SUMMARY OF BYLAW CHANGE

The Club’s current bylaws may be found here:  https://malibudemocraticclub.org/about-mdc-2/bylaws/

The proposed change to the Bylaws would allow the Club to endorse a candidate in an election where two or more Democrats are running against each other when a candidate receives the support of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present at a Club membership meeting EXCEPT in Malibu City Council elections.

If you have any questions about the bylaws, please do not hesitate to call Gina Muscatel at 805-027-3908 or Hap Henry at 424-644-9972. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

As currently written:

ARTICLE 13

ENDORSEMENTS

Section 1.     Compliance with Bylaws of the California Democratic Party

Endorsements officially sanctioned by the Club must be made in accordance with these Bylaws and the Bylaws of the California Democratic Party. Club endorsements for candidates for public office shall be given only to registered Democrats whose registration is confirmed prior to the endorsement meeting.  The endorsement of non-Democrats in any race or the financial support of non-Democrats is prohibited. 

Section 2.     Endorsements of Candidates Running for Elected Government Office.

A. When a Democrat Is Running Against Candidates From Other Parties.  

Consistent with the missions of the Democratic Party and the Club to support and assist the election of Democratic candidates, the Club can endorse Democratic Candidates running for elected government office when no other Democrat is running in the race, or no more Democrats are running in a race than seats open in that race, when supported by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board.

B.    When Democrats Are Running Against Other Democrats.  Except as provided in Article 13:C below, the Club will not endorse a candidate in an election where Democrats are running against other Democrats. The Club can provide the voters information on the candidates and candidate events, and provide opportunities for the voters to meet the candidates.

C.   When Two Democratic Candidates Have Advanced to the General Election. When two Democratic candidates have advanced to the General Election, and one is an incumbent Democrat, the Club can make an endorsement, at a duly convened membership meeting, with a quorum present, where a candidate receives by ballot voting, the support of seventy percent (70%) of the voting members present.  

D.   Malibu City Council Elections.  The Club will not endorse candidates in Malibu City Council elections. 

E.    Candidates for Santa Monica College Trustees and SMMUSD

The Club can endorse candidates in elections for Santa Monica College Trustees and the Santa Monica-Malibu United School District, who are registered Democrats, at a duly convened membership meeting, with a quorum present, where a candidate, or candidates, receive by ballot voting, the support of seventy percent (70%) of the voting members present.

Proposed Amendment:

Section 2.     Endorsements of Candidates Running for Elected Government Office.

A. When a Democrat Is Running Against Candidates From Other Parties.  

Consistent with the missions of the Democratic Party and the Club to support and assist the election of Democratic candidates, the Club can endorse Democratic Candidates running for elected government office when no other Democrat is running in the race, or no more Democrats are running in a race than seats open in that race, when supported by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board.

B. When Democrats Are Running Against Other Democrats.

Except as provided in Article 13.2.C below, when Democrats are running against other Democrats, the Club can make an endorsement, at a duly convened membership meeting, with a quorum present, where a candidate receives by ballot voting, the support of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present. Whether a candidate is endorsed or not, the Club can provide the voters information on all candidates and candidate events, and provide opportunities for the voters to meet the candidates.

C. Malibu City Council Elections.  

The Club will not endorse candidates in Malibu City Council elections.