Senate District 40 Bylaws

Contents

Article 1 - Definitions

Article 2 - Organization of SD40

Article 3 - Duties and Responsibilities of the SD40-C

Article 4 - SD40-C Organization

Article 5 - SD40 Officers

Article 6 - SD40 Executive Committee

Article 7 - SD40 House District Organization

Article 8 - SD40 Precinct Organization

Article 9 - Conventions

Article 10 - Precinct Caucuses

Article 11 - SD40 Standing Committees

Article 12 - General Provisions

Article 1 - Definitions

Section 1.1 - Definitions

The terms and definitions used in the SD40 Bylaws will be the same as those stated in the Senate District 40 Republican Constitution, Article 1

Section 1.2 - Names

• 1.2.1 - The name of this BPOU is “Senate District 40 Republicans” (SD40).
• 1.2.2 - The name of SD40’s primary Republican Committee shall be “The Senate District 40 Republican Committee”, (SD40-C). (In the past this has also been called the Senate District 40 Full Committee.)
• 1.2.3 - The name of SD40’s executive committee shall be “The Senate District 40 Executive Committee”, (SD40-EC).

Article 2 - Organization of SD40

Section 2.1 -

• 2.1.1 - The business of the Republican Party in SD40 is primarily conducted by the SD40 Conventions, and by two committees: the Senate District 40 Republican Committee (SD40-C) and the Senate District 40 Executive Committee (SD40-EC). These two committees (SD40-C and SD40-EC) are responsible for policy and operations of the Republican Party in SD40. These two committees are assisted by the sub-committees and appointees as listed in Sections 2.1.2, 2.1.3, and 2.1.4 below.
• 2.1.2 - Standing Committees shall be:
  - Constitution and Bylaws
  - Convention Rules & Agenda
  - Credentials and Registration
  - Resolutions (Platform)
  - Candidate Search and/or Nominations.
• 2.1.3 - Regular appointees may include: Finance / Fund-raising Chair(s), Candidate and/or Campaign Coordinators, Representatives to the CD-2 and CD-3 executive committees, and other CD committees, Information Systems (Mastermind) Coordinator.
• 2.1.4 - Ad hoc committees and other appointees
  In addition, there may be ad hoc committees and/or appointees as required to conduct the business of SD40. Examples are: Convention Parliamentarian, Convention Sergeant at Arms, Convention Chief Teller, Special Event Coordinator(s), etc.
• 2.1.5 - Representatives to higher Republican Party levels
  SD40 Conventions also elect delegates and alternates to the Republican State Convention, The Second and Third Congressional District Conventions, the Republican State Central Committee, Judicial endorsing conventions, etc.

Section 2.2 - Authority

• 2.2.1 - See Article 2, Section 2.3 of the SD40 Constitution.
• 2.2.2 - Precedence of policies, procedures, rules and authority shall be as follows:
  - Minnesota Statute
  - RPM Constitution and Bylaws
  - Rulings of RPM state headquarters
  - Congressional District Constitution and Bylaws
  - SD40 Convention actions
  - SD40 Constitution
  - SD40 Bylaws
  - SD40-C actions
  - SD40-EC actions
  - SD40 Chairperson rulings and actions
  - Other SD40 officers and committee actions
  - Precinct Chair actions
  - Precinct Delegate and Alternate participation
  - Other SD40 Republican participation.
• 2.2.3 - All actions at any level shall be in appropriate conformance to those rules and policies of a higher level of precedence.
• 2.2.4 - Actions of and participation by Republican office holders, candidates and nominees and committee members fit into the above structure at appropriate places, and are expected to conform to Minnesota statute and Republican Party policy.

Section 2.3 - Establishing the SD40-C and SD40-EC

• 2.3.1 - The initial organization of the Senate District takes place by the election of precinct officers, and Senate District convention delegates and alternates at the first precinct caucus in the year of Minnesota reapportionment (for two year terms of office). This is followed by the election of SD40 officers, SD40-C members, and SD40-EC members at the first SD40 convention reapportionment (for one-year terms of office). The initial convention of a successor Senate District after reapportionment is called by the RPM and organized by those carry-over resident officers from the prior geographic senate district(s) whose terms of office are completed as of the date of such initial convention according to RPM policy.
• 2.3.2 - Subsequent to initial organization after reapportionment, new precinct officers and SD40 convention delegates and alternates are elected at the precinct caucuses every even-numbered year according to Minnesota Statute. The current SD40-EC together with the RPM calls a SD40 Convention to follow each such set of biennial precinct caucuses. At this SD40 Convention, delegates and alternates to the Congressional and State Conventions are elected and other business is conducted. Except for the initial convention after reapportionment, new SD40 officers and SD40-C and SD40-EC members are elected for two-year terms at a SD40 Convention in odd-numbered years. Former SD40 officers and committee members serve until such elections, at which time the new officers and members of the SD40-C and SD40-EC immediately take office.
• 2.3.3 - This process continues until the next general Minnesota reapportionment.

Article 3 - Duties and Responsibilities of the SD40-C

Section 3.1 - Mission

• 3.1.1 - The SD40-C is charged with the creation of policy for and the management of Republican Party affairs and programs within SD40.
• 3.1.2 - The SD40-C shall coordinate party affairs within SD40.
• 3.1.3 - The SD40-C will assist in the election of Republican Candidates to public office.

Section 3.2 - Responsibilities of the SD40-C

• 3.2.1 - To establish goals, objectives and priorities for the SD40-C.
• 3.2.2 - To implement programs to meet the goals and objectives of the SD40-C.
• 3.2.3 - To provide leadership for Republican activities and Republican organizations and groups within SD40.
• 3.2.4 - To organize or facilitate the organization of the Republican Party in SD40, HD40A, HD40B, and each precinct or other voting unit within SD40.

Section 3.3 - Duties of the SD40-C

• 3.3.1 - To support and assist the campaigns and to elect Republican endorsed candidates for public office whose constituencies when elected will include residents of SD40.
• 3.3.2 - To administer the affairs of the Republican Party within SD40, and to execute its programs.
• 3.3.3 - To elect Congressional District Committee members according to the Congressional District Constitutions and Rules, if not already elected by a SD40 Convention.
• 3.3.4 - To aid Republican finance drives, and to conduct SD40 finance drives.
• 3.3.5 - To determine policy for the Republican Party in SD40, and to fairly represent the views of the Republican Party constituency of SD40 in planning Republican Party activities in SD40.

Section 3.4 - Coordination

In the discharge of its duties and purposes, the SD40-C may enter upon partnership arrangements, or cooperative or joint working agreements with other Republican Senate District or Republican groups, organizations, or campaigns as in the discretion and judgment of the SD40-C are desirable and feasible.

Article 4 - SD40-C Organization

Section 4.1 - Membership

The membership of the SD40-C shall be composed of the following SD40 resident citizens who have been duly elected and/or appointed, all of whom shall be voting members of the SD40-C except as noted.

• 4.1.1 - SD40-C officers, and all other elected members of the SD40-EC.
• 4.1.2 - A maximum of two (2) Precinct officers from each precinct as selected at the Republican precinct caucuses, and as designated in writing by the SD40 Republican Precinct Chairs.
• 4.1.3 - One representative from each Republican auxiliary group and youth affiliate as defined by the RPM Constitution. These representatives shall be designated, in writing, by their group to the SD40 Chairpersons.
• 4.1.4 - Any endorsed Republican official residing within SD40 prior to the election for which endorsed, or their (non-voting) representative.
• 4.1.5 - Any elected Republican official residing within SD40, or their (non-voting) representative.
• 4.1.6 - Any Minnesota State, Congressional District or County Republican Party officers residing within SD40, or their (non-voting) representative.
• 4.1.7 - Immediate past SD40 Chairpersons.

Section 4.2 - Election

• 4.2.1 - In conformity with the RPM Constitution, Article XI, Section 1.C, “members of the BPOU committee (SD40-C) shall be elected at each BPOU convention held in odd-numbered years”.
• 4.2.2 - The SD40 chairs, secretary and credentials committee will determine the names of the persons qualified to be members of the SD40-C according to Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.7 above, and prepare a list of these persons to be presented for election at the odd-numbered year SD40 Convention. Newly elected officers are automatically members of the SD40-C, so their names do not need to be presented for election to the SD40-C a second time. Additional names may be nominated from the floor of the convention.
• 4.2.3 - A majority vote of the convention is required to elect a person to membership in the SD40-C.
• 4.2.4 - There is no specific limit to the number of persons who are (voting) members of the SD40-C.

Section 4.3 - Meetings

The SD40-C shall hold a minimum of two (2) meetings per calendar year.

Article 5 - SD40 Officers

Section 5.1 - SD40 Officers

• 5.1.1 - The officers of SD40 shall be two (2) Chairpersons, two (2) Deputy-Chairpersons, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
• 5.1.2 - One each of the Chairpersons shall reside in HD40A and HD40B. One each of the Deputy-Chairpersons shall reside in HD40A and HD40B.

Section 5.2 - Election of SD40 Officers

• 5.2.1 - A SD40 officer is elected for a two (2) year term at an odd-numbered year SD40 Convention by an affirmative vote of a majority of the last or final credentials report, whichever is larger.
• 5.2.2 - The Candidate-Search or Nominations committee shall interview candidates who present themselves to the committee, and shall report to the convention the one or several names that the committee finds to be suitable for each position. The committee is charged to find, before the convention, at least one suitable candidate for each position, but the committee is not charged to recommend a single “best” candidate. The committee is not required to report to the convention those candidates that it finds to be unsuitable.
• 5.2.3 - The Candidate-Search Committee shall provide interview opportunities on the day of the Convention, starting at least one-half hour before the opening of the Convention, and continuing until all candidates who wish to be interviewed have been heard.
• 5.2.4 - Those candidates that the committee finds to be suitable are to be considered as nominated by the presentation of their names in the report of the Candidate-Search Committee to the Convention. The Candidate-Search committee chair will report the findings of the committee for a single office to the Convention immediately prior to the election for that office.
• 5.2.5 - Following the report of the Candidate-Search Committee, nominations for the position will be open from the floor of the Convention. Any legal voter who is a Republican resident of the area (HD or SD) to be represented may be nominated. Such nominations must be seconded.
• 5.2.6 - Each candidate for an officer’s position shall have the opportunity to briefly address the convention. The Convention Rules shall set the time allowed for such speeches.
• 5.2.7 - The Convention Rules shall address the matter of candidate question periods.

Section 5.3 - Replacement of SD40 Officers

• 5.3.1 - If there is a vacancy in the SD40 Chairperson position, then the Deputy-Chairperson from that House District shall assume the position of Chairperson.
• 5.3.2 - If there is a vacancy in any officer position other than Chairperson, or if both the Chairperson and Deputy-Chairperson positions from the same House District are vacant, then the position is temporarily filled by an election held by the SD40-EC, with notice to all SD40-EC members of the pending election at least 7 days prior to the meeting.
• 5.3.3 - At the next meeting of the SD40-C, the election by the SD40-EC shall be ratified, or another person shall be elected to the previously vacant position. Notice of such election shall be given to all SD40-C members at least 7 days before the meeting.
• 5.3.4 - At the next SD40 Convention, unless it is an odd-numbered year convention with a regular officer election, the election by the SD40-C shall be ratified, or another person shall be elected to the previously vacant position. Notice of such election shall be given to all delegates and alternates with the convention call. Election procedures shall follow the officer election process outlined in Section 5.2 above.
• 5.3.5 - In the event of temporary disability or absence of any SD40 officer, the SD40-EC, and then the SD40-C, at its next meeting, may elect a temporary replacement until the return of said officer.

Section 5.4 - Duties of SD40 Chairpersons

The SD40 Chairpersons shall:

• 5.4.1 - Formulate policy in conjunction with the SD40-EC and the SD40-C to set forth the SD40 Republican party positions on issues affecting SD40.
• 5.4.2 - Take administrative responsibility for overall supervision and monitoring of broad goals, policy, specific objectives, and plans of action for SD40.
• 5.4.3 - Assure that all SD40-wide Republican programs, as determined by the SD40-C and SD40-EC are carried out in an efficient, pleasant and productive manner.
• 5.4.4 - Develop programs and actions to promote Republican philosophy and candidates.
• 5.4.5 - Initiate volunteer training and development programs within SD40 to provide for a continual development and flow of talent, properly trained and experienced, to serve on party organizations and candidate or campaign teams.
• 5.4.6 - Schedule and organize SD40 meetings as called for in the Bylaws.
• 5.4.7 - Be or select the official spokesman for the Republican Party in SD40.
• 5.4.8 - Find suitable persons and appoint such persons to SD40 committees or positions subject to the advice and approval of the SD40-EC and SD40-C.
• 5.4.9 - Represent SD40 at Congressional District meetings or conventions as required.

Section 5.5 - Duties of SD40 Deputy-Chairpersons

The SD40 Deputy-Chairpersons shall:

• 5.5.1 - Assist the Chairpersons in the performance of their duties.
• 5.5.2 - Substitute for an absent Chairperson at SD40 Conventions, or at SD40-C or SD40-EC meetings.
• 5.5.3 - Replace a Chairperson if the Chairperson office is vacated. The deputy may only replace the Chair from his/her own House District.
• 5.5.4 - Perform other duties as assigned by the SD40 Chairpersons or the SD40-EC.

Section 5.6 - Duties of the SD40 Secretary

The SD40 Secretary shall:

• 5.6.1 - Record and keep minutes of SD40 Conventions, and SD40-C and SD40-EC meetings.
• 5.6.2 - Keep a record of attendance at SD40-C and SD40-EC meetings.
• 5.6.3 - Keep all SD40-C, SD40-EC and sub-committee records and reports on file.
• 5.6.4 - Maintain and keep the membership rosters of the SD40-C, SD40-EC, and the precinct delegates and alternates.
• 5.6.5 - Transmit appropriate minutes, reports and documents to SD40-EC and SD40-C members via email or regular mail.
• 5.6.6 - Assist in the preparation of calls and other paperwork required for SD40 Conventions or other meetings.
• 5.6.7 - Prepare SD40 official correspondence as required.
• 5.6.8 - Maintain the SD40 Correspondence and other files.
• 5.6.9 - Perform such other duties as are commonly assigned to the office.

Section 5.7 - Duties of the SD40 Treasurer

The SD40 Treasurer shall:

• 5.7.1 - Be entrusted with the custody of all of the funds of the SD40-C/SD40-EC.
• 5.7.2 - Keep a record of all accounts of SD40.
• 5.7.3 - Provide current Treasurer’s Reports at each SD40 Convention, and each SD40-C and SD40-EC meeting. Report SD40 financial status versus the current budget.
• 5.7.4 - Make and keep a record of reports as required by the State Board of Ethical Practices or its successor.
• 5.7.5 - Prepare and present a budget to the SD40-EC and SD40-C. Update and finalize the budget as revised by the SD40-EC and SD40-C.
• 5.7.6 - Transmit a copy of the completed SD40 budget to the 2nd and 3rd CD finance committees.
• 5.7.7 - Advise and assist the Finance or Fundraising Committees.
• 5.7.8 - Perform such other duties as are commonly assigned to the office.
• 5.7.9 - No expenditure shall be made by the SD40-EC or the SD40-C without the authorization of the Treasurer or his/her designated agent.
• 5.7.10 - No expenditure that requires negative SD40 money or asset balances may be made without an express motion of the SD40-EC passed by a two-thirds vote.
• 5.7.11 - An review of all SD40 accounts shall be conducted at least biennially or upon the election or appointment of a new Treasurer.

Article 6 - SD40 Executive Committee (SD40-EC)

Section 6.1 - Membership

The membership of the SD40-EC shall be composed of the following SD40 resident Republican citizens who have been duly elected or appointed, all of whom shall be voting members of the SD40-EC except as noted. The maximum number of SD40-EC members shall be eighteen (18), no more than nine (9) from HD40A, and no more than nine (9) from HD40B.

• 6.1.1 - All SD40 officers.
• 6.1.2 - A minimum of four (4) at-large members from each House District (HD40A and HD40B). These persons shall be nominated and elected by an abbreviated form of the SD40 officer election process described in Section 5.2 above. The Candidate-Search committee is responsible to find and offer interviews to at least the eight (8) required persons. The Candidate-Search Committee reports the nominees as a group to the convention. The number to be reported and/or elected is not limited to eight (8) persons. Nominations of further candidates from the floor of the Convention are to be accepted. Brief introductions and statements are permitted by each Candidate to the Convention. Election requires the same majority vote of the Convention, but, barring objection from the floor of the Convention, nominees may be elected as a group. The convention Rules shall address the details of the election of at-large members of the SD40-EC.
• 6.1.3 - The Chairpersons of the five (5) SD40 Standing Committees if not already members of the SD40-EC.
• 6.1.4 - SD40 Fundraising Chair(s) during active service as fundraisers.
• 6.1.5 - Any endorsed Republican official residing within SD40 prior to the election for which endorsed, or their representative, (ex-officio, non-voting).
• 6.1.6 - Any elected Republican official residing within SD40, or their representative, (ex-officio, non-voting).
• 6.1.7 - Any Minnesota State, Congressional District or County Republican Party officers residing within SD40, or their representative, (ex-officio, non-voting).
• 6.1.8 - Ex-officio members are present at SD40-EC meeting as guests. Any or all such ex-officio persons may be excused from the SD40-EC meeting by an SD40 chair.
• 6.1.9 - An SD40 chair may take the SD40-EC meeting into executive session at any time, whereby only voting members of the SD40-EC are present.
• 6.1.10 - Discussion and consideration of an SD40-EC motion and/or voting on a motion to provide SD40 funds to a candidate or a campaign must be held during SD40-EC executive session.

Section 6.2 - Duties of the SD40-EC

The SD40-EC shall have charge of the administration of the SD40 affairs, subject to the direction of the SD40-C. The SD40-EC duties are to:

• 6.2.1 - Coordinate the operation of the SD40 Republican Party.
• 6.2.2 - Fill officer and SD40-EC vacancies within thirty (30) days per Sections 5.3 and 6.1.2 above.
• 6.2.3 - Consult and advise the Precinct officers, and if precinct officers/delegates fail to fill vacancies within thirty (30) days, to appoint Precinct officers to fill vacancies with the advice of the delegates of the involved precinct.
• 6.2.4 - Prepare a budget annually. Submit this budget to the 2nd and 3rd Congressional District Finance Committees.
• 6.2.5 - Assist in the selection and appointment of standing committees, ad-hoc committees and other SD40 appointments. Assist and review the operations of SD40 committees and appointees.
• 6.2.6 - Coordinate and assist in the campaigns of endorsed Republican Candidates.
• 6.2.7 - Assist the SD40 Precinct organizations to recruit and train volunteers, block workers, and perform other Republican duties and service.
• 6.2.8 - Assist in the preparation for SD40 Conventions. Review the Call, Agenda, Rules, etc. for SD40 Conventions. To assist in planning and obtaining a SD40 Convention site, and for SD40 Convention arrangements.
• 6.2.9 - Consider appointing special committees and/or representatives to joint committees to plan, prepare and hold special Republican Municipal, Judicial, County or other Conventions or other Republican meetings.
• 6.2.10 - Assist, plan, arrange, participate and support Republican events.
• 6.2.11 - Plan, review, and organize SD40 Republican fund raising activities.

Section 6.3 - SD40-EC Limitations

• 6.3.1 - No SD40-EC member shall hold an operational position on a candidate’s committee without first obtaining the consent of two-thirds of the SD40-EC voting members.
• 6.3.2 - No member of the SD40-EC other than the Chairpersons may initiate statements or write to the media using his/her title or position as a means of identification except with the consent of the SD40-EC expressed by a two-thirds vote.
• 6.3.3 - Any SD40-EC member shall immediately resign if that SD40-EC member files for, is endorsed for, is appointed to, or is elected to any partisan elective public office.
• 6.3.4 - No SD40-EC member shall publicly support any candidate for Republican endorsement or primary election nomination for SD40 state senator or HD40A or HD40B state representative prior to Republican endorsement or primary election nomination.
• 6.3.5 - Subject to the RPM Constitution, Articles II and IV, no member of the SD40-EC shall publicly support any candidate who is running against an endorsed Republican candidate. This limitation is subject to common sense interpretation, e.g., the felonious conduct of a candidate. The SD40-EC shall resolve all disputes of fact and interpretation relating to this issue and to limitation 6.3.4. The SD40-EC shall make no restriction of free speech or freedom of conscience on members of the SD40-C or SD40-EC.

Section 6.4 - Meetings

The SD40-EC shall hold a minimum of nine (9) meetings per calendar year. A meeting may be held jointly with the SD40-C. It is expected that the SD40-EC will meet regularly, optimally monthly.

Article 7 - SD40 House District Organization

Section 7.1 - House District Conventions or Caucuses

In conjunction with each properly called SD40 Convention, there may be held a convention, or caucus, of each of SD40’s House Districts (HD40A and HD40B). In appropriate years, these caucuses shall consider endorsement for the Minnesota House of Representatives, the election of State and Congressional District delegates and alternates, the election of delegates to the State Central Committee, and to consider such matters as may properly come before such convention or caucus. All applicable rules of the SD40 Convention, of which the House District Convention is a caucus, shall be in effect. In addition HD40A shall reflect 2nd Congressional District rules, procedures and allocations, and HD40B shall reflect 3rd Congressional District rules, procedures and allocations.

Section 7.2 - Special House District Conventions

Special House District conventions may be called by the SD40-EC and/or the RPM for endorsement of candidates for special elections for public office, or for other suitable purpose for business pertaining only to the subject House District. Normal SD40 rules and procedures will pertain for such HD40A or HD40B conventions.

Article 8 - SD40 Precinct Organization

Section 8.1 - Precinct Officers

The officers of each precinct shall be at least one chairperson (preferably two co-chairpersons), and such other officers as the precinct caucus may prescribe.

Section 8.2 - Precinct Officers Responsibilities

• 8.2.1 - It shall be the responsibility of the precinct officers to perfect the organization of the Republican Party for the precinct, to recruit and direct blockworkers, conduct training sessions, complete voter surveys, conduct voter registration programs, conduct authorized finance drives, to get out the Republican vote, to find Republican volunteers for Republican activities and campaigns, and to accomplish such other legitimate tasks as may be assigned to them by or through the SD40 organization, their Congressional District organization or the RPM.
• 8.2.2 - Two persons (normally the two chairpersons) represent the precinct on the SD40-C. If the chairperson(s) are unable to attend a meeting of the SD40-C, then they may designate replacements in writing for a meeting of the SD40-C.

Section 8.3 - Precinct Vacancies

• 8.3.1 - Vacancies in a precinct office shall occur upon death, resignation or removal from office or the geographical area from which the officer was elected.
• 8.3.2 - Action to fill such precinct officer vacancies shall be by a vote of the precinct delegates and alternates involved.
• 8.3.3 - If no action is taken to fill precinct officer vacancies within thirty (30) days, such vacancies may be filled by the SD40-C or the SD40-EC. A replacement must be a Republican resident of the subject precinct, and first a precinct delegate, then a precinct alternate, then another precinct Republican. However, no Republican resident of a precinct may serve as a delegate, alternate nor vote at an SD40 Convention unless elected at a duly constituted Precinct Caucus.
• 8.3.4 - If a precinct delegate or alternate no longer resides in the precinct as a valid voter, then that delegate or alternate position remains vacant. Precinct delegates and alternates are only elected at Precinct Caucuses.

Section 8.4 - Precinct Delegate and Alternate Responsibilities

Major duties of precinct delegates and alternates shall be to represent the Republican party voters of the precinct at legislative senate district, legislative house district, county and municipal conventions; and to assist with the general party work of the precinct, such as finance drives, phoning, literature distribution and campaigning for endorsed Republican candidates.

Article 9 - Conventions

Section 9.1- Senate District 40 Annual Conventions

• 9.1.1 - A SD40 Convention is held annually within a specific time period as designated by the RPM Executive Committee and the Congressional District Executive committees. The convention is held prior to both the 2nd and the 3rd Congressional District annual conventions. The specific time and place of the SD40 annual convention is set by the SD40-EC.
• 9.1.2 - 9.1.2 HD40A and HD40B Sub-Caucuses
  The SD40 convention may be temporarily adjourned so that the delegations may be divided into HD40A and HD40B caucuses for the purpose of conducting House District business such as endorsing a candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives or selecting Republican State Central Committee representatives.

Section 9.2 - Convention Delegates and Alternates

SD40 Conventions shall be composed of delegates and alternates elected at the most recent Precinct Caucus who still reside in the precinct from which elected, and who live in the current geographic bounds of SD40.

Section 9.3 - Convention Organization

• 9.3.1 - The SD40-EC is responsible for selecting and obtaining convention sites, issuing the call, organizing the convention, and supervising the work of the convention committees.
• 9.3.2 - The SD40 chairs shall nominate members of the various convention committees and convention officials, subject to ratification by the SD40-EC, and subject to election by a prior SD40 convention.
• 9.3.3 - Convention committees are: Rules (including Agenda), Credentials/Registration, Candidate Search/Nominations, and as appropriate, Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws, etc.

Section 9.4 - Special Conventions

• 9.4.1 - Special conventions may be held at such time, and for such purposes as an appropriate Executive Committee calling the convention may determine. These Executive Committees include: those of the RPM, the 2nd or 3rd Congressional Districts, the SD40-EC, and the HD40A or HD40B sub-committees of the SD40-C or SD40-EC.
• 9.4.2 - The SD40-C and SD40-EC shall cooperate in the calling of, planning, organization or participation in appropriate county, municipal, judicial or other Republican Special Conventions.

Section 9.5 - Convention Business

A Convention shall transact such business as is specified by the laws of Minnesota and in the Call of that Convention, and may transact such other business as is properly brought before the Convention. Certain matters must be properly included in the Convention Call. These matters include, but are not limited to, endorsements for public office, any elections, any removals, any changes to the constitution and/or bylaws, and any major policy matters.

Section 9.6 - Election of Delegates and Alternates

• 9.6.1 - Delegates and Alternates to the State and Congressional District Conventions shall be elected at the SD40 annual Convention in even-numbered years.
• 9.6.2 - Delegates and Alternates to the RPM State Central Committee shall be elected at the SD40 annual Convention in odd-numbered years.
• 9.6.3 - The SD40 Convention shall temporarily adjourn into the HD40A and HD40B caucuses for the purpose of the election of delegates and alternates.
• 9.6.4 - The number of delegate positions for HD40A and HD40B is set by the RPM.
• 9.6.5 - Nominations for positions of Delegate and/or First or Second Alternate may be made by the SD40 Chairs with the assistance of the Candidate Search committee, subject to ratification by the SD40-EC. Nominations from the floor, with proper seconds, are in order for additional candidates for either delegate or alternate.
• 9.6.6 - Pre-printed ballots with the names of the nominees may be used only for the balloting for State Convention and Congressional District Convention Delegates and Alternates. Such ballots must have adequate space for the write-in of names of candidates that are properly nominated from the floor. There are no pre-printed ballots for any other election except for straw ballots or resolutions/platform ballots.

Section 9.7 - Alternate Seating

• 9.7.1 - Alternate Delegates to the Conventions and Committee described above in Sections 9.6.1 and 9.6.2 shall be assigned priority for seating according to the number of votes received during the ballot by which they are elected. When additional ballots are necessary to select alternates, the alternates qualifying on an earlier ballot shall have priority over those elected on a subsequent ballot.
• 9.7.2 - The Chairpersons shall seat the alternates according to the foregoing priority, but in the case of ties from the same delegation area and election, the delegation chair, (or absent a delegation chair the SD40/HD40A/HD40B chairs), may seat such alternates with the same priority (ties) at the chair’s discretion.
• 9.7.3 - If a delegate or higher priority alternate returns to the floor of the convention or committee meeting, that higher priority person shall be immediately seated, except after ballots have been handed out during an election, in which case the person is seated immediately following the voting for that ballot for that election.

Section 9.8 - Balloting

All elections are to be held by secret ballot, unless the number of nominees is less than or equal to the number of positions to be filled, in which case a motion to cast a unanimous ballot is in order. Any objection by a delegate or seated alternate to such a motion for a unanimous ballot causes the election to revert to a secret ballot. No pre-printed ballots shall be used except as specified in Section 9.6.6 above

Section 9.9 - Convention Calls

The call for a SD40 convention shall be issued at least ten (10) days prior to the convention except that for an endorsing convention for a special election or for a post-primary endorsing convention, the call shall be issued at least five (5) days prior to the convention.

Article 10 - Precinct Caucuses

Section 10.1 - Precinct Caucus Purpose and Timing

Each election (even-numbered) year, a Precinct Caucus shall be held in each Precinct for the purpose of electing Precinct Delegates and Precinct Alternates to the SD40 Convention(s), and for such other purposes as may be stated within the call thereof in the manner as prescribed and required by Minnesota Statutes. Delegates and Alternates elected at Precinct Caucuses also serve as such to county and municipal conventions. See Section 8.4 for additional responsibilities that the Republican Party expects the Precinct Delegates and Alternates to fulfill.

Section 10.2 - Precinct Caucus Location

Precinct caucuses shall be held at the regular polling place, or some other suitable, central location as authorized by the SD40-EC with the agreement of the local municipality.

Section 10.3 - Precinct Caucus Apportionment

• 10.3.1 - The number of delegates and alternates to be elected at each precinct caucus and the basis of their apportionment shall be determined by the SD40-EC, provided that such basis shall be uniform throughout SD40, and shall be based on the vote cast for the Republican candidate for Governor in the last preceding statewide election; or if such election were a presidential election, the vote cast for the Republican candidate for President.
• 10.3.2 - Each precinct caucus shall rank its elected alternates in order of precedence. If a precinct fails to rank its alternates, the SD40-EC shall determine the ranking by lot.

Section 10.4 - Precinct Caucus Terms and Vacancies

• 10.4.1 - Precinct delegates and alternates shall serve for a term of to (2) years, or until the next precinct caucus called for the purpose of electing delegates and alternates.
• 10.4.2 - A vacancy shall occur in a delegate or alternate position upon death, resignation, or removal as a resident from the precinct from which he/she was elected, or upon the failure of a caucus having the power of election to elect delegates and/or alternates (failure to fill the allotted number of delegates and/or alternates).

Section 10.5 - Precinct Caucus Reporting

• 10.5.1 - The names of those persons elected as precinct delegates, precinct alternate and precinct officers shall be forwarded to the SD40-EC prior to the date specified by the SD40-EC. Alternate precedence shall also be reported.
• 10.5.2 - If such names are not forwarded, then the election process shall be deemed not complete, and the SD40-EC may declare those delegates, alternates and officers non-elected from that precinct for the purpose of filling such vacancies

Section 10.6 - Special Precinct Caucuses

• 10.6.1 - Special Precinct Caucuses for one or more precincts may be called by the appropriate Congressional District Executive Committee in the manner prescribed by Minnesota Statute for biennial caucuses for the sole purpose of filling vacancies in precincts where such exist at the time of notice.
• 10.6.2 - Special Precinct Caucuses will be held in odd-numbered years on the same date as prescribed for biennial caucuses, and may be called only when the number of vacancies among delegates and alternates is greater than the number of delegate positions allocated to the subject precinct.

Article 11 - SD40 Standing Committees

Section 11.1 - Composition

Each SD40 standing committee shall have a designated chair, and a minimum of two other committee members.

Section 11.2 - Appointment, Election

• 11.1.1 - SD40 standing committee chairs and members shall be nominated by the SD40 chairs with the advice and assistance of the current SD40 Nominations Committee.
• 11.2.2 - The nominations for standing committee chairs and members shall be approved by the SD40-EC.
• 11.2.3 - Following SD40-EC approval, such persons shall serve on the designated standing committee until the end of the next SD40 Convention.
• 11.2.4 - The number of members of each standing committee shall be set by the SD40-EC, unless the number is set by a motion passed at a SD40 Convention.
• 11.2.5 - At the next SD40 Convention following such appointment and approval, the standing committee chair and member positions will be ratified by the convention. Additional nominations for positions as standing committee chair or member shall be accepted from the floor. If there are more nominations than positions, there shall be an election for such position(s), by voice or rising vote. If a secret ballot is requested by a single delegate or seated alternate, then a secret ballot shall be taken.
• 11.2.6 - Any vacancies on standing committees shall be filled in the manner described in the above Sections 11.2.1 through 11.2.5.

Article 12 - General Provisions

Section 12.1 - Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the most current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all conventions and/or meetings of SD40 Republicans in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the statutes of the State of Minnesota, the constitution and bylaws of the Republican Party of Minnesota, the constitution and bylaws of the applicable Congressional District, the constitution and bylaws of SD40, and for conventions, the rules of that convention.