2016 Call for the Convention

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2016 Call for the Democratic National Convention

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June 14, 2016, inclusive.12

2. A percentage of the base delegate votes3determined pursuant to paragraphs B4and E shall be added to the number of5base pledged delegates otherwise6

determined pursuant to those7 paragraphs, for the purpose of8increasing the size of the base pledged9delegation, as follows:10

11a. for any state in which the meeting,12

caucus, convention or primary13which constitutes the first14determining stage in the15presidential nomination process in16that state occurs in 2012 2016on a17date in Stage II, the percentage shall18

be 10 percent; and in which the19 meeting, caucus, convention or20primary which constitutes the first21determining stage in the22presidential nomination process in23that state occurs in 2012 2016on a24date in Stage III, the percentage shall25be 20 percent.26

27b. for any state in which the meeting,28

caucus, convention or primary29which constitutes the first30

determining stage in the31presidential nomination process in32that state is held in a regional33cluster, that percentage shall be an34additional 15 percent added onto35the base delegate vote without36accounting for any adjustments37made pursuant to Article I.C.2.a.38States deemed to qualify as a39regional cluster shall have contests40that are:41

42i. held in conjunction with43

at least two other44neighboring states45holding similar contests;46and47

48ii. on or after the third49

fourthTuesday in50March.51

D. Fifteen percent (15%) of the base delegate52votes determined pursuant to paragraphs B53and E shall be added to the number of votes54allocated for the purpose of representing55pledged Party and Elected Official56delegates. For purposes of this paragraph,57

the number of base delegate votes58 determined pursuant to paragraph B shall59be the number determined thereunder after60rounding. Fractions of .5 and above61resulting from the multiplication required62by this paragraph are rounded up to the63next highest integer.64

65E. American Samoa, Guam, the Northern66

Mariana Islandsand the Virgin Islands will67each receive six (6) at-large delegate votes.68Democrats Abroad will receive twelve (12)69

at-large and one (1) pledged Party and70Elected Official delegate votes. Puerto Rico71will receive forty-four (44) base delegate72votes.73

74F. Unpledged votes shall be allocated to each75

delegation to accommodate the members of76the Democratic National Committee from77that state or territory in which they legally78reside. The size of such a members vote79(i.e., whole or fractional) shall be the same80size as that which he or she is allowed to81cast at meetings of the Democratic National82Committee. Additional unpledged83delegates shall be allocated for other officers84serving in three (3) positions created by the85Democratic National Committee in86accordance with Article 3, Section 1.e. of the87Charter of the Democratic Party of the88United States.89

90G. Unpledged votes shall be allocated to91

provide for the Democratic President, the92

Democratic Vice President, and all former93 Democratic Presidents, all former94Democratic Vice Presidents, all former95Democratic Leaders of the United States96Senate, all former Democratic Speakers of97the United States House of Representatives98and Democratic Minority Leaders, as99applicable, and all former Chairpersons of100


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the Democratic National Committee.2 Such1delegates shall be seated with the state2delegations from the state in which they3have their voting residences.4

5H. Additional unpledged votes shall be added6

if needed to provide for the Democratic7 Governor3(if any) from that state or8territory and for the Democratic Members of9the United States House of Representatives10and Democratic United States Senators from11that state or territory (if any).412

13I. Each state, the District of Columbia and14

Puerto Rico may select a number of15alternates equivalent to one (1) alternate for16every twelve (12) Convention votes received17by it pursuant to paragraphs B, C, D, and E,18

provided, however, that each such19delegation shall have at least two (2)20alternates. American Samoa, Democrats21Abroad, Guam, the Northern Mariana22Islandsand the Virgin Islands shall each23have one (1) alternate. Fractions of .5 and24above are rounded up to the next highest25integer. It is further provided that each26large alternates necessary to provide at least27one alternate for each presidential candidate28who is entitled to delegates from that state,29if the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee30determines that the number of alternates31allocated to the state is not sufficient for32each presidential candidate to have at least33one alternate.34

35J. Members of the Democratic National36

Committee and delegates selected pursuant37to paragraphs G, and H will be ineligible to38serve as delegates under any other category39and may hold no more than one (1) vote.40Democratic Governors, Democratic41

Members of the United States House of42 Representatives and Democratic United43States Senators who are members of the44

2Former Chairpersons of the Democratic National Committee shallinclude National Chairs and General Chairs.

3The Mayor of the District of Columbia, if a Democrat, shall be

treated as a Democratic Governor.

4The District of Columbias Statehood Senators, if Democrats, shall

be treated as Democratic United States Senators.

Democratic National Committee shall serve45as delegates by virtue of their membership46on the National Committee.47

48

II.

Qualifications of State49Delegations50

51A. Notice is hereby given that delegates,52

alternates and standing committee members53to the Democratic National Convention54shall be elected in accordance with the55Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party56of the United States, the Delegate Selection57Rules for the 2012 2016Democratic National58Convention, the Call for the 2012 201659Democratic National Convention, and the60Regulations of the DNC Rules and Bylaws61

Committee. The DNC Rules and Bylaws62Committee shall have the final authority to63regulate the delegate selection process,64subject to the authority of the Convention65Credentials Committee and the Democratic66National Convention. It shall be the duty of67the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee to68administer the delegate selection process69and ensure compliance with the rules,70including equal division, and report to the71Secretary of the Democratic National72Committee those states which are in non-73

compliance. Only delegates and alternates74selected under a delegate selection75procedure approved by the DNC Rules and76Bylaws Committee and in accordance with77the rules shall be placed on the Temporary78Roll of the 2012 2016Democratic National79Convention. Only standing committee80members and convention pages chosen81pursuant to a state delegate selection plan82found in compliance with the rules83procedure approvedby the DNC Rules and84Bylaws Committeeshall be qualified to85serve in their respective capacities.86

87B. It is understood that a State Democratic88

Party, in electing and certifying delegates89and alternates to the Democratic National90Convention, thereby undertakes to assure91all Democratic voters in the state a full,92timely and equal opportunity to participate93in the delegate selection process and in all94


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Party affairs and to implement affirmative1action plans and inclusion programs toward2that end, and;that the delegates and3alternates to the Convention shall be4selected in accordance with the Delegate5Selection Rules for the 2012 2016Democratic6

National Convention adopted by the7 Democratic National Committee on August820, 2010 August 23, 2014; and that the9delegates it certified will not publically10support or campaign for any candidate for11President or Vice President other than the12nominees of the Democratic National13Convention. Furthermore,voters in the14state will have the opportunity to cast their15election ballots for the Presidential and Vice16Presidential nominees selected by said17Convention, and for electors pledged18

formally and in good conscience to the19election of these Presidential and Vice20Presidential nominees, under the label and21designation of the Democratic Party of the22United States., and that the delegates it23certified will not publicly support or24campaign for any candidate for President or25Vice President other than the nominees of26the Democratic National Convention.27

28C. It is presumed that the delegates to the29

Democratic National Convention, when30

certified pursuant to the Call, are bona fide31Democrats who are faithful to the interests,32welfare and success of the Democratic Party33of the United States, who subscribe to the34substance, intent and principles of the35Charter and the Bylaws of the Democratic36Party of the United States, and who will37participate in the Convention in good faith.38Therefore, no additional assurances shall be39required of delegates to the Democratic40National Convention in the absence of a41credentials contest or challenge.42

43

III.

Delegate Selection44Deadline45

46All state parties are required to take all steps47necessary and appropriate to complete the48process of selecting delegates to the 2012201649Democratic National Convention no later than50

June 23, 2012June 25, 2016.51

IV.

Certification52Requirements53

54A. Pledged Delegates and Alternates: Each55

states Democratic Chair shall certify in56writing to the Secretary of the Democratic57

National Committee the election of his or58her states delegates and alternates to the59Democratic National Convention ten (10)60days after their election. For the purposes61of this Call, the Chair of a committee62constituted pursuant to Rule 20.C. of the63Delegate Selection Rules, shall be64recognized to act in place of the states65Democratic Chair.66

67B. Unpledged Delegates:68

691.

Pursuant to Rule 9.A. of the Delegate70Selection Rules, official confirmation by71the Secretary of the Democratic National72Committee to each State Democratic73Chair shall constitute verification of the74following unpledged delegates:75members of the Democratic National76Committee; the Democratic President,77Vice President and Democratic78Governor, if applicable; all Democratic79members of the United States House of80

Representatives and all Democratic81 members of the United States Senate;82and all former Democratic Presidents,83Vice Presidents, Democratic Leaders of84the United States Senate, Speakers and85Democratic Minority Leaders of the86United States House of Representatives,87and Chairs of the Democratic National88Committee.89

90C. Presidential Preference:91

92

Ten (10) days after the completion of the93states delegate selection process, each94states Democratic Chair shall certify in95writing to the Secretary of the Democratic96National Committee the presidential97preference (including uncommitted) of the98states delegates.99

100101


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D. Replacements:12

1. Pledged Delegates and Alternates:34

Replacement of a delegate (due to5resignation or death) by an alternate6

and replacement of a vacant alternate7 position shall be certified in writing by8the States Democratic Chair to the9Secretary of the Democratic National10Committee (pursuant to Rule 18 of the11Delegate Selection Rules) within three12(3) days after the replacement is13selected. Certification of replacements14will be accepted by the Secretary up to1548 72hours before the first official16session of the Convention is scheduled17to convene.18

192. Unpledged Delegates:20

21a. Members of Congress and22

Democratic Governors shall not be23entitled to name a replacement. In24the event of any changes or25vacancies in a states Democratic26congressional delegation following27the official confirmation and prior to28the commencement of the National29Convention, the Secretary shall30recognize only such changes as have31been officially recognized by the32Democratic Caucus of the United33States House of Representatives or34the Democratic Conference of the35United States Senate. In the event of36a change or vacancy in a states37office of Governor following the38official confirmation and prior to the39commencement of the National40Convention, the Secretary shall41

recognize only such changes as have42 been officially recognized by the43Democratic Governors Association.44

45b. Members of the Democratic46

National Committee shall not be47entitled to a replacement, nor shall48the state be entitled to a49replacement, except in the case of50death of such delegates. In cases51

where a states DNC membership52changes following the Secretarys53official confirmation, but prior to the54commencement of the 2012 201655Democratic National Convention,56acknowledgment by the Secretary of57

the certification of the new DNC58 member shall constitute verification59of the corresponding change of60unpledged delegates.61

62c. Delegates allocated pursuant to63

Articles I.F., I.G. and I.H. of this Call64shall not be entitled to name a65replacement, nor shall the state be66entitled to a replacement.67

68E. Delegation Chair: Each delegation shall69

select one (1) person to serve as Delegation70Chair. The State Chair shall certify the71Delegation Chair. Such certification shall be72in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic73National Committee within three (3) days74after the position is filled, which shall be no75later than the date by which the state76certifies its standing committee members.77

78F. Convention Pages:79

801. A base of 150 151 Convention Pages81

shall be allocated among the 56 5782delegations as follows:583

84a. Each of the 50 States, the District of85

Columbia and Puerto Rico shall86have a minimum of two (2) pages.87

88b. One (1) additional page will be89

allocated to a state for every fifty90(50) additional delegate votes.91Fractions of .5 and above are92rounded up to the next highest93integer.94

95c. American Samoa, Democrats96

Abroad, Guam, the Northern97Mariana Islands,and the Virgin98Islands shall each be allocated one99(1) page.100

101

5See Appendix Cfor the allocation of Convention Pages.


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2. The National Chairperson of the1Democratic National Committee may2select not more than twenty-five (25)3pages to assist him/her and the4Democratic National Convention5Committee in carrying out the work of6

the Convention.783. The State Chair shall certify the9

person(s) to serve as the Delegations10Convention Page(s), as allocated to the11delegation by this section. Such12certification shall be in writing to the13Secretary of the Democratic National14Committee and shall be made no later15than the time the state certifies its16standing committee members pursuant17to Article VIII.B.3. of this Call. The18

National Chairperson of the Democratic19National Committee shall certify the20person(s) to serve as the Chairs21Convention Page(s), as allocated to the22National Chairperson by this section.23Such certification shall be in writing to24the Secretary of the Democratic National25Committee and shall be made within26three (3) days after these positions are27filled, but in any event, no later than28

June 23, 2012June 25, 2016.2930

G.

Certification Requirements: Each31certification required herein will include full32name, address and other information as33required by the Secretary of the Democratic34National Committee.35

36

V.

Management of the 2012372016 Democratic National38Convention Operations39Committee, Inc.40

41

A.

The Democratic National Committee, acting42under its has theauthority to plan, arrange,43manage and conduct the Democratic44National Convention, hereby ratifies the45establishment and organization of the 2012462016Democratic National Convention47Committee, Inc. (the DNCC) for the 2012482016Democratic National Convention.49

50

B. In its sole discretion, the Democratic51National Committee may establish and52organize a 2016 Democratic National53Convention Committee (DNCC) to54exercise the authorityThe DNCC shall55exercise the authority on behalfof the56

Democratic National Committee and the57 Democratic National Convention, to enter58in entering into contracts relating to all59business and financial matters connected60with the conduct of the 2012 201661Democratic National Convention, in62compliance with the parameters for63convention operations set forth herein.64

65C. The DNCC shall make every effort to66

exercise its authority in accordance with the67following guidelines, subject to Rule 20.C. of68

the Delegate Selection Rules:6970

1. Contractors: The DNCC shall as a policy71seek to engage the services of unionized72firms, including those owned by73minorities, women and people with74disabilities.75

762. Housing: The DNCC shall design and77

implement a fair and equitable system78by which hotel facilities shall be79allocated to eligible state delegations80

and to presidential candidates.8182

3. Delegate and Alternate Seating in83Convention Hall: The DNCC shall84design and implement a fair and85equitable system by which the location86of each eligible state delegations seating87in the Convention Hall shall be88determined. Alternates shall be89afforded preferential seating, as close to90delegate seating as arrangements will91permit. Members of Democratic92National Convention Standing93Committees who are not already94delegates or alternates shall be afforded95guest seating for each session of the96Convention proceedings.97

984. Delegates and Alternates Credentials:99

The states delegate and alternate100credentials shall be distributed to the101


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Chair of the state delegation from the1DNCCs credentials office.2

35. Floor Access: Floor access shall be given4

to delegates, alternates replacing5delegates, the highest ranking6

Democratic official in each state that7 does not have a Democratic Governor,8each State Democratic Partys Executive9Director, such number of10representatives of the presidential11candidates as may be deemed necessary12by the DNCC DNC, and such press13personnel and other personnel as may14be determined by the DNCC DNCto be15necessary for the proper functioning of16the Convention and which does not17compromise security and safety18

requirements.1920

6. Visitors Seating: Seats for members-21elect of the Democratic National22Committee as certified by the states23Democratic Chair, guests and other24observers shall be allocated for and shall25be fairly apportioned to the states26according to each states relative27delegate strength. The Delegation Chair28and the State Democratic Chair shall29each be given one half of the credentials30for guest seats apportioned to the state31pursuant to this paragraph. Presidential32preference shall be taken into account in33the distribution of guest credentials.34

357. Communications:36

37a. Microphones: Each state shall be38

provided one (1) floor microphone39which shall be located at the40position of the Chair of the state41delegation. Each delegate shall have42access to the microphone.43

44b. Telephones: Adequate provisions45

shall be made for communication46between the floor and the Chair of47the Convention so as to advise the48Chair of the identity of any delegate49seeking recognition to speak and the50purpose for which recognition is51

sought. One (1) such telephone52shall be provided for each state53delegation.54

55c. General: No communication56

equipment other than that57

authorized by these guidelines or by58 the DNCC shall be permitted on the59floor of the Convention. The DNC60may, in its discretion, promulgate61guidelines or restrictions regarding62the use of communications63equipment on the floor of the64Convention.65

668. Facilities for Presidential Candidates:67

The National Chairperson of the68Democratic National Committee, in69

consultation with the Chief Executive70Officer of the DNCC and71representatives of the presidential72candidates, shall design and implement73a fair and equitable system whereby74facilities in the Convention Hall and its75immediate environs shall be fairly76apportioned to presidential campaigns77so as not to afford an undue advantage78to any presidential candidate. The cost79of such facilities shall be paid by the80presidential campaigns.81

829. Facilities for News Media and Press83

Seating: There shall be made available84adequate facilities, as close to the85Convention floor as conditions permit,86for the pencil printpress, radio, internet87on-line, and television, including a88limited number of camera positions89commanding a full view of the90proceedings. The cost of such facilities91shall not be borne by the DNCC.92

9310.

Security: Coordination for security94within the Convention Hall, premises95and surrounding area shall be under the96authority of the DNCC.97

9811. Financial Reports: The DNCC shall file99

with the Federal Election Commission100(FEC) aAll financial reports relating101to convention financingrequired by the102Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971,103


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percent (20%) of the members1present, except that a motion to2adjourn or to recess may be offered3and voted upon without a quorum4present.5

6

5.

Proxies: As the standing committees are7 deliberative bodies of the National8Convention, proxy voting by standing9committee members shall not be10permitted.11

126. Subcommittees: Any subcommittee of13

the standing committees of the National14Convention shall be composed only of15members of standing committees,16except that these subcommittees may be17chaired by persons other than members18

of the committee.1920

B. Election:2122

1. The members of the standing23committees allocated to the states and24territories shall be elected by each states25National Convention delegates present26at a meeting of which adequate notice of27time and place shall be given and at28which a quorum of the states delegates29shall be present. Such meeting shall be30held in accordance with procedures31approved by the DNC Rules and Bylaws32Committee and consistent with this Call.33Such meeting shall take place within 1434days after the final selection of a states35delegation, but no such meeting shall be36held after June 23, 2012June 25, 2016.37

382. The members of the standing39

committees allocated as Party Leaders40and Elected Officials shall be elected by41

the Executive Committee of the42 Democratic National Committee during43the calendar year of the National44Convention upon nomination received45from the National Chairperson of the46Democratic National Committee, after47consultation with the State Chairs from48those states from which members are49contemplated to be nominated. Said50members must be elected at a meeting51

of the Executive Committee or by mail52ballot no later than 30 days prior to the53date of the standing committee meeting.54

553. Each states Democratic Chair shall56

certify in writing to the Secretary of the57

Democratic National Committee his or58 her states standing committee members59within three (3) days after their60selection. The National Chairperson of61the Democratic National Committee62shall certify in writing to the Secretary63of the Democratic National Committee64the Party Leader and Elected Official65standing committee members within66three (3) days after their election.67Certification of each person will include68full name, address and other69

information as required by the Secretary70of the Democratic National Committee.71

724. No substitutions will be permitted in the73

case of standing committee members,74except in the case of resignation or75death. Substitutions must be made in76accordance with the election procedures77specified in Article VII.B., C., D. and E.,78and must be certified in writing to the79Secretary of the Democratic National80Committee, in accordance with81procedures specified in Article VII.B.3.82Substitutions of standing committee83members are encouraged to be made up84to forty-eight (48) hours prior to the85time the standing committee meets,86except in the case of death.87

885. Any challenge to the credentials of a89

standing committee member shall be90considered and resolved by the affected91standing committee in accordance with92Appendix A of this Call. The DNC93Rules and Bylaws Committee shall have94

jurisdiction over challenges brought95before the 56th day preceding the date96of commencement of the Democratic97National Convention.98

99C. Presidential Preference:100

1011. The members of the standing102


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committees allocated to the states and1territories shall proportionately2represent the presidential preference of3all candidates (including uncommitted4status) receiving the threshold5percentage used in that states6

delegation to calculate the at-large7 apportionment pursuant to Rule 13.E. of8the Delegate Selection Rules, provided,9however, that members of the standing10committees from primary states shall be11allocated to presidential candidates12(including uncommitted status) based13on the statewide popular vote.14

152. The presidential preference percentage16

of each candidate receiving the17applicable percentage or more within18

the delegation shall be multiplied by the19total number of standing committee20positions allocated to that state or21territorial delegation. If the result of22such multiplication does not equal 0.45523or above, the presidential preference in24question is not entitled to representation25on the standing committee. If the result26of such multiplication is 0.455 but less27than 1.455, the presidential preference in28question is entitled to one (1) position.29Those preferences securing more than30

1.455 but less than 2.455 are entitled to31two (2) positions, etc.32

333. Where the application of this formula34

results in the total allocation exceeding35the total number of committee positions,36the presidential candidate whose37original figure of representation is38farthest from its eventual rounded-off39total shall be denied that one (1)40additional position. Where the41application of this formula results in the42total allocation falling short of the total43number of committee positions, the44presidential candidate whose original45figure of representation is closest to the46next rounding level shall be allotted an47additional committee position.48

494. Standing committee positions allocated50

to a presidential candidate shall be51

proportionately allocated, to the extent52practicable, to each of the three standing53committees. When such allocation54results in an unequal distribution of55standing committee positions by56candidate preference, a drawing shall be57

conducted to distribute the additional58 positions.5960

D. Presidential Candidate Right of Approval:6162

1. Each presidential candidate or that63candidates representative authorized64pursuant to Rule 12.D.1. of the 2012652016Delegate Selection Rules shall be66given adequate notice of the meeting of67the states delegation authorized to68select standing committee members.69

702. The delegation shall select the standing71

committee members from among72namessubmitted by the presidential73candidates (including uncommitted74status), and presidential candidates75shall not be required to submit the name76of more than one person for each slot77awarded to such candidate for members78of standing committees. Provided79further, that presidential candidates80(including uncommitted status) shall81use their best efforts to ensure that the82name or names of standing committee83members submitted help achieve the84affirmative action goals established by85the states Delegate Selection Plan.86

87E. Division Between Men and Women:88

891. The membership of each of the standing90

committees from a state or territory91shall be as equally divided among men92and women as possible under the state93allocation; if the number is even, the94membership shall be equally divided95between men and women; if the number96is odd, the variance between men and97women may not exceed one (1), and the98advantaged gender must not remain99constant for the three standing100committees. The DNC Rules and101Bylaws Committee shall have102


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continuing jurisdiction to ensure1compliance with this equal division2requirement. No standing committee3members from a state shall be officially4recognized unless the Rules and Bylaws5Committee has certified to the Secretary6

of the Democratic National Committee7 that such states standing committee8delegation complies with this equal9division rule. It is the duty of the DNC10Rules and Bylaws Committee to11determine such compliance as soon as12practicable following the certification of13the states standing committee14members.15

162. The Party Leader and Elected Official17

membership of the standing committees18

elected by the Executive Committee of19the Democratic National Committee20shall be divided among men and21women so that the variance between22men and women does not exceed one23(1), and the advantaged gender must24not remain constant for the three25standing committees.26

27F. Chairs of Standing Committees:28

291. The Chair(s) of each Standing30

Committee shall be elected by the31Executive Committee of the Democratic32National Committee upon nomination33of the National Chairperson of the34Democratic National Committee. Co-35Chairs and Vice Chairs may also be36elected in this manner.37

382. Individuals who are not otherwise39

members of the standing committees40who are elected Chair(s), Co-Chair(s) or41Vice Chair(s) thereof shall not have any42

voting privileges on the standing43committees, except that the Chair(s),44may vote in the case of a tie.45

463. The Chair(s) of each standing committee47

shall call and preside over each48committee meeting, prepare an agenda49to provide for orderly conduct of the50committees business, and supervise51preparation of such research studies and52

briefing materials as are required to53accomplish the committees work.54

55G. Platform Committee:56

571. The Platform Committee shall be58

responsible for drafting and59

recommending the Platform of the60Democratic Party to the Democratic61National Convention.62

632. The Chair(s) of the Platform Committee,64

in consultation with the National65Chairperson of the Democratic National66Committee, shall determine the number,67place and time for conducting hearing(s)68and/or forum(s) and name the69presiding panel, who need not be70

members of the Platform Committee, for71 each hearing and/or forum. Any72person may submit a written statement73concerning the Platform to the Platform74Committee at any time prior to the75Platform Committee meeting, and may76request permission to testify at a public77hearing and/or forum.78

793. No later than thirty (30) days before the80

first meeting of the Platform Committee,81written notice of the date, time, place,82

and the tentative agenda of such83meeting shall be sent to all members of84the Platform Committee. A special or85emergency meeting of the Platform86Committee may be held upon call of the87Chair(s) of the Platform Committee with88reasonable notice to the members.89

904. Prior to the first meeting of the Platform91

Committee, the National Chairperson of92the Democratic National Committee93shall distribute to the members of the94

Platform Committee a document95outlining the issues to be considered by96the committee.97

985. The National Chairperson of the99

Democratic National Committee, in100consultation with the Chair(s) of the101Platform Committee, shall appoint102fifteen (15) persons to serve on a103Platform Drafting Subcommittee and104


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the National Chairperson of the1Democratic National Committee shall2appoint the Chair(s) thereof. In3addition, one (1) non-voting member4may be appointed by each presidential5candidate to serve on the Drafting6

Subcommittee. The Platform Drafting7 Subcommittee is considered a8subcommittee of the Platform9Committee as defined in Article I.A.610provided, however, that members of the11Platform Drafting Subcommittee need12not be members of the Platform13Committee. The Drafting Subcommittee14shall be responsible for the drafting of15the report of the Platform Committee16under the direction and with the17approval of the full Platform18

Committee.1920

6. Upon the request of members21representing twenty-five percent (25%)22of the total votes of the Platform23Committee, a minority report shall be24prepared for distribution to the25Convention delegates and alternates as26part of the committees report. The27committee staff shall assist in the28preparation of such report.29

307.

The report of the Platform Committee31and any minority reports shall be32distributed to all delegates and33alternates, and to the public as soon as34practicable after their adoption.35

36H. Rules Committee:37

381. The Rules Committee shall issue a39

report to the Democratic National40Convention recommending the41

Permanent Rules of the Convention, the42 Convention agenda, the permanent43officers of the Democratic National44Convention, amendments to the Charter45of the Democratic Party of the United46States, and resolutions providing for the47consideration of any other matter not48provided for in the Permanent Rules of49the Convention and not contained in the50reports of other standing committees.51

The foregoing notwithstanding, no52amendment to the Charter of the53Democratic Party shall be effective54unless and until it is subsequently55ratified by a vote of the majority of the56entire membership of the Democratic57

National Committee.58592. No later than thirty (30) days before the60

first meeting of the Rules Committee,61written notice of the date, time, place,62and the tentative agenda of such63meeting shall be sent to all members of64the Rules Committee. A special or65emergency meeting of the Rules66Committee may be held upon call of the67Chair(s) of the Rules Committee with68reasonable notice to the members.69

703. Upon the request of members71

representing twenty-five percent (25%)72of the total votes of the Rules73Committee, a minority report shall be74prepared for distribution to the75Convention delegates and alternates as76part of the committees report. The77committee staff shall assist in the78preparation of such report.79

804. The report of the Rules Committee and81

any minority reports shall be distributed82to all delegates, alternates, and to the83public as soon as practicable after their84adoption.85

86I. Credentials Committee and Procedures for87

Challenging Delegates or State Delegations:8889

1. The Credentials Committee shall90determine and resolve questions91concerning the seating of delegates and92

alternates to the Convention pursuant to93 the resolution entitled the Relationship94Between the 2012 2016Rules of95Procedure of the Credentials Committee96and the 2012 2016 Delegate Selection97Rules, which includes the Rules of98Procedure of the Credentials Committee99of the 2012 2016Democratic National100Convention hereby approved and101adopted by the Democratic National102


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Committee, and set forth in full in the1Appendix to this Call. The committee2shall report to the Convention for final3determination and resolution of all such4questions. This committee does not5have authority over the allocation and6

distribution of convention credentials,7 including passes for delegates,8alternates, guests or press.9

102. Challenges to the seating of any11

delegate or alternate shall be in12accordance with the Rules of Procedure13of the Credentials Committee. Any14challenge to the seating of a delegate or15alternate that is not made in conformity16with these rules shall be deemed17waived.18

193. Upon the request of members20

representing twenty-five percent (25%)21of the total votes of the Credentials22Committee, a minority report shall be23prepared for distribution to the24Convention delegates and alternates as25part of the committees report;26provided, however, that no member27elected to the committee by a state28delegation may join in such request as to29a proposed minority report relating to a30credentials challenge to any delegate or31alternate from his or her state. The32committee staff shall assist in the33preparation of such report.34

354. The report of the Credentials Committee36

and any minority reports shall be37distributed to all delegates, alternates,38and the public as soon as practicable39after their adoption.40

41

VIII.

Procedural Rules of the42 2012 2016 Democratic43National Convention44

45The following Procedural Rules shall serve as46the Temporary Rules of Procedure for the 2012472016Democratic National Convention and are48recommended to the Rules Committee and to49the Convention as the Permanent Rules of50Procedure for the conduct of the 2012 201651

Democratic National Convention.5253

A. Temporary Chair:5455

1. The National Chairperson of the56Democratic National Committee shall57

call the Convention to order and shall58 preside until the Permanent Chair of the59Convention shall be chosen in60accordance with these rules.61

2. The National Chairperson of the62Democratic National Committee shall63appoint a Temporary Secretary and64such other temporary officers as may be65required to assist in the conduct of the66business of the Convention. These67officers shall be composed equally of68men and women.69

70B. Temporary Roll:71

721. The Secretary of the Democratic73

National Committee shall determine a74Temporary Roll of delegates to the75Convention which shall consist only of76those persons selected and certified as77delegates in accordance with the Rules78and pursuant to this Call, unless a79credentials contest shall have arisen80with respect to any such person(s), in81which case the Secretary shall include82on the Temporary Roll the name of the83credentials contestant recommended for84inclusion by the Credentials Committee85in its report.86

872. Persons whose names are included on88

the Temporary Roll of delegates shall be89permitted to vote on all matters before90the Convention until after the adoption91of the report of the Credentials92

Committee; provided that no person93 shall be permitted to vote on his or her94credentials contest.95

96C. Order of Business: The order of business for97

the Democratic National Convention shall98be as provided in these rules and in any99special order of business adopted under100Section D. of these rules. The Chair of the101Convention may, at appropriate times,102


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interrupt the order of business provided for1in these rules for introductions,2announcements, addresses, presentations,3resolutions of tribute and appreciation, or4remarks appropriate to the business of the5Convention.6

71.

Report of the Committee on Credentials:8The Report of the Credentials9Committee shall be acted upon before10the consideration of other business.11

12a. The Temporary Chair shall13

recognize the Chair(s) of the14Credentials Committee for up to15thirty (30) minutes to present the16committees report unless a longer17period of time shall be provided in a18

special order of business agreed19

upon by the Convention. The20Chair(s) of the committee may21present committee amendments,22yield part of his or her time to others23and may yield for the presentation24and disposition of minority reports25without losing the right to the floor.26

27b. The Temporary Chair shall arrange28

for the orderly presentation of29amendments and of minority30

reports offered at the direction of31 the committee. Twenty (20) minutes32shall be allowed for the presentation33of each committee amendment or34minority report unless a longer35period for any committee36amendment or minority report is37provided in special orders of38business agreed to by the39Convention. Time shall be allotted40equally to proponents and41opponents of each committee42

amendment or minority report. The43questions shall be put on each44committee amendment or minority45report immediately following its46presentation without intervening47motion.48

49c. Upon conclusion of the50

consideration and disposition of51

committee amendments and52minority reports, the Temporary53Chair shall put the question on the54adoption of the report of the55Credentials Committee with56amendments previously adopted, if57

any, without intervening motion. A58 favorable majority vote of the59Convention delegates eligible to60vote shall constitute adoption of the61report.62

63d. In the event that the committees64

report shall not be adopted when65the question is put, the committee66shall immediately reconvene to67reconsider its report and shall68present a new report to the69

Convention as soon as possible.7071

2. Report of Rules Committee: The72Temporary Chair(s) may then recognize73the Chair(s) of the Rules Committee to74present the committees report for the75Rules of the Convention and minority76reports, if any, in the same manner as77that provided for the presentation of the78Report of the Credentials Committee.79However, the Temporary Chair may, in80the interest of conducting an orderly81

proceeding, opt to place before the82Convention the election of the83Permanent Chair, the Co-Chairs and the84Secretary, prior to the presentation of85the Rules Committee report.86

873. Convention Chair: The Convention shall88

proceed to elect the Permanent89Convention Chair in the following90manner:91

92a. In accordance with the requirements93

of the 1984 Democratic National94Convention Resolution which calls95for alternating the Convention Chair96by gender, the Permanent Chair of97the 2012 2016Democratic National98Convention shall be a male female.99

100b. The Chair(s) of the Rules Committee101

shall be recognized to offer a102


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nomination for Convention Chair as1recommended by the Committee on2Rules. Nominations from the floor3shall then be received.4

5c. When there are no further6

nominations or upon adoption of a7 motion to close nominations, the8Temporary Chair of the Convention9shall conduct a vote for Permanent10Convention Chair.11

12d. A majority vote of the delegates13

present and voting shall be required14to elect the Convention Chair.15Balloting shall continue until a Chair16is elected. The Permanent Chair17shall then take the gavel.18

194. Convention Co-Chairs: The Convention20

shall proceed to elect Co-Chairs and a21Secretary in the same manner in which22it elected the Chair. The Co-Chairs shall23be divided equally between men and24women.25

265. Committee on Platform: The Permanent27

Chair shall recognize the Chair(s) of the28Platform Committee to present the29committees report and minority30

reports, if any, in the same manner as31that provided for the presentations of32the reports of the Credentials and Rules33Committees.34

356. Nomination of the Democratic36

Candidate for President: The Permanent37Chair shall receive nominations from38the floor for the Democratic candidate39for the Office of President of the United40States in the following manner:41

42a.

Requests to nominate a presidential43candidate shall be in writing and44shall have affixed thereto the written45approval of the proposed nominee46and the name of the individuals47who shall be recognized to make the48nominating and seconding speeches49on behalf of a presidential candidate50and shall be delivered to the51

Convention Secretary at a location52as specified by the Secretary no later53than 6:00 p.m. of the day preceding54the day designated for the55commencement of presidential56nominations.57

58 b. Each such request must be59accompanied by a petition60indicating support for the proposed61nominee signed by delegates62representing not less than 300 or63more than 600 delegate votes, not64more than 50 of which may come65from one (1) delegation. A delegate66may not sign more than one (1)67nominating petition for president68and for vice president.69

70c. The order for nominating71

presidential candidates shall be72determined by the National73Chairperson of the Democratic74National Committee, the Permanent75Chair of the Convention and each76presidential candidate, or his or her77authorized representative, who78qualifies to be nominated pursuant79to this section.80

81d.

Each presidential candidate shall be82allowed a total of twenty (20)83minutes for the presentation of his84or her name in nomination by85nominating and seconding speeches,86the time to run without interruption87from the recognition of the88nominator.89

90e. Delegates and alternates shall91

maintain order during and92

following nominations for the Office93 of President and demonstrations94shall not be permitted.95

967. Roll Call for Presidential Candidate:97

98a. After nominations for presidential99

candidates have closed, the100Convention shall proceed to a roll101call vote by states on the selection of102


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the presidential candidate. The roll1call voting shall follow the2alphabetical order of the states with3the District of Columbia and Puerto4Rico and the territories treated as5states for the purpose of the6

alphabetical roll call.78b. A majority vote of the Conventions9

delegates shall be required to10nominate the presidential candidate.11

12c. Delegates may vote for the13

candidate of their choice whether or14not the name of such candidate was15placed in nomination. Any vote cast16other than a vote for a presidential17candidate meeting the requirements18

of Article VI of this Call and Rule1912.K. of the 2012 2016Delegate20Selection Rules shall be considered a21vote for Present.22

23d. Balloting will continue until a24

nominee is selected. Upon selection,25balloting may be temporarily26suspended, provided that the27balloting shall continue at a time28certain determined by the29Convention Chair, until all states,30the District of Columbia, Puerto31Rico and the territories shall32publically deliver their vote prior to33the nominees acceptance speech.34The nominee shall become the35candidate of the Democratic Party of36the United States for the Office of37President upon the conclusion of his38or her acceptance speech.39

408. Acceptance Speech by Presidential41

Candidate: Immediately after the42 selection of the Democratic nominee for43President, the Permanent Chair shall44invite the nominee to deliver an45acceptance speech to the Convention.46

479. Nomination for the Democratic48

Candidate for Vice President: The49selection of a nominee for the Office of50Vice President of the United States shall51

be conducted in the same manner as52that heretofore provided for the53selection of the nominee for President of54the United States except that a request55to nominate must be delivered to the56Convention Secretary at a location as57

specified by the Secretary not later than58 9:00 a.m. of the day designated for the59commencement of Vice Presidential60nominations.61

6210. Roll Call Ballot for Vice Presidential63

Candidate:6465

a. After nominations for Vice66Presidential candidates have closed,67the Convention shall proceed to a68roll call vote by states on the69

selection of the Vice Presidential70candidate. The roll call voting71procedure shall be conducted in the72same manner as that heretofore73provided for the selection of the74nominee for President of the United75States.76

77b. A majority vote of the Conventions78

delegates shall be required to select79the Vice Presidential candidate.80Delegates may vote for the81candidate of their choice whether or82not the name of such candidate was83placed in nomination. Balloting will84continue until after a nominee is85selected.86

8711. Acceptance Speech by Vice Presidential88

Candidate: Immediately after the89selection of the Democratic nominee for90Vice President, the Permanent Chair91shall invite the nominee to deliver an92

acceptance speech to the Convention.93 The nominee shall become the candidate94of the Democratic Party of the United95States for the office of Vice President96upon completion of his or her97acceptance speech to the Convention.98

99D. Special Orders of Business: It shall be in100

order at any time for the Rules Committee101at the request of the Chair of the102


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Convention, or pursuant to its rules, to1report a resolution providing a special order2of business for debate of any resolution,3motion, committee report or minority report4or for the consideration of any matter.5

6

E.

Powers and Duties of the Chair:781. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair9

to conduct and expedite the business of10the Convention and to preserve order11and decorum in its proceedings.12

132. The Chair is authorized to appoint such14

Convention officers as may be required15to assist in the conduct of the business16of the Convention, such officers to be17composed equally of men and women;18

to appoint any delegate temporarily to19perform the duties of the Chair; and to20take such lawful action as may be21necessary and appropriate to preserve22order throughout the Convention Hall;23and to take any other actions consistent24with the Charter and the Bylaws of the25Democratic Party of the United States26and this Call.27

28F. Voting:29

301.

Secret Ballot: No secret ballots shall be31permitted at any stage of the32Convention or its committee33proceedings.34

352. Proxy Voting: Neither delegate nor36

alternate delegate votes may be cast by37proxy.38

393. Roll Call Votes:40

41

a.

Voting shall be by voice vote or,42 when prescribed by these rules, by43roll call vote. The roll call voting44shall follow the order as specified in45Article VIII.C.7.a. A roll call vote46shall also be had if the Chair is in47doubt or upon demand of any48delegate supported by twenty-five49percent (20 25%) of the Conventions50delegates as evidenced by one of the51

following methods:5253

(1) A petition submitted to the54Chair indicating support of the55demand by delegations which56comprise not less than twenty-57

fivepercent (20 25%) of the58 Conventions delegates. In the59case of the petition in support of60a demand for a roll call vote, a61delegation shall be taken to62support the demand if a63majority of its delegates have64signed a petition to do so.65

66(2) By the rising in support of the67

demand by not less than twenty-68fivepercent (20 25%) of the69

delegates present.7071

b. When a roll call vote is ordered, the72roll call shall be called by states, and73the Chair of each delegation or his74or her designee shall report the vote75of his or her delegation and shall76send to the Convention Secretary a77tally showing the vote of each78member of his or her delegation79indicating whether such vote was80cast in person or by an alternate.81Such roll call votes may be82conducted by having the Chair for83each delegation report by telephone,84or electronic voting mechanism, the85vote of his or her delegation to the86rostrum, provided that the87telephone poll shall not be used in88the balloting for the Presidential and89Vice Presidential nominees.90Business shall be permitted to91proceed during the telephone roll92

call and votes may be conducted by93 electronic mechanism. After each94official vote, the Delegation Chair95shall record and tally votes of the96delegation on official roll call tally97sheets provided by the Convention98Secretary. All official roll call tally99sheets shall be turned in to the100Convention Secretary at a specified101location not more than thirty (30)102


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minutes after the close of each1voting period.2

3c. All delegates to the National4

Convention pledged to a5presidential candidate shall in all6

good conscience reflect the7 sentiments of those who elected8them.9

10d. In the case where a pledged delegate11

is not on the floor of the Convention12Hall at the time a vote is taken, an13alternate may be designated14according to the rules to cast the15vote. In no case may an alternate16cast a vote for a delegate allocated17under I.F., I.G., I.H. or I.I. of this18

Call.1920

e. On a roll call vote by states, the vote21cast on behalf of a delegation may22be challenged by communication to23the Convention Secretary by24telephone or other means by any25voting member of that states26delegation within ten (10) minutes27after the Convention Secretarys28announcement of the states vote.29The votes of that delegation shall30then be recorded as polled without31regard to any state law, party rule,32resolution or instruction binding the33delegation or any member thereof to34vote for or against any candidate or35proposition. The Convention Chair36may send a parliamentarian to the37delegation to conduct the poll. At38the discretion of the Convention39Chair, the roll call may continue40instead of waiting for the result of41

the polling.4243f. On a roll call vote conducted by44

telephone or other electronic voting45mechanism, the vote of a delegation46as shown on the video projection47system may be challenged by48communication to the Convention49Secretary by telephone or other50means by any voting member of the51

delegation within ten (10) minutes52after the delegations vote is shown53on the screen.54

55g. A demand to poll a delegation may56

be withdrawn at any time before the57

actual polling has begun.58594. Interruption of Vote: When the question60

has been put, the vote thereon may not61be interrupted for any purpose other62than a demand for a roll call vote or a63point of order directed to the conduct of64the vote.65

665. Determination of Question: Except as67

otherwise provided in these rules, all68questions, including the question of69

nominations of candidates for President70 and Vice President of the United States,71shall be determined by a majority vote72of the delegates to the Convention.73

74G. Filling a Vacancy on the National Ticket: In75

the event of death, resignation or disability76of a nominee of the Party for President or77Vice President after the adjournment of the78National Convention, the National79Chairperson of the Democratic National80Committee shall confer with the Democratic81

leadership of the United States Congress82and the Democratic Governors Association83and shall report to the Democratic National84Committee, which is authorized to fill the85vacancy or vacancies.86

87H. Interpretation of the Rules: In interpreting88

the rules, the Chair may have recourse to89the ruling of Chairs of previous Democratic90Conventions, to the precedents of the91United States House of Representatives and92to general parliamentary law.93

94I. Appeals:95

961. The Chair shall decide all questions of97

order subject to an appeal by any98delegate which may be debated for not99more than ten (10) minutes, the time to100be equally divided between the delegate101appealing the ruling and a delegate in102


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favor of sustaining the ruling of the1Chair; provided that an appeal shall not2be in order while another appeal is3pending or from decisions on4recognition or from decisions on5dilatoriness of motions or during a roll6

call vote or on a question on which an7 appeal has just been decided or, when in8the opinion of the Chair, such appeal is9clearly dilatory.10

112. Before the question is put on any12

appeal, the Chair shall be entitled to13state briefly the reasons for the ruling14being appealed.15

16J. Motion to Suspend the Rules: The Chair17

shall entertain a motion to suspend the18

rules, which shall be decided without19debate and which shall require a vote of two20thirds (2/3) of the delegates voting, a21quorum being present.22

23K. Motion:24

251. No question of privilege or any motion26

other than those provided under these27rules shall be entertained, except the28motion to recess (to a time certain or at29the call of the Chair), which shall be30

privileged, and the motion to adjourn,31which shall be the highest privilege.32

332. Motions to adjourn or to recess shall be34

in order at any time except when the35question has been put or a vote is in36progress and shall be decided without37debate. The Chair shall not entertain a38motion to adjourn or recess when such39motion closely follows another such40motion if in the opinion of the Chair41such motion is dilatory.42

43L. Amendments: No amendments to44

resolutions or motions before the45Convention shall be permitted, except46amendments to standing committee reports47or resolutions offered at the direction of the48standing committee or in a minority report49of that standing committee; provided that50no motion or proposition on a subject51different from that under consideration52

shall be admitted in the form of such an53amendment.54

55M. Minority Reports: Minority reports of56

committees shall not be considered unless57adopted in writing by members58

representing at least twenty percent (20%)59 of the total votes of a committee. A60minority report may be withdrawn at any61time prior to or during the Convention. A62minority report shall be deemed to be63withdrawn when support for the report falls64below the number of members representing65twenty percent (20%) of the total votes of66the standing committee as evidenced by the67written withdrawal of support by68proponents of the report. A committee69member may withdraw his or her support70

for a minority report by written notice to the71Secretary of the Democratic National72Committee.73

74N. Responsibility: By participating in the75

Democratic National Convention, each76delegate assumes the responsibility for77doing all within his or her power to assure78that voters of his or her state will have the79opportunity to cast their election ballots for80the Presidential and Vice Presidential81nominees selected by the Convention or,82

should a vacancy arise, pursuant to Article83VIII.G. of these rules, and expressly agrees84that he or she will not publicly support or85campaign for any candidate for President or86Vice President other than the nominees of87the Democratic National Convention, or,88should a vacancy arise, the nominee(s)89selected pursuant to Article VIII.G.90

91O. Debate: Unless otherwise provided in these92

rules or in a resolution providing for a93special order of business, debate on any94

question shall be limited to a total of twenty95(20) minutes and shall be equally divided96between proponents and opponents unless97they and the Chair agree upon an additional98or lesser amount of time.99

100P. Quorum: A majority of the delegates to the101

Convention shall constitute a quorum102thereof for the purpose of transacting103business. Upon a point of order of no104


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quorum being made, the Chair shall1ascertain the presence or absence of a2quorum by visual estimation and shall not3proceed until a quorum is present; provided4that a motion to adjourn may be offered and5voted upon without a quorum present.6

7 Q. References to the Chair: All references to8the authority and responsibilities of the9Chair shall pertain to the Temporary10Chair, the Permanent Chair, the Co-Chairs11and any other person assuming the duties of12the Chair as appropriate during the13Convention.14

15R. Equal Division: The Charter of the16

Democratic Party of the United States17provides that the National Convention shall18

be composed of delegates and alternates19equally divided between men and women.20This Call, in compliance with the Charter,21and pursuant to Rule 6.C. of the 2012 201622Delegate Selection Rules, mandates that23delegates and alternates from each state and24

jurisdiction shall be equally divided25between men and women with a variance of26no more than one (1).27

28

S. Non-Discrimination: Discrimination on the29basis of race, sex, age, color, creed, national30origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual31orientation, gender identity,economic32status or physical disability in the conduct33of Democratic Party affairs is prohibited.34

35 T. Territories: The term territories shall refer36to American Samoa, Democrats Abroad,37Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and38the Virgin Islands in this Call.39

40U. Journal of Proceedings:41

421. A record of all actions taken each day by43

the Convention shall be printed and44made available to all delegates and45alternates the following day by the46

Convention Secretary.4748

2. The Secretary of the Democratic49National Committee will provide a50

journal of the full proceedings of the51Convention, which shall be printed52within the year following the53Convention.54


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state, then either (2) or (3) below:12

1. Registration or enrollment as3Democrats in those states which4employ such procedures. Persons5not registered to vote or persons6

registered as unaffiliated voters or7 enrolled as members of other parties8or as independents shall not have9standing to bring a challenge.10

112. Participation in Democratic Party12

affairs. Persons who have13participated in the affairs of another14political party during the preceding1512-month period shall not have16standing to bring a challenge.17Participation in a partys affairs shall18

include, but not be limited to, voting19in the immediately preceding20primary of that political party.21

223. Any person who lacks standing23

under paragraphs (1) and (2) and24who demonstrates that he or she25attempted to participate in the affairs26of the Democratic Party in good faith27shall have standing to challenge.28

294. Each challenge shall include a30

statement indicating that each31challenger subscribes to the32substance, intent and principles of33the Charter and Bylaws of the34Democratic Party of the United35States. Each challenger must have36been personally injured with respect37to his or her participation in the38delegate selection process by any39violation complained of or shall be so40situated that he or she clearly will be41

personally injured by such violation.4243B. Challenged Parties:44

451. Where delegates or alternates to the46

Convention have been selected from47the level at which delegates to the48

National Convention are elected in49which the challenge arises, the50challenged party or parties shall be a51delegate or alternate or a group of52delegates or alternates or the entire53delegation from that level.54

55 2. Where delegates or alternates to the56Convention have not yet been57selected from the level at which58delegates to the National Convention59are elected in which the challenge60arises, the challenged party shall be61the Democratic Party organization62responsible for that level; provided63that where any state law or state64party rule, regulation, decision or65other state party action or omission is66

challenged, the State Democratic67Party shall also be named as a68challenged party. If during the69tendency of the challenge, any70delegate(s) or alternate(s) to the71Convention are selected from the72level involved, such delegate(s) or73alternate(s) shall be joined as74challenged parties if any relief with75respect to their credentials at the76Convention is sought.77

783.

The State Democratic Party shall be79joined as a challenged party if a80challenged party so requests.81

82C. Intervening Parties:83

841. A State Democratic Party may85

intervene as of right in any challenge86proceeding for the purpose of87protecting any interest it may have88with respect to that proceeding.89

90 2. A presidential candidate may91intervene as of right in any challenge92proceeding for the purpose of93protecting any interest he or she may94have with respect to that proceeding.95

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3. For good cause shown, any other1person having standing under2Section 2.A. may be permitted to be3heard as an amicus curiae or, in4appropriate circumstances, to5intervene, for all or limited purposes,6

by leave of the Chair of the7 Credentials Committee or the8Hearing Officer.9

103. Filing, Service of Documents and11

Computation of Time1213

A. Filing: Any challenge, answer and14accompanying documents to be15considered in the processing of any16challenge shall be filed by hand delivery17(receipt to be retained), certified mail18

(return receipt requested), or by an19overnight delivery service (signature20required) to: Chair, 2012 Convention21Credentials Committee, c/o Democratic22National Committee, 430 South Capitol23Street, S.E., Washington, DC 20003 with a24copy to the Chair of the Democratic Party25of the state in which the challenge arises.26The original and a copy of each27document shall be filed. Filing shall be28deemed complete upon receipt, or in the29case of hand delivery, upon delivery.30

31B. Service: Any document filed in any32

proceeding pursuant to these rules shall33be served at the same time by the filing34party upon all other parties to the35proceeding, with a copy to the Chair of36the Democratic Party of the state in37which the challenge arises. Service shall38be made by hand delivery (receipt to be39obtained), certified mail (return receipt40requested), or an overnight delivery41

service (signature required) to each party42 or his or her attorney, if any. Any43document filed pursuant to these rules44shall be accompanied by a certificate of45service signed by the filing party or by46his or her attorney, if any. Service shall47be deemed complete, in the case of hand-48delivery, on the date of receipt by the49

served party or, in the case of service by50certified mail or an overnight delivery51service, on the first business day on52which delivery is attempted.53

54C. Time:55

56 1. In computing any period of time57prescribed by these rules, the day of58the act or event from which the59designated period of time begins to60run shall not be included. Weekends61and holidays shall be included.62

632. The Chair(s) of the Credentials64

Committee shall have authority for65good cause, on application or sua66sponte, to enlarge or shorten any67

period of time prescribed by these68rules. An extension of time shall be69granted only when compelling need70is shown.71

724. Challenges73

74A. A credentials challenge shall be75

commenced by the filing of a written76challenge not later than:77

781. Fifteen (15) calendar days after the79

violation occurred, or8081

2. Fifteen (15) calendar days after the82selection of any delegate or alternate83whose credentials to the Democratic84National Convention are to be put in85issue, whichever occurs first. The86challenging parties shall, within the87period provided by the State88Democratic Party in its Delegate89Selection Plan, invoke, and shall90

thereafter exhaust, the remedies91 provided by State Democratic Party92procedures for the violations alleged.93

94B. The challenge shall be verified by the95

notarized signature of each challenging96party, and shall include the following:97

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1. The name, address and telephone1number of each challenging party2and allegations of fact fulfilling the3requirements of Section 2.A.; and the4name, address and telephone number5of each challenging partys attorney6

or other representative authorized to7 receive documents on behalf of the8challenger.9

102. The name, address and telephone11

number of each delegate or alternate12whose credentials are challenged, or13a statement that such information is14unavailable to the challenging15parties; or, where delegates or16alternates have not yet been selected,17the name, address and telephone18

number of each challenged party.1920

3. An identification of the state and21level at which delegates to the22National Convention are elected in23which the challenge arises.24

254. A plain, concise and specific26

statement of each violation of a state27delegate selection plan approved by28the DNC Rules and Bylaws29Committee, or of a final order of the30DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee;31or a statement that the state does not32have an approved delegate selection33plan.34


statement of how each challenging37party has been injured with respect38to his or her participation in the39delegate selection process by each40alleged violation.41

42 6. A plain, concise and specific43statement of the remedies each44challenging party has invoked with45respect to each alleged violation46before filing a credentials challenge47with the Credentials Committee, and48

a statement of the expected length of49time for exhaustion of the state party50procedures.51


statement of the relief requested and54

the reason therefore. If a challenging55 party proposes that he or she be56seated in the states delegation, the57challenge shall include a plain,58concise and specific statement of the59reasons why that party has a right to60be seated, superior to that of the61delegate or alternate whose seat he or62she seeks; and a plain, concise and63specific statement of how the64challenging party has complied with65all applicable laws, rules and66

regulations and has participated in67the delegate selection process.68

69C. The challenge shall be accompanied by70

the following documents:7172

1. A plain, concise and specific73statement that contains, by separately74numbered paragraphs, each violation75alleged and each form of relief76sought.77

782.

A list of the name, address and79telephone number of each witness80who is likely to be called to testify in81support of the challenge.82

833. A list of the documents likely to be84

offered in support of the challenge,85together with copies of those86documents.87

885.

Answer89

90 A. Within ten (10) calendar days after91service of a challenge, each challenged92party shall file a written answer, verified93by the notarized signature of each94challenged party, including the95following:96


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1. The name, address and telephone1number of each challenged party and2the name, address and telephone3number of his or her attorney or4other representative authorized to5receive documents on behalf of the6

challenged party.782. A statement as to whether the9

standing under Section 2.A. of the10challenging parties is in dispute.11

123. A response to the challenge,13

separately admitting or denying each14statement therein, or stating that the15challenged party is without sufficient16information to admit or deny. A17response to a statement shall fairly18

meet its substance, admitting those19parts that are true and denying those20parts that are false.21


statement of each and every24affirmative defense to the alleged25violations.26


statement of any other reasons why29the challenged party should prevail.30

31B. The answer shall be accompanied by the32

following documents:3334

1. A plain, concise and specific35statement that contains, by reference36to each numbered paragraph of the37challenging statement required by38Section 4.C.1., a response to each39alleged violation or request for relief.40A response to a proposition shall41

fairly meet its substance, admitting42 those parts that are true and denying43those parts that are false. Wherever a44proposition is denied in whole or in45part, the proposition supported by46the challenged party on that point47shall be stated.48

49

2. A list of the name, address and50telephone number of each witness51who is likely to be called in52opposition to the challenge.53

543. A list of the documents likely to be55

offered in opposition to the56 challenge, together with copies of57those documents.58

59C. Challenged parties may consolidate their60

answers.6162

6. Dismissal and Decision on the Pleadings63

64A. Dismissal:65

661. The Chair of the Credentials67

Committee shall dismiss any68challenge, or part of a challenge,69which does not fall within the70

jurisdiction of the Credentials71Committee.72

732. If a state party has adopted and74

implemented an approved75affirmative action program, the Chair76shall dismiss any challenge, or part of77a challenge, which is based solely on78composition of the Convention79delegation, except in the case of a80challenge based upon the failure to81achieve equal division.82

833. The Chair shall have authority to84

dismiss any challenge which is85brought by persons lacking standing86under Section 2.A., or which87otherwise fails to comply88substantially with these rules, or89which is otherwise manifestly90

insufficient.91924. Any dismissal shall be accompanied93

by a written opinion by the Chair.9495

B. Decision on the Pleadings: The Chair of96the Credentials Committee shall have97authority to make a decision on the98


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pleadings where it is plain from the1challenge and the answer, together with2the documents accompanying those3pleadings, that there is no genuine issue4of material fact between the parties. Any5decision on the pleadings shall be6

accompanied by a written opinion by the7 Chair.89

C. Review of Dismissal or Decision on the10Pleadings: Within five (5) calendar days11after service of a notice of the entry of a12dismissal under Section 6.A. or under13Section 1.B., an aggrieved party may file14a Petition for Review by the Credentials15Committee stating the objections to the16Chairs action, and may file a brief.17Within five (5) calendar days after service18

of the petition, any other party may file a19brief. Consideration of the challenge by20the Credentials Committee shall proceed21as in other cases, except that the22challenge shall be given precedence on23the committees docket.24

257. Decision of State Party Body26

27A. The Chair(s) of the Credentials28

Committee may defer, for such period as29is appropriate, proceedings on a30challenge in order to give time for the31consideration of any challenge or other32related matter under State Democratic33Party procedures. The deferral period34shall not be so long as to interfere with35the processing and consideration of the36challenge by the Credentials Committee37if that should prove necessary.38

39B. The State Democratic Party body may40

take such action with respect to the41

challenge or other related matter as it is42 authorized to take under state law and43state party rules.44

45C. After a decision by a state party body on46

a challenge or other related matter, any47party to the challenge pending before the48

Credentials Committee may request the49Committee to process the challenge and50the Committee shall do so. The party51making the request shall file any written52decision or order made with respect to53the challenge by the state party body.54

The decision of the state party body shall55 be given such weight as the Credentials56Committee finds warranted in the57circumstances.58

59D. Records of proceedings conducted by the60

state party body with respect to the61challenge or other related matter, and62other papers relating to the state party63proceedings, shall be admissible in64Credentials Committee proceedings on65the challenge.66

678. Hearing68

69A. With respect to any challenge or part of a70

challenge not dismissed or decided on71the pleadings under Section 6., an open72and public hearing shall be held on the73specific factual and legal matters in74dispute. An electronic or stenographic75recording or clerical notes shall be made76of the proceedings at any such hearing.77

78B.

The hearing shall be held in Washington,79D.C. unless the Chair(s) of the80Credentials Committee determines that81in the interest of justice it should be held82elsewhere.83

84C. The hearing shall be conducted by a85

Hearing Officer appointed by the86Chair(s) of the Credentials Committee.87The Hearing Officer sha