. 

Definitions

Federal race

A race for President, Vice President, Federal Representative or Senator.

State race

A race for a statewide office including, but not limited to, Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, State Representative or State Senator.

Local race

A race in even-numbered years, with a primary, for local governmental offices including, but not limited to, County Commissioner, Mayor, and City Council.

Special district race

A race in odd-numbered years, without a primary, for district offices such as school, fire and water boards.

Special election

An election held at a time other than the normal timeframe for elections.

Primary race

A race in which voters can indicate their preference for their party's candidate, or a candidate in general, in an upcoming general or local election.

Endorse

Provide a candidate with the approval and official support of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County, including, but not limited to, inclusion on slate cards.

  1. Candidate Notification Procedures

As the DPCC recognizes the importance of all races, it is the policy of the DPCC to reach out to all Democratic candidates in primaries and special district elections regarding endorsement. 

  1. Notification

    1. The Chair of the DPCC is responsible for ensuring that all Democratic candidates in primaries and special district races are contacted regarding the possibility of endorsement, as well as advising them of other services that the DPCC can offer to candidates, such as VAN access. For special district elections, the Chair may delegate initial contacts to a committee or group. 

    2. An effort will be made to contact all candidates via their contact method of record (email or phone) in their filing form SEL-190. Those who do not respond to the first contact shall receive at least one more contact. 

    3. All candidates will be provided with the following information:

  • A calendar of DPCC endorsement dates and deadlines

  • The URL of our candidate portal and an explanation of materials to be found there

  • An explanation of the difference between early and standard endorsement

  • For non-partisan races, an explanation of the DPCC policy regarding endorsing one candidate in selected races as outlined in section B.2.b

  1. An electronic record such as a spreadsheet will be used to track candidate contacts, whether a candidate is seeking endorsement, and whether or not endorsement is recommended. 

  2. All candidates seeking endorsement shall complete a questionnaire, attached as Appendix 1. This questionnaire will be provided as an online fillable form. Exceptions may be made for previously endorsed incumbents with a questionnaire on file.

  3. Candidates will be given a date by which the completed questionnaire must be received in order to be considered for early endorsement. This date must allow sufficient time for processing and vetting before the endorsement meeting. While the endorsement meeting will be held as close to the ballot statement filing date as possible, new candidates may not be able to wait until the last minute to file and still receive endorsement. 

  4. All returned questionnaires must be retained. These shall be compiled into a document available to all members of the Central Committee. 

  5. Candidates who specifically inform the DPCC that they do not want to be endorsed will not be endorsed.

  1. General Policies

Except where noted, general policies apply to all elections- federal, state, local, and special district.

  1. Timing: 

    1. In general, in all primary and special district races, the DPCC may:

      • Endorse a candidate who has previously been endorsed by the DPCC prior to the filing deadline upon request and with a two-thirds recommendation of the Executive Committee to send the early endorsement to the Central Committee.

      • In all races, attempt to schedule special meetings of both the Executive and Central Committees so that candidates receive endorsements before the voters’ pamphlet statement deadline. 

    2. Final candidate endorsements and ballot measure endorsements, based on the Executive Committee’s recommendations, are the sole responsibility of the DPCC Central Committee and are voted on at a scheduled Central Committee meeting. 


  1. Reasons for non-endorsement:

    1. It is important to note that disagreement with a candidate’s policies, as long as those policies are not in substantial non-alignment with the DPO Platform,  is not sufficient reason to recommend non-endorsement. Our default position is that all Democrats should be eligible for endorsement unless there are serious, substantive, documented reasons for not doing so. Such reasons for non-endorsement of any candidate include, but are not limited to:

      • Morally unacceptable or illegal behavior

      • Substantial non-alignment with Party values and positions as outlined in the DPO Platform

      • Dereliction of duty

      • Continuous refusal to answer Party queries.

    2. In exceptional cases, such as when a race may be won outright in a primary (like County Commissioner races) and when endorsing more than one candidate would jeopardize the likelihood of a Democrat winning the race, the DPCC may endorse a single candidate to increase the likelihood of a Democrat being elected to the position. This endorsement requires a 2/3 vote. Such a determination must be backed by substantive evidence such as that recorded on the Candidate Matrix, funds raised, endorsements obtained, experience and other metrics pertinent to the likelihood of winning a given race.  

    3. Grounds for endorsing or withholding endorsement must be stated and substantiated by examination of voting record, support for core values and objectives of the Democratic Party of Oregon as well as answers to questions during the interview process. This explanation must be presented at the meetings of the Executive and Central Committee before the endorsements are voted on.

  2. Endorsement of one Democrat over another Democrat, when both have requested endorsement shall occur only for compelling reasons as described in B.2 and requires a two-thirds majority of both the Executive Committee and the Central Committee. 

  3. Endorsement of incumbents running for reelection may be forwarded from the Endorsement Committee to be considered by the Executive Committee and the Central Committee once the incumbent has filed to run for the same office.

  4. Endorsement of a candidate in a primary election will automatically follow any successful candidate to the related general election unless new information which requires reconsideration is brought to the Central Committee’s attention.

  5. Ballot measures affecting the entire county or state, as well as levies may be endorsed by majority vote of the Executive Committee and forwarded for approval by the majority of the Central Committee once they have qualified for the ballot.

  6. Local Measures may be included on printed slate cards upon the request of the local House District Leader(s) and approval of the Executive Committee. Where lack of space is an issue, digital references may be used.

C. Endorsement Policies

  1. Proposing Endorsement  Procedures for endorsement differ depending on the type of race.

    1. In all primaries and special district races, the DPCC will follow the endorsement process for all Democratic candidates, as described in A.1 and B.1, subject to B.2 above.

    2. In state and federal and general election races, the DPCC will follow the endorsement process for the Democratic candidate for each office, subject to B.4 above, except under conditions stated in General Policies B.2 and B.5.

  2. Vetting Candidates 

    1. The DPCC Chair will designate a candidate vetting committee (Endorsement Committee) to include the Chair as well as a member of the Campaign, Platform and Resolutions, Neighborhood Leader and Rules Committees and at least two other members of the Executive Committee and any other Executive Committee members, including but not limited to Caucus and Committee Chairs who wish to participate. For local and special district elections, any House District Leader that wishes to participate will be included as well. If a House District does not have a leader, up to two PCPs from that district can be appointed to represent the House District.

    2. The Endorsement Committee will convene to review and discuss the questionnaires submitted by candidates and to fill out the Candidate Matrix, which records the candidate’s qualifications in several areas. When needed, the committee will assign one or more people to research specific candidates. They will be responsible for follow-up questions and oral interviews with candidates as needed or as time permits. Whenever possible, candidates who have not previously been interviewed by the DPCC should be interviewed.

    3. The Endorsement Committee shall make a recommendation for each candidate of Endorse or Do Not Endorse. Any decisions to not endorse must be substantiated as described in B.2. 

  3. Attaining Executive Committee Approval 

    1. The list of candidates reviewed in the vetting process plus the recommendation of Endorse or Do Not Endorse and the substantiations for each recommendation, the Candidate Questionnaire and the Candidate Matrix shall be submitted to the Executive Committee at its next meeting. Notice shall be given on the agenda that is circulated to the membership at least six (6) days in advance before the meeting. 

    2. Any recommendation of non-endorsement made by the Endorsement Committee requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee to confirm. If it is not confirmed, the candidate will be forwarded with a recommendation of Endorse. 

    3. Any member of the Executive Committee may recommend non-endorsement of any candidate. This must be substantiated as outlined in B.2, and non-endorsement requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee. 

    4. All remaining candidates who received a recommendation of Endorse shall be forwarded for consideration by the Central Committee at its next regularly-scheduled meeting.

  4. Attaining Central Committee Approval

    1. The list of candidates forwarded to the Central Committee and the substantiations for each recommendation, the Candidate Questionnaire and the Candidate Matrix will be included on the agenda circulated to the membership at least six (6) days in advance of the next regularly scheduled meeting or any meeting scheduled to endorse candidates. 

    2. Discussion or debate of the endorsement of any candidate will be done in a civil and respectful manner. Before the endorsement discussion begins, the Chair will outline the rules for respectful discussion, and those who do not abide by the rules will be ruled as out of order. Speakers must speak only on the qualifications of a candidate and may not make personal attacks or unfounded statements. Any statements that are made must be substantiated. 

    3. Any member of the Central Committee may recommend non-endorsement of any candidate. Any recommendation of non-endorsement must refer to specific reasons as outlined in B.2 and any statements that are made must be substantiated.  Non-endorsement requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Central Committee. 

    4. All remaining candidates who received a recommendation of Endorse shall be endorsed.

  5. Endorsement in local races shall be included on slate cards, if they are printed or made available, space permitting. Where lack of space is an issue, digital references may be used.

D.  Voting Procedures:

  1. Votes to approve or withhold approval on endorsement or non-endorsement of candidates will be conducted by show of hands or standing count, or (at the request of any member) by ballot. “Majority vote” indicates more than half of “yes” and “no” votes cast. “Two-thirds” indicates at least two-thirds of the total number “yes and no” votes cast. For example, if 19 “yes” or “no” votes are cast, a majority of votes is 10 regardless of any abstentions. If 90 people cast “yes” or “no” votes, a two-thirds vote is 60. (Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 12th ed., 2020, p. 380, See also Question 5 here: https://robertsrules.com/frequently-asked-questions/ ) 


Voting conducted in an electronic meeting will be subject to the rules outlined in Standing Rule 11.

.



Standing Rule 10: PCP APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES

(January 16, 2020)


  1. Applicants must:

    1. Have been a registered Democrat for at least 180 days prior to appointment

    2. Be a registered voter in Clackamas County

  2. Interested Democrats acquire applications:

    1. On the DPCC web site: http://www.clackamasdems.org/volunteer/ (preferred)

    2. From any Clackamas County PCP

    3. At the DPCC office: 609 Main Street, Oregon City, Oregon 97045

  3. Interested Democrats submit completed applications:

    1. By clicking “SUBMIT” on the DPCC web site (preferred)

    2. By mailing to PO Box 44, Oregon City, OR 97045

    3. By handing to any PCP

    4. By submitting to the Chair at any monthly Central Committee meeting

  4. DPCC Chair, with assistance of DPCC Secretary, reviews submitted applications:

    1. Checks name, address, party affiliation and length of membership, district/precinct information, Voter ID, Campaign ID, follows up on missing information or other problems with assistance of county clerk’s office

    2. Assigns applicant to the precinct in which the applicant is registered; a precinct adjoining that precinct within Clackamas county; or a precinct within the county and same state Representative district as the precinct in which the applicant is registered

    3. Sends copy of PCP applicant information to appropriate HDL

    4. Prepares list of PCP applicants monthly for review by Executive Committee and approval by Central Committee

(Note: Applications received fewer than seven days before the Executive Committee meeting will be processed the following month.)

  1. HDL contacts prospective PCPs and 

    1. Provides basic information about being a PCP, including mission statement of DPCC

    2. Inquires about prospective PCP’s interests and discusses opportunities to participate in party activities

    3. Answers questions and confirms that the applicant is interested in being a PCP

    4. Notifies Chair that contact has been made 

  2. Executive Committee reviews monthly list of PCP applicants 

    1. Considers information gathered by Chair and by HDL as basis for recommendation

    2. Forwards names of qualified Democrats interested in becoming PCPs to the Central Committee

  3. Central Committee acts on recommendations of Executive Committee

  4. Secretary submits list of appointees to county clerk’s office for final verification

  5. Approved applicant’s term of office begins at next Central Committee meeting (where new PCPs receive lanyard with name card) and continues until 24 days after next primary election


3/8/17 version, revised (1/16/2020) 62 PCPs voted on the previous motion; this motion was passed on a voice vote with one "no" vote cast


Standing Rule 11: Conducting Electronic 

or Hybrid Electronic/in Person Meetings that Comply with 

Robert’s Rules of Order, 12th Ed. 

(November 18, 2021, rev. Sept. 2023)



Democratic Party of Clackamas County Bylaws Art.VI.A.7:


  1. The Central Committee, Executive Committee, and other committees and caucuses of the DPCC may choose to meet in person, electronically, or in hybrid format (in-person with an option for members to access the meeting electronically) if equipment and personnel are available to support the mode of operation in a way that “provides, at a minimum, conditions of opportunity for simultaneous aural communication among all participating members equivalent to those of meetings held in one room or area.” (RONR, 12th ed., 9:31) Normal notice and quorum requirements will apply and voting is restricted to DPCC PCPs members attending the meeting in person or electronically.


  1. Notification of the options available for attendance must accompany notice of the meeting and be sent at least six (6) days before the meeting. If electronic connection is available, instructions for connection must be circulated to all members by email no later than two (2) days before the meeting.


Standing Rules 11: Electronic Meetings*


  1. All members attending a meeting must have access to hear and speak in order to participate in the business of the meeting. Members participating in person shall use traditional means of participation, while those connected electronically shall have equal access using the following procedures.

  2. Members who have not been recognized by the chair shall remain on Mute.

  3. The meeting shall be open to attendees for check-in at least fifteen (15) minutes before the announced meeting time. 

  4. DPCC PCPs attending electronically shall register with their full name and identify themselves orally, when requested, to establish a quorum. After a quorum is established members may use the participant list to monitor the ongoing presence of a quorum. 

  5. Guests (non-DPCC PCPs) shall identify themselves as such.

  6. Members shall sign out when leaving the meeting before adjournment.

  7. Those participating electronically are responsible for their own connections to the meeting. A member’s loss of connection or inability to hear shall not interfere with the ongoing business of the meeting.

  8. Members connected by electronic devices may cast votes only on their own unique device. For example, two members living in the same household must register separately for meetings and each use their own device (such as a computer or a telephone) to sign in and vote.

  9. The chair may disconnect or mute any device that is interfering with a meeting, subject to non debatable appeal by any member. The disconnection shall be announced in the meeting and noted in the minutes.

  10. Video display shall include the chair and current speaker as well as other meeting participants to the extent feasible.

  11. Members connected to a meeting using Zoom may: 

    1. Use the “Raise Hand” Zoom function to seek the chair’s recognition to speak. and indicate their purpose as follows: 

      1. Make a motion (MM) 

      2. Amend a motion (AM) 

      3. Speak in favor of a motion (Pro)

      4. Speak against a motion (Con)

      5. Raise a procedural question (Q)

      6. Make a point of order (PO)

      7. Make a point of personal privilege (PP)

    2. Use the “Chat” Zoom function to submit written text of motions or amendments. Format: name, text of motion, and number of motions previously submitted during the meeting if more than one.

    3. Not use the Chat function for personal conversation. 

    4. Directly address the chair if, while another member has the floor, there is no timely response by the chair to a request to raise a point of order or point of personal privilege.

  12. The Recording Secretary shall display motions on the screen.

  13. Permitted voting methods shall include:

    1. Unanimous consent, or acclamation in elections with only one nominee for a position--if there is no objection.

    2. Non-anonymous or anonymous poll.

    3. Audible roll-call.

  14. Procedural objection, including a quorum call, to any vote is in order only prior to the introduction of the next order of business unless the objection involves an ongoing violation (such as the ineligibility of a candidate for the office to which they were elected).

  15. Non-members present during a poll will be moved to a breakout room or otherwise be removed from access to the vote.

  16. Meetings are recorded and the recording kept at least until the minutes are approved at the next meeting. The Chair and/or Electronic Secretary is responsible for meeting file management.

  17. In the case of “hybrid” in-person and electronic meetings, all members shall have equal access to participation, to the extent possible.


*Note: These rules are specified in or implement requirements in Robert’s Rules of Order, 12th ed., especially pp. 638-641, and 2:16-2:22. As rules of order adopted in the DPCC Bylaws, they require advance notice and a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those voting or majority of the entire membership for amendment. They are included here to make them easily accessible to all members as the DPCC adapts to new meeting technologies. They have been organized to facilitate ease of use.


Approved 11/18/21: 59 PCPs in attendance and voting, there were no objections and Standing Rules 11 passed.


Standing Rule 11

Press Contacts (August, 2025)


1. The Chair of the Party is the only person who may send out press releases for the Party or

speak for the Party in response to contacts from the press or speak for the Party to the

press directly.

A. For a specific event, the Chair may delegate responsibility to contact the

press or speak for the Party to another person.


2. If approached by the press, members may speak for themselves, providing they clarify

they are speaking for themselves only and not for the Party. All requests for the

opinion of the Party shall be referred to the Chair.


Approved 8/21/25 with no objections