Only registered voters in the precinct may vote, although others may participate in discussion. In order to vote, a person must sign the Sign-in Sheet stating that s/he is a Democrat and state their preference for President, or indicate "uncommitted." A 17 year old who will be eligible to vote on November 4,2008, is a registered voter for purposes of these rules.
The delegate selection process may not begin earlier than 1:30 pm. At that time, the Precinct Caucus Chair shall read the rules relating to the delegate selection process. The caucus may not adjourn earlier than 2:00 pm.
No registration fee is required in order to participate in the precinct caucuses, but donations for local legislative district and county party organizations will be accepted. Donations help defray the costs of hosting caucuses and conventions.
Proxy votes are not allowed.
Surrogate Affidavit Forms will be accepted only if original document has been submitted to the State Democratic Party Headquarters by Friday, February 1, 2008 at 5:00pm.
These rules of procedure are in compliance with the 2008 Washington State Delegate Selection Rules and Affirmative Action Plan. These rules may not be amended.
In matters not specifically covered herein, Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall prevail.
A Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) in office prior to January 9, 2008, shall be the Precinct Caucus Chair. If there is no such PCO,a permanent Chair must be elected. This person will only serve as Precinct Caucus Chair for the duration of the Precinct Caucus.
The Chair shall appoint a Secretary who shall prepare minutes which must include the full text of all adopted resolutions in addition to all items specifically mentioned below. The Chair shall also appoint a Tally Clerk who will tally up presidential preferences, announce vote totals and determine the allocation of delegates and alternates.
After 1:30 pm, the Chair shall follow the Script/Agenda for the Precinct Caucus Chair which is based on these rules. The Tally Clerk shall record on a Delegate Allocation Worksheet the number of persons in attendance for each precinct who are supporting each candidate and the number of persons who are uncommitted. The Tally Clerk shall then announce the preliminary number of delegates and alternates allotted to each presidential preference. The Tally Clerk shall also announce which presidential preferences do not have sufficient support to earn a delegate. This information must be recorded in the Precinct Caucus Minutes.
The Chair shall announce that attendees now have an opportunity to change presidential preference and provide sufficient time to allow changes to be made. Any such changes must be noted in the Precinct Caucus Minutes.
Any person who arrives after final preference changes have been made to the Sign-in Sheet may sign in and vote, but his/her attendance cannot be used to alter the allocation of delegates to the presidential caucuses. Their attendance must be noted in the Precinct Caucus Minutes.
After final preference changes have been made to the Sign-in Sheet, the Tally Clerk shall record on a Delegate Allocation Worksheet the number of persons supporting each candidate and the number of persons who are uncommitted. The Tally Clerk shall then calculate the final number of delegates and alternates allotted to each presidential preference. The Chair is responsible for updating any changes on the Surrogate Affidavit Forms, if any were submitted. After any such changes are made the Chair shall announce the final allocation of delegates and the presidential preferences not receiving any delegates or alternates. This information must be recorded into the Precinct Caucus Minutes.
The supporters of the candidates or "uncommitted" entitled to delegates shall caucus separately and elect the number of delegates and alternates allotted to them.
All candidates for delegate must be registered voters in the precinct and must be identified as to presidential preference or uncommitted status.
A person not present at the caucus may be elected a delegate or alternate if s/he states in writing that s/he is a Democrat and is willing to be known as such, is supporting a named candidate or "uncommitted," and will serve if elected. Such a Declaration of Candidacy letter does not constitute a vote and is not counted in the allocation of delegates and attendees. A person submitting such a declaration may serve only if elected by others in attendance at the appropriate preferential caucus. This information must be recorded in the Precinct Caucus Minutes.
Voting for delegates shall be by written ballot. Paper and pens for this purpose will be provided by the Area Caucus Coordinator. A ballot to be counted must have all positions filled with no duplications. The Chair shall give clear notice to attendees that they must vote for the allotted number of candidates. The delegates shall be elected first; a separate ballot shall be cast for alternates. After the election of delegates, an equal number of alternates shall be elected, using the same procedures as the election of the delegates; except alternates are listed in the order of election, with the person receiving the most votes listed first.
If only one person is present at the caucus, he or she may serve as a delegate supporting the preference of her/his choice.
If no one in the group entitled to a delegate wishes to serve as delegate, the delegates and alternates shall be reallocated, in the order determined on the Delegate Allocation Worksheet, to the other presidential preferences.
The elected delegates and alternates shall receive Certificates of Election which are to be presented to the Credentials Committee at the Legislative District Caucus and/or County Convention.
Any delegate or alternate who moves from his or her precinct prior to the Legislative District Caucus or County Convention shall automatically forfeit the seat.
