Bylaws
April 23, 2026
Scioto County Democratic Party Bylaws
Preamble
We, the members of the Scioto County Democratic Party, in order to organize and perpetuate representative, effective, and responsible party organization at all levels in Scioto County, affiliate with and advance the interest of the Democratic Party both state and nationally, sustain and advance the principles of democracy, and uphold human and civil rights and constitutional government, do establish this Constitution and Bylaws.
Article I: Name, Membership, and Eligibility for Office
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Scioto County Democratic Party.
Section 2. Membership in this Party shall be open to all residents of Scioto County who support the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and the Constitution, Bylaws, and principles of the Scioto County Democratic Party. No person may be a member or may vote on any motion, resolution, nomination, or election at any caucus, convention, meeting, or conference of the Scioto County Democratic Party who does not meet the aforesaid qualifications or who is affiliated with any other political party at that time.
For purposes of determining Party affiliation and eligibility for Party leadership or governing roles, the Party recognizes that under Ohio law, selecting a political party’s primary ballot is treated as an official affiliation for that election cycle. While this action may not fully represent an individual’s broader political identity or long-standing alignment with Democratic values, the Party maintains this standard to ensure consistency and to avoid potential confusion among voters regarding Party support. This policy is not intended to question anyone’s values, beliefs, or past service to Democratic causes, but rather to uphold a clear and transparent process consistent with the expectations of Democratic voters.
Accordingly, individuals whose most recent primary ballot selected was that of another political party shall not be eligible to serve as members of the Scioto County Democratic Party Central Committee, hold Party office, or serve in any role requiring appointment or confirmation by the Central or Executive Committee until such time as their most recent primary ballot reflects participation in a Democratic primary, including selecting a Democratic primary ballot in a subsequent primary election, or they otherwise meet affiliation requirements under Ohio law. Determinations regarding affiliation eligibility may rely upon records maintained by the county board of elections or other lawful sources recognized under Ohio law.
Section 3. Any person who meets the membership requirements of Article One, Section 2, is eligible for election to Party office, except as hereafter limited. There shall be no minimum age requirement for Party office save where prescribed by law. Eligibility for Party office is subject to the affiliation requirements set forth in Section 2 of this Article.
Section 4. In the event that any person's qualifications as a member of the Scioto County Democratic Party or eligibility for party office must be determined, the same challenge procedure shall be followed to determine their qualifications as provided by the election laws of the State of Ohio.
Article II: Constitutions and Laws
Section 1. Nothing herein shall conflict with the Constitution of the United States of America, the laws of the United States of America, the Constitution and Laws of the State of Ohio, and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Ohio Democratic Party. Any matter which conflicts with the aforesaid or any portion thereof shall be of no force and effect. All constitutional provision and laws of the United States of America and the State of Ohio are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. Each clause of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be considered separately and the illegality or unenforceability of any one clause shall not affect any other clause.
Section 2. This Constitution shall remain in force unless revoked by an affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the total membership of the Scioto County Democratic Party Central Committee at a meeting called for that purpose. This threshold is intentionally higher than the amendment standard set forth in Article XIII, reflecting the gravity of dissolving the Party's governing document; whereas amendments require sixty percent (60%) of those present and voting, dissolution requires sixty percent (60%) of the total membership of the Central Committee. No outside party, organization, or individual shall have the authority to unilaterally dissolve, revoke, or nullify this Constitution or these Bylaws, except as required by a valid and enforceable provision of the Ohio Revised Code or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Article III: Central Committee and Executive Committee
Section 1. The controlling and governing committee of the Scioto County Democratic Party shall be the Central Committee consisting of duly elected members, or appointed members as provided hereunder and in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. The Central Committee shall conduct all the business of the Scioto County Democratic Party as provided hereunder and by the laws of the State of Ohio, including the designation of persons to serve on the Scioto County Board of Elections and the employees thereof. The Scioto County Executive Committee shall report and recommend to the Secretary of State of Ohio, for a position on the Scioto County Board of Elections, the person so chosen, nominated, and recommended by the Scioto County Central Committee, within the time frame provided by the Ohio Revised Code. The Scioto County Executive Committee may also conduct all other business of the Scioto County Democratic Party if the Central Committee does not meet the quorum requirements thereof, and if the Executive Committee does have a quorum.
Section 2. The members-elect of the party's Central Committee shall meet not earlier than six nor later than fifteen days following their certification of their election according to the laws of the State of Ohio at a suitable place and time in Scioto County, Ohio, to be designated by the retiring Chairperson of the Committee. Notice of such meeting, giving the place and time, shall be sent to each member-elect by the retiring secretary of the Committee by mail or electronic mail if the member-elect opts in to receipt of the notice by these means, and a copy of the notice shall be posted in the Scioto County Board of Elections at least five days prior to any such meeting. If the retiring secretary does not issue the call within the time required by law, any five members-elect may do so. The meeting shall be called to order by the retiring chairperson or secretary or if such officer is absent, then by a member of the Committee designated by the Ohio Democratic Party. The Committee shall proceed to organize in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
The organizational meeting required by this Section may permit virtual attendance in accordance with Article VI, Section 10, provided that the meeting is held at a physical location within Scioto County as required by this Section.
Section 3. Any vacancy which may occur on the Central Committee shall be filled by a majority vote in favor of appointment by the Central Committee members present. The Central Committee will consider the recommendation of the retiring committeeperson from the township or ward where such vacancy occurred.
In the case of a vacancy in the office of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, or Treasurer, the Central Committee shall nominate and elect a successor within thirty (30) days of the existence of such vacancy or within such shorter period as may be required by applicable law, whichever is sooner. If the Central Committee does not have a quorum, the Executive Committee shall nominate and elect a successor by a majority vote of the Executive Committee members present, provided a quorum of the Executive Committee exists. Any person meeting the eligibility requirements set forth in Article III, Section 4 of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be eligible for election to fill an officer vacancy, regardless of whether that person is a current member of the Central or Executive Committee. Upon election, the officer shall become a member of both committees in accordance with Article III, Section 4.
Section 4. The Central Committee shall proceed to elect the officers of the Scioto County Democratic Party: a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson(s), Secretary, and Treasurer, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 3517.04. These officers shall serve as officers of both the Central Committee and the Executive Committee.
No officer shall be required to be a member of the Central Committee or Executive Committee as a condition of eligibility for election. Any person who meets the membership and affiliation requirements set forth in Article I of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be eligible to serve in any officer position. This provision is consistent with Ohio Revised Code Section 3517.04, which establishes the election of officers at the organizational meeting but imposes no committee membership requirement for such positions; with Article One, Section 3 of the Ohio Democratic Party Constitution, which provides that any person meeting membership requirements is eligible for party office; and with Article Three, Section 5 of the Ohio Democratic Party Constitution, which provides that the Chairperson need not be a member of the Central or Executive Committee.
Upon election, any officer who is not already a member of the Central Committee and Executive Committee shall automatically become a member of both committees by virtue of holding office and shall retain such membership for the duration of their service in that office.
Section 5. In the election of Vice-Chairpersons, the Central Committee shall endeavor to achieve gender balance among those elected, such that no single gender identity comprises more than one-half of the Vice-Chairpersons. The first Vice-Chairperson elected shall identify with a gender different from that of the Chairperson, in accordance with the gender balance requirements set forth in the Charter of the Democratic National Committee and the Rules of the Ohio Democratic Party.
Section 6. The Scioto County Democratic Party Central Committee shall then elect themselves to the Executive Committee.
Membership in the Scioto County Executive Committee shall consist of the following:
All duly elected and/or appointed committeepersons of the Scioto County Democratic Party in the State of Ohio;
All officers elected under Section 4 of this Article;
All elected Democratic officeholders of Scioto County, and all State and Federal officeholders or representatives whose electoral district includes all or any portion of Scioto County, Ohio; and
The President, or their duly designated delegate, of any group or club that has been formally recognized by the Scioto County Democratic Party, provided that such person is a registered member of the Scioto County Democratic Party, and provided further that membership with voting privileges on the Executive Committee has been approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee at a duly called meeting.
Any organization wishing to be recognized must be a Democratic-aligned group or club operating within Scioto County; A group may only be formally recognized by a majority vote of the Central Committee, or by the Executive Committee acting on its behalf pursuant to Article III, Section 7 of this Constitution and Bylaws. To be eligible for recognition as an organization, a group or club must:
Operate within Scioto County and maintain a membership composed primarily of registered Democrats;
Submit a written application to the Central Committee or Executive Committee that includes the organization's name, stated purpose, leadership, and membership information; and
Agree to adhere and promote Democratic Values as defined within the Constitution and Bylaws of the Scioto County Democratic Party as a condition of continued recognition.
No individual shall hold more than one seat or cast more than one vote on the Executive Committee, regardless of the number of capacities in which they may qualify for membership. If the President or designated delegate of an organization is already a member of the Executive Committee by virtue of any other provision of this Article, the organization may designate an alternate representative who is a registered member of the Scioto County Democratic Party and who does not already hold a seat on the Executive Committee.
Recognition as an organization may be revoked at any time by a majority vote of the Central Committee, or by the Executive Committee acting on its behalf, at a duly called meeting. Membership granted pursuant to this subsection shall be reviewed and reaffirmed by majority vote of the Executive Committee at the first meeting of each new term.
Section 7. The Central Committee shall confer upon the Executive Committee all power and authority of the Central Committee, except those which are expressly reserved for the Central Committee in the Ohio Revised Code, and the Executive Committee shall be authorized to act for the Central Committee in all things pertaining to the welfare, business, operation, and organization of the Central Committee and the Scioto County Democratic Party during the period of its existence, which shall continue until the meeting of the next Central Committee.
The Executive Committee may adopt policies and procedures consistent with these Bylaws to guide and regulate the operations of the Scioto County Democratic Party. Any vacancies which may occur in the Executive Committee shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 8. There shall be a Leadership Council of the Scioto County Democratic Party, which shall have limited authority to act on behalf of the Executive Committee in circumstances requiring timely action between regular meetings of the Executive Committee or Central Committee.
The Leadership Council shall consist of the Chairperson, all Vice-Chairpersons, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the chairs of all active sub-committees established under Article V of this Constitution and Bylaws. The Chairperson of the Party shall serve as the presiding officer of the Leadership Council.
Authority. The Leadership Council may act on behalf of the Executive Committee only when a matter arises that, in the judgment of the Chairperson, requires action before the next scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee and cannot reasonably be deferred. The Leadership Council shall have the authority to:
Issue public statements, press releases, or communications on behalf of the Party in response to time-sensitive political developments, public policy matters, or events of public concern;
Authorize expenditures of Party funds not to exceed a total of five hundred dollars ($500) per occurrence, provided that all expenditures are made through the Treasurer in accordance with applicable provisions of the Ohio Revised Code and the financial procedures of the Party;
Make endorsements in general elections where the applicable filing or election deadline does not allow sufficient time to convene a meeting of the Executive Committee with the notice required under Article VII, Section 2 of this Constitution and Bylaws; and
Take such other administrative or operational actions as are necessary to protect the interests of the Party, provided such actions are consistent with these Bylaws, the Constitution and Bylaws of the Ohio Democratic Party, and applicable law.
Limitations. The Leadership Council shall not have the authority to:
Make endorsements in contested Democratic primary elections, consistent with Article VII, Section 3;
Amend or suspend any provision of this Constitution and Bylaws;
Remove or appoint members of the Central Committee or Executive Committee;
Make appointments to the Scioto County Board of Elections or any position reserved to the Central Committee by the Ohio Revised Code;
Authorize expenditures exceeding the limit established in subsection (A)(2) of this Section;
Override, reverse, or modify any action previously taken by the Central Committee or Executive Committee; or
Enter into contracts or binding obligations on behalf of the Party exceeding ninety (90) days in duration or five hundred dollars ($500) in value.
Quorum and Voting. A majority of the members of the Leadership Council shall constitute a quorum. Actions of the Leadership Council shall require an affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the members present and voting. Each member shall vote individually; no proxy or absentee voting shall be permitted. The Leadership Council may meet by electronic means in accordance with Article VI, Section 10 of this Constitution and Bylaws.
Notice and Open Meetings. The Chairperson shall provide reasonable notice to all Leadership Council members prior to any meeting, including the purpose of the meeting and the proposed action. All meetings of the Leadership Council shall be open to the public, consistent with Article VI, Section 8 of this Constitution and Bylaws and with the requirements of the Ohio Democratic Party Constitution. When a meeting of the Leadership Council is conducted by electronic means, the notice shall include access information sufficient for members of the public to observe the proceedings, including any applicable meeting link, dial-in number, or other means of electronic access.
Documentation. The Secretary, or in the Secretary's absence a member designated by the Chairperson, shall record minutes of all Leadership Council meetings and actions. Minutes shall include the date, the members present, the nature of the emergency or time-sensitive circumstance, the action taken, and the vote of each member. Minutes shall be provided to all members of the Executive Committee within seven (7) days of the meeting.
Ratification. All actions taken by the Leadership Council shall be reported to the Executive Committee at its next regular or special meeting and shall be subject to ratification by a majority vote of the Executive Committee members present. Failure of the Executive Committee to ratify an action of the Leadership Council shall not retroactively invalidate expenditures already made or public statements already issued, but shall prevent any continuation or renewal of the action going forward. An endorsement that is not ratified by the Executive Committee shall be deemed withdrawn, and the Party shall issue a public notice of the withdrawal.
Spending Authority Review. The expenditure limit established in subsection (A)(2) of this Section may be adjusted by a majority vote of the Executive Committee at any regular or special meeting. Any such adjustment shall remain in effect until further action by the Executive Committee.
Article IV: Officers
Section 1. The Chairperson's duties shall be those of chief executive officer and they shall be subject to the direction of and responsible to the Central Committee and Executive Committee of the Scioto County Democratic Party. The Chairperson shall appoint committee members and chairs subject to any confirmation requirements established in these Bylaws, and delegate their responsibilities as they deem appropriate and necessary.
Section 2. The Vice-Chairperson, in order of succession, shall act as the Chairperson in case of the death, resignation, incapacity, removal, or absence of the Chairperson or their predecessor, and shall, in such event, have the same powers, duties and responsibilities as the Chairperson until such time as the Central Committee, or as provided above, the Executive Committee, shall meet to properly elect a new Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall also serve as Chairperson of the Scioto County Democratic Party Strategic Planning Committee.
Section 3. The Secretary shall be in charge of all the official documents of the Central Committee and Executive Committee and of preparation of the necessary notice, minutes and other documents. The Secretary shall preserve such files and records and open them for examination at appropriate times at the request of any member of the Central Committee or Executive Committee under such rules and regulations as are prescribed by the Central or Executive Committees, or as required by Ohio law.
Section 4. The Treasurer shall have custody of the funds of the Committee and shall render up to date financial reports to each meeting of the Central and Executive Committees. The Treasurer shall be accountable for all receipts and expenditures subject to the direction of the Central and Executive Committees.
The Treasurer shall work with relevant committees to ensure that financial records for fundraising activities and events are maintained in sufficient detail to evaluate revenues, expenses, and in-kind contributions associated with Party activities.
Section 5. Any officer of the Scioto County Democratic Party may be removed from office for cause by the Central Committee or, if the Central Committee cannot achieve a quorum, by the Executive Committee. As established in Article III, Section 4 of this Constitution and Bylaws, each officer serves both the Central Committee and the Executive Committee; removal from office under this Section shall therefore constitute removal from the officer position on both committees simultaneously.
The authority of the Central Committee to remove officers it has elected is inherent in its power to elect such officers under Ohio Revised Code Section 3517.04, which provides that the committee "shall proceed to organize by the election of a chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, secretary, and such other officers as the rules provide," thereby delegating the governance of officer positions to party rules. Neither Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3517 nor the Constitution and Bylaws of the Ohio Democratic Party impose any restriction on the authority of a county central committee to remove officers for cause through duly adopted party rules. This removal authority is further consistent with Article One, Section 3 of the Ohio Democratic Party Constitution, which provides that eligibility for party office is subject to the membership requirements and any limitations established by party rules, and with Chapter 12 of the Ohio Democratic Party Bylaws, which authorizes "censure and such other sanctions as may be adopted" for willful and intentional violations of party constitutions and bylaws.
For purposes of this Section, "cause" shall include but not be limited to willful misconduct, failure or refusal to perform the duties of the office, conduct that brings the Party into disrepute, violation of this Constitution and Bylaws, or violation of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Ohio Democratic Party.
To initiate removal proceedings, a written statement of charges specifying the grounds for removal must be submitted to the Secretary, or if the Secretary is the subject of the charges, to the Chairperson, or if the Chairperson is the subject of the charges, to the First Vice-Chairperson. The statement of charges must be signed by no fewer than five (5) members of the Central Committee or Executive Committee.
Upon receipt of a statement of charges, the receiving officer shall provide written notice to all members of the Central Committee and Executive Committee and to the officer subject to removal no less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the matter will be heard. The notice shall include a copy of the statement of charges and the date, time, and place of the meeting.
The officer subject to removal shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard before the vote is taken, including the right to present a response to the charges and to be accompanied by an advisor of their choosing. The advisor may counsel the officer but shall not address the Committee unless invited to do so by the presiding officer.
Following the hearing, removal shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting at the meeting. The vote shall be taken individually and recorded in the minutes.
If the Chairperson is the subject of removal proceedings, the First Vice-Chairperson shall preside over the meeting. If the First Vice-Chairperson is also the subject of charges or is unable to preside, the next Vice-Chairperson in order of succession who is not subject to charges shall preside.
Because no officer is required to hold a precinct, ward, or township seat on the Central Committee as a condition of eligibility for office, as established in Article III, Section 4 of this Constitution and Bylaws and consistent with Ohio Revised Code Section 3517.04, Article One, Section 3 of the Ohio Democratic Party Constitution, and Article Three, Section 5 of the Ohio Democratic Party Constitution, the effect of removal shall depend on the officer's underlying basis for committee membership:
An officer who was independently elected or appointed to the Central Committee as a precinct, ward, or township committeeperson shall retain that seat upon removal from office. Such membership is governed exclusively by Ohio Revised Code Sections 3517.02 through 3517.05, and nothing in this Section shall be construed to authorize the removal of any duly elected member from the Central Committee.
An officer whose sole basis for membership on the Central Committee and Executive Committee was their election to office under Article III, Section 4 of this Constitution and Bylaws shall cease to be a member of both committees upon removal from office, unless otherwise entitled to membership under another provision of this Constitution and Bylaws or the Ohio Revised Code.
Upon removal of an officer, the resulting vacancy shall be filled in accordance with Article III, Section 3 of this Constitution and Bylaws.
Article V: Sub-Committees
Section 1. The Strategic Planning Committee shall be tasked with coordinating the activities of the sub-committees so that they can better work together, and will make recommendations to the Central Committee. The Strategic Planning will also conduct reviews of the Central Committee Bylaws every four years and recommend changes as necessary.
The Strategic Planning Committee will be chaired by the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee, and membership shall consist of the chairs of all active sub-committees. The Vice-Chairperson may also appoint “At Large” members to the Strategic Planning Committee.
Section 2. The Communications Committee is responsible for maintaining the Party’s website, social media, news releases, newsletter, mailing lists, and other forms of communications as directed by the Central Committee.
Section 3. The Fundraising and Events Committee shall have primary responsibility for planning, organizing, and executing fundraising initiatives and Party events, including but not limited to donor outreach, fundraising campaigns, ticketed events, community gatherings, and special programs.
Where reasonably practicable, events and fundraising activities should be planned with a proposed budget that includes anticipated expenses and expected income or financial impact. The purpose of such budgeting is to support responsible financial planning and evaluation, recognizing that not all events are required to generate a financial profit, but activities designated as fundraisers should reasonably be expected to produce net financial benefit to the Party or demonstratively increase Party membership and/or participation.
All funds collected must be promptly turned over to the Party Treasurer in accordance with applicable law and Party financial procedures.
For all fundraising activities and events involving financial transactions or donated goods or services, the Committee shall maintain records sufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of such activities. These records should include, when applicable:
A list of donated items, goods, or services, including the name of the donor and an approximate fair-market value of the in-kind contribution;
A record of actual expenses incurred;
A record of income generated; and
A summary sufficient to evaluate whether the activity met its intended purpose.
Section 4. The Candidate Development and Membership Committee shall be responsible for:
Identifying, recruiting, and supporting prospective Democratic candidates for local, county, state, and federal elected offices, including assisting with petition and signature collection required to appear on the ballot as prescribed by Ohio law. The Committee is advised to begin outreach to prospective candidates no later than ninety (90) days prior to the earliest applicable signature collection deadline to ensure adequate time for recruitment and petition efforts.
Promoting voter awareness and informed participation by:
Organizing candidate forums, interviews, or similar events to allow candidates to present their positions to the public;
Preparing and distributing nonpartisan candidate information, including candidate profiles, questionnaires, or voter guides, through the Party's website, social media, and other communication channels; and
Making candidate information available for all Democratic candidates, including those in contested primary elections, consistent with the Party's neutrality obligations under Article VII, Section 3 of this Constitution and Bylaws.
Evaluating prospective candidates and submitting endorsement recommendations to the Central Committee or Executive Committee for consideration, in accordance with Article VII of this Constitution and Bylaws;
Providing mentorship, training, and guidance to candidates and potential candidates;
Identifying and recruiting individuals to fill vacancies on the Central Committee and to maintain a full and active Party organization;
Supporting member engagement, retention, and leadership development within the Party; and
Coordinating volunteer recruitment and participation in Party activities.
This Committee shall include a designated Volunteer Coordinator, who shall assist with volunteer recruitment, placement, communication, and retention. When selecting the Volunteer Coordinator, preference should be given to individuals with relevant experience, skills, or demonstrated capacity in volunteer management, organizing, or related activities.
Section 5. Each sub-committee must have a chair to call meetings and assign tasks to members, and a secretary to record minutes and maintain attendance. The secretary shall fill in for the chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.
Sub-committees must have a quorum of majority attendance to conduct official Party business.
There shall be a minimum of three members, including a chair and secretary, and a maximum of seven voting members. Meetings are open to any interested person, but only appointed members may vote.
Section 6. With exception of Strategic Planning, which is staffed according to Article V, Section 1 of this Constitution, all sub-committee members and chairs will automatically expire on January 1 of each year and must be re-appointed by a vote of the Central Committee or Executive Committee during its first meeting of the calendar year. Chairs will be nominated and appointed first and then nominations will be heard to appoint regular committee seats.
Sub-committee members and chairs shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed.
Sub-committee members will be automatically removed if they fail to attend three regular sub-committee meetings during a calendar year (Jan–Dec).
Section 7. Any registered Democrat living in Scioto County is eligible to serve on subcommittees, but no person is permitted to serve on more than two sub-committees.
Only members of the Central Committee or Executive Committee are permitted to serve as chair of a sub-committee.
No person is permitted to chair more than one sub-committee, which will also count as one committee served.
Sub-committee chairs and members must be confirmed by a vote of the Central Committee or Executive Committee, and may be removed from their sub-committee at any time by a vote of the Central Committee or Executive Committee.
Section 8. The Central Committee Chairperson and First Vice-Chairperson is prohibited from serving as chair of any sub-committee, except as outlined in Article V, Section 1-A of this Constitution.
Article VI: Meetings and Procedures
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall meet after its election as required by law and by this Constitution and Bylaws. Regular meetings shall generally be held monthly from January through October at a designated date and time, unless circumstances prevent.
A final year-end meeting shall be held in December, generally on the first Thursday of the month, for the purpose of concluding annual business, planning for the upcoming year, and avoiding undue time pressures during the January meeting cycle. The final date, time, and location of the December meeting shall be announced during the October meeting and communicated to members in accordance with the notice provisions of this Article.
Section 2. Notice of regular meetings of the Executive Committee, specifying the time and place, shall be sent in writing through regular U.S. mail or by email to all members of the Committee. Notice of any meeting, other than a regular meeting, shall be sent by the Secretary not less than five days prior to said meeting by regular U.S. mail or by email to all members of the Committee.
Section 3. Minutes shall be taken at all the meetings of the Central Committee and Executive Committee.
Section 4. A majority of the membership of the Central Committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business at any meeting. Thirty percent (30%) of the membership of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business at any meeting. In the event that the quorum requirement is not met for a Central Committee meeting, the Chairperson may commence a meeting of the Executive Committee if the quorum requirement is met for the Executive Committee, and the Executive Committee may then perform the business of the Scioto County Democratic Party that would otherwise be conducted by the Central Committee, except where restricted by law or these Bylaws.
Section 5. Any registered Democrat living in Scioto County is eligible to be appointed as a member-at-large to the Executive Committee, subject to the affiliation requirements set forth in Article I, by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. Members-at-large appointed under this Section shall serve on the Executive Committee only and shall not become members of the Central Committee by virtue of such appointment.
Section 6. Each Committee member shall be entitled to vote individually, and no unit rule, proxy, or slate voting shall be required or permitted.
Section 7. Members of the Executive Committee who miss three (3) regular meetings within a twelve-month period, excluding any meetings cancelled by the Committee, may be removed from the Executive Committee for the remainder of their term by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. Removal from the Executive Committee under this Section shall not affect an individual's status as a duly elected member of the Central Committee, the election, terms, and vacancies of which are governed by Ohio Revised Code Sections 3517.02 through 3517.05.
For purposes of attendance, regular meetings shall include those meetings held from January through October and the December year-end meeting as described in Section 1 of this Article.
Section 8. All meetings of the Scioto County Democratic Party and all other official Party committees, commissions and bodies shall be open to the public, and votes shall not be taken by secret ballot.
Section 9. Executive Committee terms shall be governed by Article X of this Constitution.
Section 10. The Central Committee and Executive Committee may conduct regular or special meetings with virtual attendance by electronic means, including video or audio conferencing. Members attending by electronic means shall be considered present for purposes of quorum and shall be entitled to vote on all matters before the Committee, subject to the same rules that apply to members attending in person. Participation by electronic means shall not constitute proxy voting; each member attending virtually must be personally present on the call and cast his or her own vote individually, consistent with Article VI, Section 6 of this Constitution and Bylaws.
The Chairperson, or in the Chairperson's absence the presiding officer, shall determine the electronic platform used and shall ensure that the means of electronic attendance allows for verification of each member's identity, a reliable method of recording votes, and the ability of the public to observe the proceedings consistent with Article VI, Section 8 of this Constitution and Bylaws.
A member participating by electronic means who is disconnected during a vote and cannot be reconnected before the vote is concluded shall not be counted as present for that vote. The Secretary shall note any such disconnection in the minutes.
The Chairperson may, at their discretion, call a meeting to be held entirely by electronic means, provided that notice is given in accordance with Article VI, Section 2, and that the notice includes instructions for accessing the meeting electronically.
Article VII: Endorsements and Appointments
Section 1. In an election year in which the State Democratic Party makes endorsements, the Scioto County Democratic Party shall support and assist such endorsed candidates to the extent reasonably practicable and consistent with the interests and capacity of the County Party. In allocating its efforts and resources, the County Party should give appropriate consideration to the needs of local and county-level Democratic candidates and campaigns while also supporting the broader goals of the Democratic Party.
Section 2. At any time, the Central Committee, or the Executive Committee acting on its behalf, may make appointments or endorsements for any local or district office, provided that the endorsement or appointment is approved by a majority vote, defined as more than fifty percent (50%) of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting, unless otherwise stated in this Article.
Any meeting at which an endorsement shall be discussed must provide ample notice, defined as a minimum of ten (10) days written notice to each member of the Committee. Notice shall be delivered by U.S. mail or by electronic mail in accordance with each member’s stated communication preference. Additionally, notice shall be publicly posted on the Party’s official website, social media platforms, and other regular Party communication outlets no less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The notice must include the time, place, and purpose of the meeting, including that endorsements may be considered. Failure to provide public notice shall not invalidate actions if reasonable effort was made.
Section 3. The Scioto County Democratic Party shall not issue endorsements in contested Democratic primary elections. All Democratic candidates in such races shall be provided equitable access to Party events, communications, and engagement opportunities.
Section 4. The Scioto County Democratic Party shall not endorse any candidate whose most recent primary ballot selected was that of another political party. This includes individuals who have selected a primary ballot from another political party, regardless of their public policy positions, voting history, or prior support for Democratic candidates.
The Party recognizes that under Ohio law, selecting a political party’s primary ballot is treated as an official affiliation for that election cycle. While this action may not fully represent an individual’s broader political identity or long-standing alignment with Democratic values, the Party maintains this standard to ensure consistency and to avoid potential confusion among voters regarding Party support. This policy is not intended to question anyone’s values, beliefs, or past service to Democratic causes, but rather to uphold a clear and transparent endorsement process that aligns with the expectations of Democratic voters.
Section 5. Independent candidates may be considered for endorsement if their most recent primary ballot selected was not that of another political party, they publicly support the values and platform of the Democratic Party, and they receive a sixty percent (60%) affirmative vote of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Executive Committee or Central Committee, as applicable.
Section 6. The Scioto County Democratic Party may choose to engage, collaborate with, or offer support to candidates who are not formally endorsed, provided that such cooperation aligns with the principles and strategic interests of the Party. Non-endorsement shall not preclude candidates from participating in Party-sponsored events or accessing non-exclusive Party resources, subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
Section 7. Nothing in these sections shall restrict the Party from engaging in general election efforts that promote Democratic values and principles, provided that such efforts do not constitute a formal endorsement in contradiction of this Article.
Section 8. The Scioto County Democratic Party shall refrain from issuing endorsements in officially nonpartisan races, such as municipal, judicial, or school board elections, where candidates do not appear on the ballot with formal Party affiliation. This approach is intended to preserve neutrality and encourage broad civic participation.
Section 9. The Scioto County Democratic Party may endorse or oppose ballot issues, including local levies, initiatives, referenda, constitutional amendments, and statewide measures. Endorsements or positions on such issues shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Central Committee or Executive Committee, as applicable.
When evaluating a ballot issue, the Party shall consider whether the proposal aligns with Democratic values as set forth in Article VIII of this Constitution and Bylaws, promotes social and economic equity, upholds constitutional and civil rights, and serves the best interests of the residents of Scioto County.
Section 10. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, in extraordinary circumstances, where the Central Committee or Executive Committee, by motion, determines that an endorsement serves the public interest, defends Democratic values, or responds to an urgent or consequential challenge, the Party may adopt an action otherwise restricted by this Article, provided that the action serves the best interests of the Party and aligns with the core values and mission.
To proceed under this section, all of the following conditions must be met:
The proposed action is clearly identified on the meeting agenda, with at least ten (10) days’ advance notice provided to all Committee members in accordance with Article VII, Section 2;
A brief explanation of the rationale is provided and noted in the meeting record; and
The action receives an affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the appropriate Committee.
Article VIII: Party Unity and Values
Section 1. Principles of the Scioto County Central and Executive Committees shall be supported by its members and all Democratic officials in the county.
Section 2. The Scioto County Democratic Party affirms the following statement of values, adopted as the Democratic Creed, as provided by Democrats 101 :
We believe all people are created equal, that this is America’s fundamental ideal.
We believe that America is a democracy, by and for the people: ruled by the Constitution and its interpretations, protected by the Bill of Rights, and inspired by the Declaration of Independence.
We believe these founding documents demand Freedom, Justice, and Opportunity for all Americans, in full and equal measure… regardless of who you are, what you believe, or where you live.
We believe that the duty of government is to strive endlessly to make the ideals of Freedom, Justice, and Opportunity a reality for all.
We believe that the purpose of government is to protect our nation, defend our democracy, and to endlessly promote the welfare of each and every one of us.
We believe that fighting for these ideals is our purpose as a political party.
Section 3. References to "Democratic values" throughout this Constitution and Bylaws shall be understood to reflect the principles set forth in this Article.
Article IX: State Convention, Party Structure, National Guidelines, State Guidelines
Section 1. The provisions for a State Convention of the Ohio Democratic Party, Party Structure - National Guidelines and Party Structure - State Guidelines as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Ohio Democratic Party, as currently adopted and as may be amended from time to time, are incorporated by reference and made a part of this Constitution and Bylaws of the Scioto County Democratic Party.
Article X: Term of Committee Members
Section 1. Members of the Central Committee shall serve four (4) year terms pursuant to the laws of the State of Ohio, beginning upon certification of their election and continuing until the organizational meeting of the next Central Committee as provided by Ohio Revised Code Sections 3517.04 and 3517.05.
Section 2. Members of the Executive Committee shall serve terms that expire concurrently with the election of a new Central Committee. Members who are not duly elected or appointed committeepersons under Article III, Section 6-A, or officers under Article III, Section 6-B, must be reappointed by the Executive Committee at the beginning of each new term.
Section 3. Officers elected under Article III, Section 4 shall serve until the organizational meeting of the next Central Committee or until their successors are elected, unless the officer resigns, is removed, or is otherwise unable to serve.
Section 4. Reorganization shall be conducted in accordance with Article III of this Constitution.
Article XI: Oath of Office
Section 1. All members of the Scioto County Central Committee and Executive Committee shall be required to take an oath of office to support the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of Ohio and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Ohio and Scioto County Democratic Party.
The oath shall be administered during the reorganization meeting for those elected, upon appointment to vacant positions between elections, and upon confirmation of any member appointed under Article III, Section 6-D or Article VI, Section 5 of this Constitution and Bylaws.
Article XII: Robert’s Rules
Section 1. Any matters regarding the conduct of the affairs of the Scioto County Central Committee and Executive Committee not governed by this Constitution and Bylaws or by rules or laws provided by the Ohio Democratic Party or the State of Ohio shall be governed by the latest edition of the Roberts Rules of Order.
Article XIII: Amendment
Section 1. This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by sixty percent (60%) of the members of the Central Committee, present and voting, at any meeting called specifically for that purpose. Amendments proposed under this section must be submitted in writing and copies thereof sent by regular U.S. mail or by email to each member of the said committee at a reasonable time, defined as no less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
Article XIV: Previous Constitutions and Bylaws
Section 1. This Constitution and Bylaws supersede any and all other previous Constitutions and Bylaws of the Scioto County Democratic Party and shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
ADOPTED IN SCIOTO COUNTY OHIO
23 April 2026
BY THE SCIOTO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY, DULY ASSEMBLED
<<signature on file>>
Sara Tomko, CHAIRPERSON
SCIOTO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY