WASHOE COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE BY-LAWS
Adopted April 10, 2008
ARTICLE 1 - NAME
ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE
Section 1 General Purposes
Section 2 Specific Objectives
ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 Precinct membership
Section 2 WCRCC Voting members
Section 3 WCRCC Non-voting members
Section 4 Resignation, removal and replacement
ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS
Section 1 Election, term of office, resignation and replacement
Section 2 Duties of officers
ARTICLE 5 - MEETINGS
Section 1 Regular meetings
Section 2 Special meetings
Section 3 Precinct meetings
ARTICLE 6 - COUNTY CONVENTION
Section 1 Delegats
Section 2 Officers
Section 3 Purpose
Section 4 Committees
Section 5 Dates
ARTICLE 7 - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1 Members and Date of Meetings
Section 2 Vacancies
ARTICLE 8 - COMMITTEES
Section 1 Standing
Section 2 Special
ARTICLE 9 - NEVADA REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Section 1 Representatives
Section 2 Vacancies
ARTICLE 10 - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1 Parliamentary Authority
Section 2 Interpretation
ARTICLE 11 - AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE 12 - ADOPTION
ARTICLE 1 - NAME
The name of this organization is the Washoe County Republican Central Committee, hereafter referred to as the “WCRCC”.
ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE
Section 1. The general purposes of the WCRCC are:
A. Promotion of sound, honest and progressive government at all levels;
B. Preservation and protection of the dignity, rights and liberties of the individual;
C. Encouraging the citizens of this county, state and country to maintain their constitutional liberties and freedoms by not allowing any level of government to do those things for people that they can do as well individually or collectively for themselves;
D. Upholding the Constitutions of the United States of America and the State of Nevada.
Section 2. The specific objectives of the WCRCC are:
A. Provide leadership and manage the affairs of the Republican Party in Washoe County;
B. To elect Republican Party candidates in all levels of government by:
1) Building and maintaining an active party organization;
2) Recruiting and supporting strong, qualified candidates;
3) Raising adequate funds to accomplish the goals of the WCRCC;
4) Maintaining solid precinct organization to assist in voter registration drives;
5) Helping candidates;
6) Encouraging Republican Party members to vote.
C. Supporting Republicans in office;
D. Informing Republican Party members and the general electorate on Republican philosophy, issues, candidates and office holders through political education and activities;
E. Keeping the public informed concerning affairs of the Republican Party;
F. Promoting and encouraging participation by all Republicans in party activities;
G. Fostering loyalty to the Republican Party and promotion of the party’s ideals.
ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Precinct Membership
Precinct entitled membership shall be established by reference to the Washoe County Registrar’s registered voters list of the first Monday of January of each county convention year. It shall not be changed until the membership for the next WCRCC Convention year’s precinct meeting.
Section 2. WCRCC voting members:
A. Shall be nominated at the precinct meetings (and elected at the WCRCC Convention).
B. After election at the WCRCC Convention, shall serve for a period of two (2) years and until their successors have been elected;
C. The following shall be voting members of the WCRCC by virtue of the office held. These members shall not be counted as members under Article III, Section, 2. A.:
1) Incumbent officers of the WCRCC;
2) Vice chairmen of the WCRCC;
3) Chairmen of the standing committees.
D. The following shall also be full voting members of the WCRCC with the right to vote and if present shall be counted in determining if there is a quorum and shall not be counted in computing the number needed for a quorum. These members are not counted as members under Article III, Section 2. A.:
1) The immediate past WCRCC chairman, if not removed for cause;
2) Current presidents of the Federated Republican Women’s Clubs in Washoe County or their representative;
3) Current presidents of the Young Republican Club’s in Washoe County or their representatives, including the College Young Republicans Club, provided that membership in these groups include not less than ten Republicans registered in Washoe County;
4) Current presidents of nationally recognized Republican auxiliary groups;
5) Members of the Republican National Committee residing in Washoe County;
6) Elected members of the State Central Committee who reside in Washoe County;
7) Current president of the Nevada Young Republicans residing in Washoe County;
8) Current president of the Nevada Federation of Republican Women provided she resides in Washoe County;
9) Nevada State presidents of all other organizations recognized by the Republican National Committee residing in Washoe County;
10) Members of the Washoe County delegation to the State Legislature;
E. Must be a registered Republican voter in Washoe County, Nevada and must physically reside in the precinct the person represents;
F. Must keep the secretary advised of his/her correct address (both physical and mailing), email address and telephone numbers;
G. Are responsible for being familiar with these bylaws;
H. Must not actively and/or openly support a candidate of another political party or an independent candidate for any public office. A member of the WCRCC may support an independent candidate for non-partisan office provided there is no candidate registered as a Republican seeking the same non-partisan office;
I. Shall sign the attendance record at each meeting;
Section 3. WCRCC non-voting members:
A. Include, but are not limited to the following individuals:
1) Republicans waiting for vacancies on the WCRCC;
2) Former WCRCC members who are not able to actively participate in WCRCC meetings but wish to continue their association with the WCRCC;
3) Republicans wishing to receive information from the central committee such as e-mails and the newsletter;
4) Republicans wishing to assist with WCRCC events.
B. Have no vote, may not make motions and must not be counted in determining a quorum of the WCRCC.
C. Must receive written notification of and be encouraged to attend as well as participate in all regular meetings of the WCRCC.
Section 4. Resignation, removal and replacement of members:
A. Members may resign from the WCRCC by notifying the chairman of the WCRCC in writing. Resignations are effective as of the date specified in the letter of resignation. If no date is specified, the resignation becomes effective the date it is received by the chairman of the WCRCC.
B. The Executive Committee must consider the removal of a member of the WCRCC after written notification to the member for the following reasons:
1) The member’s failure to appear in person at three (3) consecutive regular WCRCC meetings;
2) The member’s failure to support and adhere to the general purposes and specific objectives of the central committee as provided in Article II;
3) The member’s violation of Article III, Section 2.H.;
4) Residence outside of Washoe County;
5) Other good cause as found by the Executive Committee.
C. The Executive Committee must present their recommendation at the next regular meeting of the WCRCC, at which time the WCRCC must take appropriate action in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes (N.R.S.), Chapter 293.
D. Vacancies in WCRCC membership may be filled between WCRCC Conventions by:
1) Approving the election of a qualified Republican elector physically residing in the precinct for which the vacancy exists;
2) A person must satisfy the requirements of Article III, Section 1 of these by-laws in order to be elected to fill a vacancy in the WCRCC;
3) Any person elected pursuant to this paragraph serves until the next county convention and his/her successor has been elected;
4) Applicants for membership must be present at the meeting when nominated and present at the next meeting for their election.
ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS
Section 1. Election, term of office, resignation and replacement:
A. The officers of the WCRCC are the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. They must reside in Washoe County;
B. Officers must be elected by the members of the WCRCC at the regular meeting in April of odd numbered years and shall take office on July 1 of the year in which they are elected;
C. Officers serve for a period of two (2) years from the date of their election until their successors are duly elected. They are eligible for reelection to their positions.
D. None of the officers of the WCRCC shall receive payment for their services.
E. Vacancies in any elected office must be filled by special election of the WCRCC at the next regular meeting of the WCRCC. Notice of election shall be included in the call to the meeting. Any member elected to a WCRCC office pursuant to this paragraph serves the unexpired term of the officer the member replaces.
F. Term of service of the Vice-Chairmen, Standing Committee Chairmen and all paid personnel shall expire when a new Chairman takes office.
G. Any elected officer of the WCRCC may be removed from office at any time for whatever cause the WCRCC may deem sufficient. A properly noticed meeting for this purpose shall be called, and a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present of the WCRCC eligible to vote shall be taken.
H. Officers of the WCRCC have general charge of the affairs of the Republican Party in Washoe County and have the powers usually exercised by these officers, subject to the election laws of the State of Nevada and the Nevada Republican Central Committee Bylaws.
Section 2. Duties of the officers
A. The Chairman shall:
1) Serve as chief executive officer of the WCRCC;
2) Preside at all meetings of the WCRCC and the Executive Committee;
3) Appoint, with approval of the Executive Committee, the chairmen of Standing Committees and any Special Committees as needed;
4) Appoint a Parliamentarian who shall serve at the request of the Chairman;
5) Implement policies established in conjunction with the Executive Committee for management of the WCRCC;
6) Appoint not more than three (3) Vice-Chairmen. One of the Vice-Chair’s shall be registered to vote in the Incline Village/Crystal Bay area of Washoe County;
7) Represent the WCRCC on the State Central Committee, at other functions and in any other capacity as may be required by virtue of the chair’s position.
8) Call the county convention to order for the purpose of electing a temporary chairman of the convention.
B. The Secretary shall:
1) Prepare and mail notices of meetings to all members of the WCRCC, unless responsibility is assigned by the chair to someone else;
2) Take roll at each WCRCC meeting for the purposes of determining that a quorum is present to conduct business;
3) Keep meeting attendance records;
4) Keep accurate minutes of WCRCC and Executive Committee meetings;
5) Keep a current record of names, addresses (physical and mailing), telephone numbers and e-mails of WCRCC members including precinct;
6) Be custodian of all records of the WCRCC and its standing or special committees;
7) Provide each prospective member of the WCRCC with:
a) Copy of the WCRCC bylaws;
b) Application form;
c) List of member responsibilities;
d) Copy of Republican Philosophies;
8) Prepare regular correspondence for the WCRCC as needed;
9) Perform all other duties assigned by the Chairman.
C. The Treasurer shall:
1) Receive and have custody of all monies and financial records of the WCRCC and keep an accurate record of all monies received and disbursed as authorized by the WCRCC or Executive Committee;
2) Maintain an account for the WCRCC in a bank approved by the Executive Committee;
3) Serve as a member of the Budget and Finance Committees;
4) Expend funds budgeted or approved by the Executive Committee;
5) Report at each WCRCC meeting and make a full and complete report at the county convention;
6) Make an accounting of the funds on deposit, revenues and expenditures of the WCRCC available to the Executive Committee at all times;
7) Submit all books of account, vouchers and receipts for audit, biennially, immediately prior to the expiration of each term of office;
8) Be informed of and comply with all federal, state and local statutes and regulations regarding the collection, management, disbursement and reporting of political party funds;
9) Sign WCRCC checks as required (all checks must be signed by the Treasurer or Chairman and the designated Vice-Chairman, Secretary, or Chairman of the Budget or Finance Committee.
D. The duties of the Vice-Chairmen include all those assigned by the Chairman. This may include oversight of assigned Standing and Special Committees.
1) In the absence of the Chairman, the First Vice-Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman. In the absence of the First Vice-Chairman, the Second Vice-Chairman shall assume duties of the Chairman. In the absence of the First and Second Vice-Chairmen, the Third Vice-Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman. In the event that the office of Chairman is vacated, the First Vice-Chairman shall serve as acting Chairman until such time as a new Chairman is elected in accordance with these By-Laws.
ARTICLE 5 - MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular meetings
A. Shall be held in January, April, July and October unless otherwise ordered by the WCRCC or Executive Committee.
1) The Chairman shall establish the meeting dates for two (2) years, within 30 days of assuming office.
B. Each voting member of the WCRCC has one (1) vote.
C. All WCRCC meetings shall be open to the public. Non-members may be granted the courtesy of speaking at the discretion of the chair.
D. Ten (10) percent of the membership of the WCRCC shall constitute a quorum to transact business. No business shall be transacted in the name of the WCRCC unless a physical quorum is present. Use of proxies is prohibited.
E. Minutes shall be open to the inspection of each member and will be available at the WCRCC Headquarters. It is mandatory that all actions, fiscal and policy, be reported to the WCRCC.
Section 2. Special meetings may be held as follows:
A. By a motion passed at a regular meeting;
B. On a call of ten (10) percent of the WCRCC membership;
C. On call of the Chairman by notice to each member at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
Section 3. Precinct meetings:
A. Precinct meetings for all registered Republican voters in Washoe Count y are the responsibility of the WCRCC. These precinct meetings must be called and conducted in accordance with NRS Chapter 293.
B. All registered Republican voters residing within that precinct are entitled to attend and participate in precinct meetings;
C. The purpose of the precinct meetings is to elect delegates to the county convention and make recommendations for the county platform.
D. Persons nominated by their respective precinct meetings to serve as members of the WCRCC for the ensuing two (2) years shall be certified and elected at the Washoe County Convention:
E. Each County Convention is empowered to fill such positions on the WCRCC as selections that the respective precinct meetings may leave vacant.
ARTICLE 6 - COUNTY CONVENTION
Section1. Delegates to the Convention
A. Any and all delegates to the convention must be duly elected at the precinct meetings directly preceding the convention, and appointed prior to the commencement of the convention in accordance with N.R.S. Chapter 293.
B. Any registered Republican residing in Washoe County is entitled to attend this convention. However, only delegates elected at their precinct meeting are eligible to vote;
C. Each precinct:
1) Is entitled to one or more delegates to the convention;
2) Each is entitled to have at least one WCRCC member;
Section 2. Officers of the Convention
The Chairman, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may appoint temporary officers to the convention. No temporary officers may be appointed unless elected as a delegate at the precinct meeting directly preceding the convention, in accordance with N.R.S. Chapter 293, with the exception of the Chairman of the convention.
Section 3. The purpose of the County Convention is to:
A. Elect delegates to the Nevada Republican State Convention;
B. Adopt a county platform;
C. Elect the county central committee.
D. Take such other action pertaining to the affairs of the county as may be deemed proper and which remain consistent with its By-Laws and Title 24 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
Section 4. Committees
A. On or before the 90th day preceding the County Convention, the Chairman, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint convention committees whose term shall expire simultaneously with the adjournment of the County Convention. The Chairman shall name chairman to the following committees:
1) Credentials;
2) Standing Rules;
3) Program;
4) Convention Arrangements;
5) Platform;
6) Resolutions;
7) Nominations;
8) Elections.
B. The Chairman and the Executive Committee may reserve the right at the initial time of appointment to name each specific member of a committee. In the absence of such selection, each committee chairman shall be free to select membership of the committee.
Section 5. Date of Convention
A. The County Convention for all registered Republican voters in Washoe County is the responsibility of the WCRCC to call at a time and date set by Nevada Republican State Central Committee, to be held each year in which a general election is held;
B. The notice for the County Convention must be given in compliance with N.R.S., Chapter 293.
ARTICLE 7 - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall have general supervision of the WCRCC between its regular meetings and convention. They shall meet on the second Thursday of each month unless changed by the Executive Committee or the Chairman.
A. Its voting membership shall include:
1) Incumbent officers of the WCRCC;
2) Chairmen of the Standing Committees;
3) The immediate past Chairman of the WCRCC, if not removed for cause;
4) Presidents of each of the Republican organizations in Washoe County recognized by the Republican National Committee or WCRCC;
5) Five (5) members elected at-large from and by the WCRCC for a term of two (2) years and until their successors are elected at the first WCRCC meeting following the County Convention.
6) Members of the Washoe County delegation to the State Legislature who if present shall be counted in determining if there is a quorum, but shall not be counted in computing the number needed for a quorum.
7) The Nevada State Party Chairman providing he resides in Washoe County;
B. Thirty-three (33) percent of the voting members listed above shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
C. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by:
1) The Chairman, upon at least 48 hours notice to each member;
2) Five (5) members of the Executive Committee by giving notice to the Chairman in writing or by e-mail, who shall call the meeting to be held within 14 days of the date of date of said notice.
D. The Executive Committee shall report its activities and recommendations to the WCRCC at its meeting.
E. Unexcused absences from three (3) consecutive meetings or six (6) in any calendar year, by any member, will cause removal from the WCRCC Executive Committee. Residence outside of Washoe County shall cause automatic removal.
Section 2. Vacancies on the executive committee:
A vacancy in an elective office of the executive committee must be filled by the WCRCC in accordance with Article IV, Section1.E.
ARTICLE 8 - COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing committees and responsibilities
A. Budget - Prepares a proposed annual budget for the following fiscal year for approval in January of each year. Ensures a complete biennial audit is conducted at the end of each term of office, and establishes policy and procedures for collection and accounting of monies at events. The Treasurer shall be a member of this Committee.
B. Finance - Oversees all fundraising activities of the WCRCC. The Treasurer shall be a member of this committee.
C. Candidate Recruitment and Development - Responsible for the recruitment and development of candidates for county and statewide political offices.
E. Precinct Organization - Will provide the WCRCC with a structure through which to reach individuals within Washoe County. This will be the foundation for voter registration, campaign volunteers and get out the vote activities. Goal is to ensure that every voter in the Precinct Leader’s precinct gets to the polls on Election Day.
F. Publicity - Coordinates all publicity activities not limited to advertising, press releases, and media contacts.
G. Legislature - Review all BDRs and Bills introduced in the Nevada State Legislature and forward information to the WCRCC on any bills that may positively or adversely affect Nevada Republicans. Share with WCRCC the status of legislation in the US Senate and/or House that will strongly affect Nevada Republicans.
H. By-laws - Reviews and proposes recommended changes and amendments as needed to remain in compliance with the NRCC By-Laws, the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Republican National Committee.
I. Voter Registration - Monitors and makes arrangements for voter registration at events throughout Washoe County.
J. Minority Outreach - Serves as liaison with various minority groups throughout Washoe County.
K. Webmaster - Maintain current and accurate Website for the WCRCC.
Section 2. The Chairman may appoint Special Committees as needed, to serve until no longer than the time required to accomplish the task(s) for which they were appointed.
ARTICLE 9 - NEVADA REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Section 1. Nevada Republican Central Committee (NRCC) Representatives
A. The WCRCC shall elect representatives to the Nevada Republican Central Committee at the April meeting in even numbered years. All nominees shall be members of the WCRCC.
B. The Chairman and First Vice-Chairman shall be representatives;
C. The number of representatives to the NRCC shall be determined on the basis of one additional representative for each 2000 Republican voters, or major fraction thereof, in Washoe County as of the first Monday in January each year in which a State Convention is held.
D. These representatives shall serve two (2) year terms.
Section 2. Vacancies
A vacancy in the County’s delegation to the NRCC shall be filled by a vote at the next WCRCC meeting.
ARTICLE 10 - PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY & INTERPRETATION OF BYLAWS
Section 1. Parliamentary authority:
Where not superceded by the Rules of the Republican National Committee, the NRCC By-Laws or the Nevada Revised Statutes not in conflict with the foregoing, the latest revision which has been in publication for at least two years of Robert’s Rules of Order, shall govern all proceedings of the WCRCC except when those procedures are inconsistent with these By-laws.
Section 2. Interpretation of the bylaws:
Nothing contained in these bylaws shall be interpreted in a manner contrary to the provisions of the election laws or statutes pertaining to political parties, which are codified in the Nevada Revised Statues or the Republican Party of Nevada Bylaws.
ARTICLE 11 - AMENDMENTS
Procedure:
A. These bylaws may be amended or revised at the WCRCC Convention by a majority vote of the delegates, however all amendments must be submitted to the Convention By-Laws Committee 45 days before the convention convenes.
B. These bylaws may also be amended by a two-thirds vote of those present, at any meeting of the WCRCC at which a quorum is present, providing proper notice has been given.
C. If time does not permit an amendment shall be presented at one meeting of the WCRCC and voted on at the next meeting, then the proposed amendment must be set forth, in full, in a written notice to each member, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting when it will be presented for vote.
ARTICLE 12 - ADOPTION
Adoption:
These Bylaws are adopted this 10th Day of April, 2008, at the Washoe County Republican Central Committee Meeting.
Heidi Smith, Chairman Virginia Durgin, Secretary
