DRAFT
PursuanttotheRulesandRegulationsoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteethisplanhasbeenadoptedbytheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommitteeforpubliccomment.
ThecommentperiodisforthirtydaysandwillendonApril23,2015.
Allcommentsmustbeinwritingandemailedtoplancomments@txdemocrats.orgormailedto:
PlanCommentsTexasDemocraticParty,
4818EBenWhiteBlvd.Ste104,AustinTX78741
TexasDelegateSelectionPlan
FORTHE2016DEMOCRATICNATIONALCONVENTION
ISSUEDBYTHETEXASDEMOCRATICPARTY
MARCH2015
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THETEXASDELEGATESELECTIONPLANFORTHE2016DEMOCRATICNATIONALCONVENTION
TableofContentsI. Introduction&DescriptionofDelegateSelectionProcess..............................................4A. Introduction.....................................................................................................................4B. DescriptionofDelegateSelectionProcess..........................................................................4II.PresidentialCandidates...................................................................................................6
III. SelectionofDelegatesandAlternates..............................................................................7A. SenatorialDistrictlevelDelegates.....................................................................................11B. UnpledgedDelegates.......................................................................................................13C. PledgedPartyLeaderandElectedOfficial(PLEO)Delegates..............................................13D. AtLargeDelegatesandAlternates....................................................................................15E. ReplacementofDelegatesandAlternates.........................................................................16IV. ConventionStandingCommitteeMembers....................................................................18A. Introduction.....................................................................................................................18B. PermanentStandingCommitteeMembers.........................................................................18V. TheDelegation..............................................................................................................20VI. GeneralProvisionsandProceduralGuarantees............................................................20VII. AffirmativeActionandOutreachPlan............................................................................23A. StatementofPurposeandOrganization............................................................................23B. EffortstoEducateontheDelegateSelectionProcess.......................................................25C. EffortstoPublicizetheDelegateSelectionProcess..........................................................26D. RepresentationGoals......................................................................................................27E. ObligationsofPresidentialCandidatestoMaximizeParticipation........................................29VIII. Challenges.....................................................................................................................30A. JurisdictionandStanding................................................................................................30B. ChallengestotheStatusoftheStatePartyandChallengestothePlan..............................30C. ChallengestoImplementation..........................................................................................31IX. SummaryofPlan............................................................................................................31A. SelectionofDelegatesandAlternates..............................................................................31B. SelectionofStandingCommitteeMembers......................................................................33C. SelectionofDelegationChairandConventionPages.........................................................33D. PresidentialCandidateFilingDeadline..............................................................................33E. Timetable......................................................................................................................33ExhibitstotheAffirmativeActionPlan...............................................................................................37AttachmentstotheDelegateSelectionPlan........................................................................................37
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SectionIIntroduction&DescriptionofDelegateSelectionProcess
A. Introduction
1.Texashasatotalof239delegatesand17alternates(Call,I.&AppendixB.).
2.ThedelegateselectionprocessisgovernedbytheCharterandBylawsoftheDemocraticPartyoftheUnitedStates,theDelegateSelectionRulesforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Rules),theCallforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Call),theRegulationsoftheRulesandBylawsCommitteeforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Reg.),theRulesoftheTexasDemocraticParty(StatePartyRules),theTexasElectionCode,andthisDelegateSelectionPlan(Call,II.A.).
3.FollowingtheadoptionofthisDelegateSelectionPlanbytheStatePartyCommittee,itshallbesubmittedforreviewandapprovalbytheDNCRulesandBylawsCommittee(RBC).TheStatePartyChairshallbeempoweredtomakeanytechnicalrevisionstothisdocumentasrequiredbytheRBCtocorrectanyomissionsand/ordeficienciesasfoundbytheRBCtoensureitsfullcompliancewithPartyRules,saveandexceptshouldtherequiredrevisionsrelatetothecombinationprimaryandcaucusconventionsystemtheStateCommitteeshallbeinformedandheardonthematterpriortoanycorrections.SuchcorrectionsshallbemadebytheStatePartyChairandthePlanresubmittedtotheRBCwithin30daysofreceiptofnoticeoftheRBCsfindings(Reg.2.5,2.6&2.7).
4.OncethisPlanhasbeenfoundinCompliancebytheRBC,anyamendmenttothePlanbytheStatePartywillbesubmittedtoandapprovedbytheRBCbeforeitbecomeseffective(Reg.2.9).
B. DescriptionofDelegateSelectionProcess
1.Texaswilluseaproportionalrepresentationsystembasedontheresultsofaprimaryandconventionsforapportioningdelegatestothe2016DemocraticNationalConvention.ThisPlanallocatessenatorialdistrictleveldelegatesthroughaproportionalrepresentationprimaryanditallocatespledgedpartyleaderandelectedofficialdelegatesandatlargedelegatesandalternatesthroughathreetiercaucusconventionsystem.
2.ThefirstdeterminingstepofTexasdelegateselectionprocesswilloccuronMarch1,2016,withthePresidentialPreferencePrimary.
3.VoterParticipationinProcess
a.ParticipationinTexasdelegateselectionprocessisopentoallvoterswhowishtoparticipateasDemocrats.
Voterregistrationeligibilityends30dayspriortothePrimary
VotersaffiliatewiththeDemocraticPartybyvotingintheDemocraticPrimaryorbysigninganaffidavitofaffiliation(Rules2.A.&2.C&Reg.4.3).
VotingintheTuesday,March1,2016DemocraticPrimaryoraffiliatingwiththepartybyaffidavitshallbetheonlyqualificationtobecomeadelegateatanylevelattendanceordelegatestatusatanypartyconventionshallnotberequired.
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b.AtnostageofTexasdelegateselectionprocessshallanypersonberequired,directlyorindirectly,topayacostorfeeasaconditionforparticipating.VoluntarycontributionstothePartymaybemade,butundernocircumstancesshallacontributionbemandatoryforparticipation(Rule2.D.&Reg.4.4.).
c.NopersonsshallparticipateorvoteinthenominatingprocessfortheDemocraticpresidentialcandidatewhoalsoparticipatesinthenominatingprocessofanyotherpartyforthecorrespondingelections(Rule2.E.).
d.Nopersonshallvoteinmorethanonemeetingwhichisthefirstmeetinginthedelegateselectionprocess(Rule3.E.&Reg.4.6.).
4.TexasisparticipatinginthestategovernmentrunPresidentialpreferencePrimarythatwillutilizegovernmentrunvotingsystems.TheTexasDemocraticPartyhastakenprovablepositivesteps(including,butnotlimitedto,thedraftingofcorrectivelegislationpublicendorsementbytheStatePartyofsuchlegislationeffortstoeducatethepublicontheneedforsuchlegislationactivesupportforthelegislationbytheStatePartythroughitslegislativeadvocacyofstatelegislators,otherpublicofficials,PartyofficialsandPartymembersandencouragingconsiderationofthelegislationbytheappropriatelegislativecommitteesandbodies)to:
a.Promotetheacquisitionofaccessibleprecinctbasedopticalscansystemswhereverpossible(Rule2.H.(1))
b.Seekenactmentoflegislation,rulesandpoliciesatthestateandlocalleveltoensurethatdirectrecordingelectronicsystemsincludeavoterverifiedpapertrail(Rule2.H.(2))
c.Seekenactmentoflegislation,rulesandpoliciesatthestateandlocalleveltoensurethatbothopticalscananddirectrecordingelectronicsystemsincluderecognizedsecuritymeasures.Thesemeasuresincludeautomaticroutineannualauditscomparingpaperrecordstoelectronicrecordsfollowingeveryelectionandpriortocertificationorresults,wherepossibleparalleltestingonElectionDayphysicalandelectronicsecurityforequipmentbanninguseofwirelesscomponentsandconnectionspublicdisclosureofsoftwaredesignuseoftransparentandrandomselectionforallauditingproceduresandeffectiveproceduresforaddressingevidenceoffraudorerror(Rule2.H.(3)).
d.Theseprovablepositivestepshaveincluded:
e.CollaboratingwiththeTexasSecretaryofStateinordertofashionguidelinesandprotocolsfortheuseofdirectrecordingelectronicvotingmachines(DREs)inTexas.
f.PartneringwithStateSenatorsandStateRepresentativesinthecraftingoflegislationintendedtoenhancevoterprotection,increasepollingplaceaccessibilityandfacilitateeaseofvoterregistration.
g.LobbyinginsupportofbillsintroducedintheTexasSenateand/ortheTexasHouseofRepresentativesduringthe79th,80thand81stLegislativeSessionsrequiringpapertrailswiththeuseofDREs.
h.TestifyinginfavoroflegislationbeforetheTexasHouseCommitteeonElectionsrelatingtotheaccuracy,securityandreliabilityofcertainelectronicvotingmachines.
i.JoiningeffortswithlocalcommunityorganizationsandactiviststoeducatelegislatorsandthepubliconharmfulvotersuppressionlegislationtestifyingagainstsuchlegislationbeforeStateHouseandSenateCommittee
j.Initiatingalawsuitin2008averringDREmalfunctioninginthecomputationofDemocraticvotesfromtheNovember2008stateelections.
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SectionIIPresidentialCandidates
A. BallotAccess
1.Apresidentialcandidatemayobtainandfileanapplicationforaplaceonthepresidentialprimaryballotatthefollowingaddress:TexasDemocraticPartyStateChair,StateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee,4818EastBenWhiteBlvd,Austin,TX78741.AllpresidentialcandidatesfilewiththeStatePartyandtheStatePartycertifiesthePrimaryBallotwiththeSecretaryofState. 2.Theapplicationshallbeinthesameformasthatrequiredofacandidateforstatewideofficeexceptthattheoathshallread:"I,___________________(name),of_______________(city),____________(county/parish),________________(state),beingacandidatefortheofficeofPresidentoftheUnitedStates,swearthatIwillsupportanddefendtheConstitutionandlawsoftheUnitedStates.IfurtherswearthatIwillfullysupporttheDemocraticnomineeforPresident,whoeverthatshallbe." 3.ApplicationsmustbereceivedbytheStateChairnoearlierthanNovember10,2015(firstday,filingperiod)andnolaterthan6:00p.m.CST,December8,2015(lastday,filingperiod)(TexasElectionCode172.023(a)). 4.Applicationsmustbeaccompaniedby: a.Alldocuments,ifany,requiredbytheAffirmativeActionsectionofthisplan b.Thename,mailingaddress,anddayandnightphonenumbersofthatcandidate'sdesignatedrepresentative(suchdesignatedrepresentativemaybelaterchangedasnecessary)and c.Afilingfeeof$2,500(Rules14B)or d.Apetitionsignedby5,000registeredvoters(Rules14A)submittedinaccordancewiththoseprovisionsoftheElectionCodeapplicabletoacandidateforstatewideofficehowever,nosignatureappearingonapetitionformorethanonepresidentialcandidateshallbecountedforanypresidentialcandidate. (Rules11.B.,14.A.,14.B.,14.D.,14.E.,&14.H.)B. EachpresidentialcandidateshallcertifyinwritingtotheStateDemocraticChairthename(s)ofhisorherauthorizedrepresentative(s)byDecember15,2015(Rule12.D.(1)).
C. Eachpresidentialcandidate(includinguncommittedstatus)shallusehisorherbesteffortstoensurethathisorherrespectivedelegationwithinthestatedelegationachievestheaffirmativeactiongoalsestablishedbythisPlanandisequallydividedbetweenmenandwomen(Rule6.I.).
D.UncommittedstatusdoesnotautomaticallyappearontheTexasDemocraticPrimaryballotandwriteinvotesarenotcounted.
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SectionIIISelectionofdelegatesandAlternates
A.INTRODUCTIONPersonsservingasNationalDelegatesshallbeselectedthroughavarietyofmethodologies.Texas239delegatesand17alternatesbreakdownasfollows:136SenatorialDistrictLevelDelegates27PledgedPartyLeaderandElectedOfficialDelegates45PledgedAtLargeDelegatesand17Alternatesand32UnpledgedDelegatesareautomaticallyelectedbyvirtueoftheirstatus.
B.COUNTY/SENATEDISTRICTCONVENTIONS
County/SenateDistrictConventionsshallbeheldonSaturday,March19,2016atatimeandplacesetbytheDemocraticCountyExecutiveCommitteeatitsstatutorymeetinginDecember2015andfinalizednolaterthanJanuary31,2016.CountyConventionsareheldineachcountyinTexas.However,ifacountycontainsmultipleStateSenatedistricts,therewillbeheldaconventionineachsenatedistrictwithinthecountyinsteadofacountywideconvention.EachparticipantshallhavepreregisteredthroughtheonlineregistrationsystemontheStatePartywebsiteorshallregisterinpersonpriortotheconventionbeingcalledtoorder.Thisregistrationwillalsoincludeeachpersonconfirmingtheirpresidentialpreferenceoruncommittedstatusatthetimeofsignin.Theresultsofthispollwilldeterminethepercentagesupportofeachpresidentialcandidateoruncommittedstatusforthepurposeofdeterminingtheallocationofdelegatesfromtheconventiontothestateconvention.TheCounty/SenateDistrictConventioniscalledtoorderbytheCountyChair,SenateDistrictChair,oranyqualifiedparticipant.ThefirstorderofbusinessisthereportoftheCredentialsCommittee.Thedelegateselectachairandsecretarytotheconvention.Thechairannouncestheresultsofthepollandthepercentagesupportofeachpresidentialpreference.Thechairannouncestheallocationofdelegatestothestateconventionforeachpreferencewhohavemetthe15%threshold.Delegatescaucusbyprecinct,orgroupofprecincts,toelectdelegatesandalternatestotheStateConvention.DelegatesandalternatestotheStateConventionshallbeelectedinaccordancewithArt.IV,StatePartyRules.Eachprecinctisallocatedonedelegateforeveryfull175votescastfortheDemocraticnomineeforgovernorinthe2014GeneralElection.(Example:174votesinaprecinctwouldnotqualifyforadelegateandwouldbepairedwithanotherprecinct(s),and349onlygetsonedelegate).Ifaprecinctcasttoofewvotestobeallocatedadelegatebyitself,itisgroupedwithsimilarprecinctsaccordingtotheRules.TheNominationsCommitteeoftheconventionusestheresultsoftheprecinctcaucusestoallocateatlargedelegatesamongpresidentialpreferences(oruncommittedstatus)sothatthedelegationasawholereflectstheproportionateshareofsigninsforeachpreference.However,preferencesthatdonotsecure15%ofthesigninsneednotbeallocatedanyatlargedelegates.
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C.PRECINCTCONVENTIONSWITHINCOUNTYORSENATORIALDISTRICTCONVENTIONS
PrecinctConventionsshallbeheldonthedayoftheCountyorSenatorialDistrictConvention,March19,2016,beginningattimessetbythelocalcountyexecutivecommittees.TheseconventionselectdelegatesandalternatesfromCountyorSenateDistrictConventionstotheStateConvention.PrecinctConventionsareheldaspartofeachCountyorSenatorialDistrictConventionandareopentoanyonewhovotesintheDemocraticprimary.AsignshallbepostedatthepollingplacesonMarch1,2016indicatingthelocationoftheConvention. TheconventionwillbecalledtoorderbythePrecinctChair.IfthePrecinctChairisabsent,anyqualifiedparticipantmaycallthemeetingtoorder.TheConventionisgovernedbyRobert'sRulesofOrderandArt.IV,StatePartyRules.Thefirstorderofbusinessisforeveryparticipanttosigninandidentifytheirpresidentialpreferenceor"uncommitted"status.TheStatePartywillprovideanonlineelectronicpreregistrationsitetocreateprepopulatedlistsofpotentialattendeesforthissigninprocesswherebyanattendeemaysigntheirnameandconfirmtheirpresidentialoruncommittedstatus.Apersonmayalsoregisteratthedoor.Afterallparticipantshaveregisteredandtheconventioniscalledtoorder,theCountyorSenatorialDistrictChairshallcallforprecincts(orgroupedsmallprecincts)tomeetasprecinctconventionsforthepurposeofelectingtheallocateddelegatesandalternatesfromtheprecinct(orgroupedsmallprecincts)totheStateConvention.TheprecinctchairannouncesthenumberofdelegatestotheStateConventiontobeelected.Eachprecinctisallocatedonedelegateandonealternateforeachfull175votescastfortheDemocraticnomineeforGovernorinthe2014GeneralElection.
D.TIERTHREE:STATECONVENTION
TheStateConventionshallbeheldJune16through18,2016inSanAntonio,TexasatatimeandplacesetbytheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee.DelegatesandalternatestotheNationalConventionshallbeelectedinaccordancewiththisplan.AnypersoneligibletoparticipateinthedelegateselectionprocessmayqualifyasacandidateforNationalConventiondelegateandalternatebyfilingaStatementofCandidacywiththeTexasDemocraticPartyStateChair,StateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee,4818EastBenWhiteBoulevard,Austin,Texas78741.StatementsofCandidacymustbesubmittednoearlierthanMonday,March21,2016andnolaterthan6:00p.m.onThursday,May29,2016(Rules12B&14F).StatementsofCandidacymustbesubmittedonformsapprovedbytheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommitteeandmustcontaintheindividual'sname,StateSenatedistrictnumber,voteruniqueidentificationnumber(VUIDorvoterregistrationnumber),mailingaddress,residenceaddress,dayandnightphonenumbers,emailaddress,apledgeofsupporttotheDemocraticnomineeforpresident,andasignedpledgeofsupporttotheindividual'spresidentialpreference(oruncommittedstatus)oranoaththattheindividualiscurrentlyuncommitted.Toaidinmeetingaffirmativeactionandinclusiongoals,theStatementofCandidacyorotherapplicationshallcontainastatementtoallowanindividualtovoluntarilyindicatetheirstatusingroupshistoricallyunderrepresented.
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TheTexasPresidentialPrimaryisabindingprimary.Accordingly,NationalConventionDelegateselectedatthesenatorialdistrictlevelshallbeallocatedproportionatetothepercentageoftheprimaryvotewoninthatdistrictbyeachpresidentialpreference,exceptthatpreferencesreceivinglessthan15%ofthevoteshallnotbeawardedanydelegates.Ifnopresidentialpreferencereceives15%ofthevotescastinthedistrict,the15%thresholdshallbereducedtothepercentofthevotereceivedbythefrontrunnerinthedistrict,minus10percentagepoints(Rules13F).TheStateChairshalldelivertoeachpresidentialcandidateorthatcandidate'sdesignatedrepresentativenolaterthanJune1,2016,at6p.m.alistofallpersonswhohavefiledaStatementofCandidacyandwhohavepledgedsupporttothatpresidentialcandidate(Rule12D&12F).EachpresidentialcandidateordesignatedrepresentativemustfilealistofallapprovedcandidateswiththeStateChairnolaterthanJune15,2016,at6:00p.m.providedthatapprovalmustbegiventoatleastthreetimesthenumberofdelegateandalternatewomenandtothreetimesthenumberofdelegateandalternatementhatwillbeelectedattheSenateDistrictLevel.Failuretotimelyrespondshallbeconsideredapprovalofallcandidatessubmitted(Rules12E(1)&Reg.4.23).Candidatesremovedfromthelistofbonafidesupportersbyapresidentialcandidateatonelevelmaybeelectedasadelegateoralternatepledgedtothatpresidentialcandidateatanotherlevel(Rules12E).TheorderofbusinessfordelegateselectionprocessesattheStateConventionshallbetheOrderofBusinessoftheStateConventionasprescribedintheStatePartyRules.1.TheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommitteeshallmeetonSaturday,April14,2016,tocanvassandcertifytheresultsofthepresidentialprimary.PresidentialPrimaryresultsshallbecertifiedbysenatorialdistrict(TexasElectionCode172.120).2.TheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommitteeshallusetheseresultstoproportionatelyallocatesenatorialdistrictdelegatesandalternatesamongpresidentialpreferences.TheStateChairshallcertifythisallocationtotheTemporaryChairoftheStateConvention,ifdifferent.3.AttheStateConvention,eachsenatorialdistrictshallholdacaucusonFriday,June17,2016,toelectonemembertotheCredentialsCommitteeoftheconvention,andshallalsoelectachairoftheSenateDistrict'sconventiondelegationifthedistrictconventionorthedelegationhasnotpreviouslydoneso.EachSenateDistrictcaucusshallalsoelectonemembertotheNominationsCommitteeforAtLargeNationalDelegatesandanyothercommitteessetoutintheStatePartyRules.4.TheTemporaryChairshallcertifyeachdistrict'sallocationofnationaldelegatesandalternatestothechairofthatsenatorialdistrict'sconventiondelegation.5.Awrittenpolltodeterminethepresidentialpreference(oruncommittedstatus)ofeachparticipatingdelegatewillbedone.PollresultsshallbereportedonofficialsigninsheetsprescribedbytheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee.Eachsigninsheetshallcontain,atthetop,astatementattestingthateachsignerpledgessupporttothecandidatewhosecaucusheorshejoins.Nodelegatemaysigninmorethanonce.ThesesigninsheetsshallbeavailableforpublicinspectionaftertheconventionattheTexasDemocraticParty,StateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee,4818EastBenWhiteBlvd,Austin,Texas78741.6.PollresultsshallbedeliveredtotheChairoftheconventiononformsprescribedbytheStateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee.TheseresultsshallbetotaledbytheChairandshallbeusedbytheNominationsCommittee
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forAtLargeNationalDelegatesoftheStateConventiontoallocatepledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegatesandpledgedatlargedelegatesandalternatesamongpresidentialpreferences(oruncommittedstatus).7.TheConventionChairshallannouncetheresultsofthesigninfortheconventionasawholebynumberandpercentofsigninsreceivedbyeachpresidentialpreference(oruncommittedstatus)andbythenumberofpledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegatesandthenumberofatlargedelegatesandalternatesallocatedtoeachpresidentialpreference(oruncommittedstatus).8.Afterthewrittenpollismade,thosedelegatesineachsenatorialdistrictwhosignedinforapresidentialpreferenceeligibletoelectanationaldelegatefromthesenatorialdistrictshallcaucusseparatelytoelecttheirshareofnationaldelegatesandalternates.Delegatesmayonlyparticipateinthecaucusofthepresidentialpreferenceforwhomtheysignedin.ADelegatewhosignsinforapresidentialpreference(oruncommittedstatus)thatisnotentitledtoelectdelegatesintheSenateDistrict,shallnotparticipateinelectionofdelegates.SeparateelectionsshallbeheldfordelegatepositionsinaccordancewithStatePartyRulesVII.AandVII.B.Acandidatefordelegatewhoisnotelectedinaninitialdelegateelectioniseligibletorunforsubsequentdelegatepositionsandforalternatedelegatepositionsfortheirpresidentialpreference.Intheunlikelyeventthatapresidentialpreferencereceivesenoughoftheprimaryvotetobeallocatedoneormoredelegatepositionsfromasenatorialdistrict,buttherearenostateconventiondelegatesforthatpresidentialpreferencefromthatSenateDistrict(occurringwhenapresidentialcandidatesecuresenoughofaprimaryvotetoqualifyforadelegatebutwhosesupportersdonotattendtheprecinct,county/senatedistrictconventionsinsufficientnumbertoentitlethatcandidatetoadelegatetotheStateConvention),thenumberofnationaldelegatestowhichthatpreferencewouldhavebeenentitledshallbechosenthroughtheCommitteetoNominateAtLargeDelegates.Inaddition,whenapresidentialpreferenceinasenatedistrictisallocatedadelegateandtherearenoStatementsofCandidacyforthatpresidentialpreferenceinthatsenatedistrict,thatdelegatepositionshallbechosenthroughtheCommitteetoNominateAtLargeDelegatesaswell.(ThemembersoftheCommitteetoNominateAtLargeDelegatessupportingthatpresidentialpreferenceshallchooseadelegateoftheirpresidentialpreferencefromanyotherSenateDistrict).ThedelegatemusthavefiledaStatementofCandidacyinaccordancewithSectionIII.Dofthisplan.TheTexasDelegationasawholeshallbeequallydividedbetweenmenandwomen.Delegatesandalternatesshallbeconsideredseparatelyinachievingequaldivision(Rules6C).Districtleveldelegatesandalternatesshallbeequallydividedbetweenmenandwomenasfarasmathematicallypracticable(Rules6C(1)).DistrictsentitledtoanoddnumberofDelegatesshalldrawtodeterminethegenderoftheodddelegateatthestatutorySDECmeetingfollowingthegeneralelectionprimary(Rules6C(1)&Reg4.8.B). Equaldivisionshallbeachievedatthedistrictlevelinthefollowingmanner:WhenapresidentialcandidateisallottedanevennumberofdelegatestobeelectedfromasenatorialdistrictoraspartofthePledgedPartyandElectedOfficialscategory,halfofthepositionsshallbefilledbymenandhalfbywomen.Inthecaseofthesenatedistrictdelegates,aseparateelectionshallbeheldforeachgender.Whenapresidentialcandidateisentitledtojustonedelegate,thepositionmaybefilledbyamemberofeithergender.Menandwomenmayrunagainsteachotherforthisposition.Inthecaseof2ormorepresidentialcandidatesbeingentitledtojustonedelegateeach,thedelegatepositionforthehighestvotegetterinthePresidentialprimarymaybefilledbyamemberofeithergender.Menandwomenmayrunagainsteachotherforthisposition.Thedelegatepositionforthesecondhighestvotegetterinthepresidential
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primarymustbeoftheoppositegenderofthefirstdelegatechosen,andsoonuntilallsingledelegatepositionsarefilled,resultinginasenatorialdistrictdelegationwithadifferenceofnogreaterthanonebetweenthesexes.Whenapresidentialcandidateisentitledtoanoddnumberofdelegatesfromasenatedistrict,onepositionshallbeusedifnecessarytobalancethesenatorialdistrictdelegationbygenderandtherestshallbedividedequallybetweenmenandwomen.Eachpresidentialcandidateorauthorizedrepresentativeisresponsibleformaintaininggenderequalityascloselyasmathematicallypossiblewithinthecandidatesdelegation.Shouldacandidatequalifyfordistrictdelegatesbutfailtoobtainsufficientsupportforatlargedelegatesand,thecandidatesdelegationcontainagenderinequityofmorethanone(1)delegate,thecandidateorauthorizedrepresentativeshallrequiredistricts,wherethecandidatereceivedthelowestqualifyingpercentage,inwhichtheselecteddelegateisoftheoverrepresentedgendertorecaucusandselectadelegateoftheoppositegendershouldtherebeoneavailableandcontinuetheprocessuntiltheinequityiseliminated(Rule6.I.) EveryreasonableeffortshallbemadebytheNominationsCommitteeforAtLargeNationalDelegatestoachieveequaldivisionbygenderandtomeetotheraffirmativeactiongoalsintheoverallcategoryof27PledgedPartyLeaderandElectedOfficialDelegates.TheentireAtLargecategory(i.e.the45PledgedAtLargeDelegatesandthe17PledgedAtLargeAlternates),shallbereservedformembersofonegender,ifnecessary,toachieveequaldivisionbetweenthegendersintheoveralldelegationtotheNationalConventionprovided,however,thatitmustbeusedsimultaneouslytomeetotheraffirmativeactiongoals.DelegatesandAlternatesshallbeconsideredseparategroups,andtheequaldivisionrequirementshallapplytoeachgroup.TheStateDemocraticChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteetheelectionofthestate'spledgeddistrictleveldelegatesandalternatestotheDemocraticNationalConventionwithinten(10)daysaftertheirelection(CallIV.A).A.SenatorialDistrictLevelDelegatesAttheSenateDistrictlevel,136delegatesshallbeapportionedbyapresidentialpreferenceprimaryandelectedthroughathreetier,postprimaryconventionsystem(Rules8C).Candidatesforsenatorialdistrictleveldelegatesandalternatesmayrunonlyinthedistrictinwhichtheyareregisteredtovote(Rules12.H).The136delegatesareapportionedtosenatorialdistrictsbasedonaformulagivingequalweighttothevotecastfortheDemocraticnomineeforpresidentin2012andtheDemocraticnomineeforgovernorin2014(Rules8A(2))Followingtheprimary,delegatepositionswillbeallocatedtopreferencesbasedonthepresidentialprimaryvoteineachdistrictbasedonaformulagivingequalweighttothevotecastfortheDemocraticnomineeforpresidentin2012andtheDemocraticnomineeforgovernorin2014. PursuanttoReg.4.18,anyautomaticdelegatestotheStateConventionwillnotbeinvolvedintheallocationprocess.ThedistrictcaucusforeachpresidentialpreferenceshallallocatedelegatepositionsasassignedbytheStateCommittee.
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SENATORIALDISTRICTDELEGATESANDALTERNATES
DISTRICT DELEGATES ALTERNATES
1 3
2 4
3 3
4 4
5 4
6 3
7 4
8 5
9 4
10 6
11 4
12 4
13 7
14 9
15 5
16 5
17 5
18 4
19 5
20 4
21 5
22 3
23 8
24 3
25 6
13
26 5
27 4
28 2
29 4
30 3
31 2
TOTALS: 136
PursuanttoRule6.I.,theStateChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheRBCwhetherapresidentialcandidatehasusedtheirbesteffortstosubmitalistofsenatorialdistrictleveldelegatecandidateswhichmeetstheaffirmativeactionconsiderationsnolaterthanJune152016(Rule6.I.).B. UnpledgedDelegates(Automatic) ThefollowingareautomaticUnpledgedDelegates:1.NineteenmembersoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteefromTexaselectedattheJune2012StateConvention,officersoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteeandAtLargeDemocraticNationalCommitteemembersfromTexasappointedbytheDNCChairorbystatusrepresentinganationalgroup(Rule9A(1),CallIF&Reg.4.13)2.FormerDemocraticSpeakerasaDistinguishedPartyLeader(Rule9A.(5),CallIG&Reg.4.13)and3.All11DemocraticmembersoftheUnitedStatesHouse(Rule9A.(3)&CallIH&J).Thesedelegatesshallbecertifiedasfollows(Rule9A):1.NotlaterthanMarch1,2016,theSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteeshallofficiallyconfirmtotheStateDemocraticChairthefollowingunpledgeddelegateswholegallyresideinTexas:membersoftheDNCDemocraticMembersofCongressandtheformerSpeakeroftheUnitedStatesHouseofRepresentatives(Rule9A).2. ThisofficialconfirmationbytheSecretaryshallconstituteverificationoftheabovecategoriesofunpledged(automatic)delegates(CallIVB).IncaseswhereTexas'DNCmembershipchangesfollowingtheSecretary'sofficialconfirmation,butpriortothecommencementofthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention,acknowledgmentbytheSecretaryoftheDNCofmembercertificationshallconstituteverificationofthecorrespondingchangeofUnpledgeddelegates(CallIV.D.2.b).3. TheStateChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDNCthepresidentialpreferenceofthestatesunpledgeddelegatesten(10)daysafterthecompletionoftheStatesDelegateSelectionProcess,(CallIVB)NoStatementsofCandidacyarerequiredfromunpledgeddelegates(Rule9B.(5)).
C. PledgedPartyLeaderandElectedOfficialDelegates Texasisallocated27pledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegates(CallID,EAppendixB).
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Thefollowingshallbeeligibleforthesepositionsandshallbeconsideredinthebelowlistedpriority(Rule9B.(1)):1.DemocraticMayorsofcitieshavingapopulationofatleast250,000(evenifelectedatnonpartisanelections)andDemocraticstatewideleadershiptobegivenequalconsideration2.StatelegislativeleadershipandDemocraticstatelegislatorsand3.Allotherstate,countyandlocalDemocraticelectedofficialsandPartyleaders.Theaboveprioritylistshallnotbeconstruedtomandateelectionofanyindividual(Rule9.B(1)&Reg.4.15B).ThesedelegatesshallbeelectedbytheStateConventiononSaturday,June18,2016afterelectionofsenatorialdistrictleveldelegates,butbeforeelectionofAtLargeDelegatesandAlternates(Rules9B&9C).ThespecificdelegateandalternatenominationspresentedtotheStateConventionwillbeselectedbytheCommitteetoNominateAtLargeDelegatestotheNationalConventionoftheStateConvention(composedof34members,onemembertobeelectedbyeachSenateDistrictCaucusandthreememberstobeappointedbythePermanentConventionChair(StatePartyRulesIV.D.5.h),subjecttothelimitationsofRule9.AnyDemocratotherwisequalifiedtoserveasaPLEODelegatebutnotselectedbytheNominationsCommitteetobepresentedtotheConventionmaypetitiontheCommitteetosubmitaMinorityReportwhichwouldrequirethesupportof20%oftheCommitteeortheycanmoveasubstitutetotheCommitteeReportfromtheConventionfloor.Allcandidatesfordelegatepositionsaresubjecttopresidentialcampaign/representativeapproval. AnindividualmayqualifyasacandidateforapledgedpartyleaderandelectedofficialdelegatebyfilingaStatementofCandidacybyMay19,2016inaccordancewithSectionIII.D.ofthisPlan(Rules12Band9C(3)).Thesepositionsshallbeallocatedamongpresidentialpreferences(oruncommittedstatus)onthesamebasisasforAtLargeDelegatesandAlternates(Rules9C(2)).ApersoneligibleforapledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegatepositionwhohasnotfiledaStatementofCandidacyunderArt.III.D.ofthisPlanshallhaveonehourafterthecertificationofthedistrictleveldelegatestofileaStatementofCandidacyasapledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegate.TheStateChairshalldelivertoeachpresidentialcandidate(orthatcandidate'sdesignatedrepresentative)thelistofallpersonswhohavesofiledimmediatelyaftertheexpirationoftheonehourextendedfilingperiod.PresidentialcandidatesordesignatedrepresentativesshallhaveonehourfromreceiptofthislisttodelivertotheStateChairalistofalladditionalapprovedcandidates,providedthatapprovalmustbegiventoatleasttwo(2)namesforeachPLEOpositiontowhichthepresidentialcandidateisentitled.Failuretotimelyrespondshallbeconsideredapprovalofallcandidatessubmitted.Apresidentialcandidate,orthecandidate'sdesignatedrepresentative,mustbepresentatthemeetingoftheCommitteetoNominateAtLargeDelegatestotheNationalConvention.OnSaturday,June18,2016,beforetheelectionofpledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegates,theStateChairshallannouncethefollowingascertifiedbytheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommittee(Rules9A):1.TheTexasmembersoftheNationalCommitteeasUnpledgeddelegates2.FormerDemocraticSpeakerasanUnpledgeddelegate3.AllDemocraticmembersoftheU.S.HouseasUnpledgeddelegates.PledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegatesandalternatesshallbeapportionedamongmalesandfemalesinaccordancewithSectionIII.D.ofthisPlan.
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PledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegatesshallbeselectedbeforetheelectionofAtLargedelegatesandalternatesandafterelectionofsenatorialdistrictleveldelegates(Rules9C).TheStateDemocraticChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteetheelectionofthestate'spledgedPartyLeaderandElectedOfficialdelegatesandalternatestotheDemocraticNationalConventionwithinten(10)daysaftertheirelection(CallIV.A).PursuanttoRule6.I.,theStateChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheCoChairsoftheDNCRulesandBylawsCommitteewhetherapresidentialcandidate,includinguncommittedstatus,hasusedtheirbesteffortstosubmitalistofpledgedPLEOdelegatecandidateswhichmeetstheaffirmativeactionconsiderationswithinthree(3)businessdaysofreceivingthelistofapproveddelegatecandidates(Rule6.I.).D. AtLargeDelegatesandAlternatesTexasisallocated45AtLargedelegatesand17AtLargealternates(Rules8C).TheseshallbeelectedattheStateConventiononSaturday,June18,2016,aftertheelectionofpledgedpartyleaderandelectedofficialdelegatesandalternates(Rules8D).ThespecificAtLargedelegateandalternatenominationspresentedtothestateconventionwillbeselectedbytheCommitteetoNominateAtLargeDelegatestotheNationalConventionoftheStateConvention(composedof34members,onemembertobeelectedbyeachSenatorialDistrictCaucusandthreememberstobeappointedbythePermanentConventionChair(StatePartyRulesIV.D.5.h))subjecttothelimitationsofRule10.Atlargedelegatepositionsshallbeallocatedaccordingtothedivisionofpresidentialpreferences(oruncommittedstatus)amongdelegatesparticipatinginthestateconventionhowever,preferencesthatdonotachieve15%ofthestateconventionshallnotbeallocatedanyAtLargedelegates.Ifnocandidateattainsa15%threshold,thenthethresholdwillbethepercentageofthevotereceivedbythefrontrunner,minus10%.Divisionofpresidentialpreferences(oruncommittedstatus)shallbedeterminedasdescribedinSectionIII.D.ofthisPlan(Rule13B).All17alternatepositionswillbeallocatedinthesamemannerastheAtLargedelegatesprovided,however,thatifagivenpreferenceisentitledtooneormoredelegates,eitheratthesenatorialdistrictleveloramongAtLargedelegates,butisnototherwiseentitledtoanalternate,thatpreferenceshallbeallocatedoneAtLargealternateposition(Rule18B).TheStateChairshalldeliveralistofallpersonswhohavefiledaStatementofCandidacy(andpledgeofsupportofthatcandidate)forapositionasNationalConventionDelegatetoallpresidentialcandidatesortheirrepresentativesbyMay22,2016andnotifythecandidatesortheirrepresentativesofanychangesinstatusofanyonewhohasfiledaStatementofCandidacyimmediatelyfollowingtheelectionofpledgedPLEOdelegates.PresidentialcandidatesmustsubmittheapprovedlistofAtLargedelegatecandidateswithin30minutesfollowingtheelectionofpledgedPLEOdelegates,providedthattheapprovedlistcontainsatleasttwo(2)namesforeachAtLargepositiontobefilled.TheelectionofAtLargedelegatesshallbeused,ifnecessary,toachieveequaldivisionofpositionsbetweenmenandwomenandtherepresentationintheAffirmativeActionsectionofthisPlan(ArticleVIII).Suchgoalsapplytothestate'sdelegationasawhole,includingpartyleaderandelectedofficialdelegates.Delegatesandalternatesshallbeconsideredseparategroups.SuchgoalsareestablishedintheAffirmativeActionsection(ArticleVIII)ofthisPlan(Rule10A).IntheselectionoftheAtLargedelegation,priorityconsiderationshallbegiventoAfricanAmericans,
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Hispanics,NativeAmericans,Asian/NativeHawaiianandPacificIslanders,andwomen.InordertocontinuetheDemocraticPartysongoingeffortstoincludegroupshistoricallyunderrepresentedintheDemocraticPartysaffairs,priorityconsiderationshallbegivenothergroupsbyvirtueofrace,ethnicity,age,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,anddisability.TheuseoftheAtLargedelegationtomeettheaffirmativeactiongoalsdoesnotobviatetheneedforoutreachactivitiesbytheStateParty.AnindividualmayqualifyasacandidateforanAtLargedelegateoralternatepositionbyfilingaStatementofCandidacybyMay19,2016inaccordancewithSectionIII.DofthisPlan.AnindividualwhofilesaStatementofCandidacyforapledgeddelegatepositionbutisunsuccessfulmaybeconsideredforapledgedalternateposition,unlesstheStatementofCandidacyspecifiesotherwise(Rules12C,12D).TheCommitteetoNominateAtLargedelegateswillconsideralleligibleindividualsforthesepositions(i.e.thosewhovotedinthePrimary,filedaStatementofCandidacyandwhohavemetanyothernecessaryrequirements).AnyqualifiedDemocratwhowishestobeaDelegatebutisnotselectedbytheCommitteetobepresentedtotheConventionmaypetitiontheCommitteeforaMinorityReportwhichrequires20%supportfromtheCommitteeormaypresentasubstitutetotheCommitteeReportfromtheConventionfloor.Allcandidatesfordelegatearesubjecttoapprovalbypresidentialcampaigns/ortheirrepresentatives.Ifapresidentialcandidatewithdrawspriortotheelectionofatlargedelegatesandalternates,thepositionsallocatedtothatcandidateshallbeproportionatelyallocatedamongtheremainingpreferencesentitledtoanallocation.TheStateDemocraticChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteetheelectionofthestate'sAtLargedelegatesandalternatestotheDemocraticNationalConventionwithinten(10)daysaftertheirelection(CallIV.A&Rule8c).PursuanttoRule6.I.,theStateChairshallcertifyinwritingtotheRBCwhetherapresidentialcandidatehasusedtheirbesteffortstosubmitalistofAtLargedelegatecandidateswhichmeetstheaffirmativeactionconsiderationswithinthree(3)businessdaysofreceivingthelistofapproveddelegatecandidates(Rule6.I.).E.ReplacementofDelegatesandAlternates
1.Apledgeddelegateoralternatemaybereplacedaccordingtothefollowingguidelines:
a.PermanentReplacementofaDelegate:(Rule18.D.(2))
(1)ApermanentreplacementoccurswhenadelegateresignsordiespriortoorduringtheNationalConventionandthealternatereplacesthedelegatefortheremainderoftheNationalConvention.
(2)Anyalternatepermanentlyreplacingadelegateshallbeofthesamepresidentialpreference(includinguncommittedstatus)andsexofthedelegatehe/shereplaces,andtotheextentpossibleshallbefromthesamepoliticalsubdivisionwithinthestateasthedelegate.
(a)Inthecasewherethepresidentialcandidatehasonlyonealternate,thatalternateshallbecomethecertifieddelegate.
(b)Ifapresidentialcandidatehasonlyonealternate,andthatalternatepermanentlyreplacesadelegateoftheoppositesex,therebycausingthedelegationtonolongerbeequallydivided,thedelegationshallnotbeconsideredinviolationofRule6.C.Insuchacase,notwithstandingRule18.D.(2),theStatePartyCommitteeshall,atthetimeofa
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subsequentpermanentreplacement,replaceadelegatewithapersonoftheoppositesex,inordertoreturnthedelegationtoequaldivisionofmenandwomen(Reg.4.32).
b.TemporaryReplacementofaDelegate:(Rule18.D.(3))
(1)Atemporaryreplacementoccurswhenadelegateistobeabsentforalimitedperiodoftimeduringtheconventionandanalternatetemporarilyactsinthedelegatesplace.
(2)Anyalternatewhotemporarilyreplacesadelegatemustbeofthesamepresidentialpreference(includinguncommittedstatus)asthedelegatehe/shereplaces,andtotheextentpossibleshallbeofthesamesexandfromthesamepoliticalsubdivisionwithinthestateasthedelegate.
c.Thefollowingsystemwillbeusedtoselectpermanentandtemporaryreplacementsofdelegates:(Rule18.D.(1))
(1)AdelegatewhoistobeabsentorwhoresignsmayselectfromamongtheAlternateselectedbytheStateConventionfromwhichtheDelegatewaselectedanAlternateofthesamepresidentialpreferencewhoshallassumeDelegatestatus(StatePartyRulesIV.A.18.b).
(2)IntheeventaDelegateisunableto,orfailsto,selecttheAlternatetoassumeDelegatestatus,theTexasdelegationshallselectanAlternateofthesamepresidentialpreferenceastheDelegatebeingreplaced,andsuchAlternateshalltherebyassumeDelegatestatus.
d.CertificationofReplacements
(1)AnyalternatewhopermanentlyreplacesadelegateshallbecertifiedinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDNCbytheStateDemocraticChair(Rule18.D.2.).
(2)Permanentreplacementofadelegate(asspecifiedabove)byanalternateandreplacementofavacantalternatepositionshallbecertifiedinwritingbytheStateDemocraticChairtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteewithinthree(3)daysafterthereplacementisselected(Call,IV.D.1.).
(3)CertificationofpermanentreplacementswillbeacceptedbytheSecretaryupto48hoursbeforethefirstofficialsessionoftheConventionisscheduledtoconvene(Call,IV.D.1.&Reg.4.31.).
(4)Inthecasewhereapledgeddelegateispermanentlyreplacedafter48hoursbeforethetimethefirstsessionisscheduledtoconvene,orinthecasewhereapledgeddelegateisnotontheflooroftheConventionHallatthetimearollcallvoteistaken,analternatemaybedesignated(asspecifiedabove)tocastthedelegatesvote.Insuchcase,theDelegationChairshallindicatethenameofthealternatecastingtherespectivedelegatesvoteonthedelegationtallysheet(Call,VIII.F.3.d.,VIII.F.3.b.&Reg.5.5.).
e.AvacantalternatepositionshallbefilledbytheTexasdelegation.Thereplacementshallbeofthesamepresidentialpreference(oruncommittedstatus),ofthesamesexand,totheextentpossible,fromthesamepoliticalsubdivisionasthealternatebeingreplaced(Rule18.E.).
5.Unpledgeddelegatesshallnotbeentitledtoareplacement,norshallthestatebeentitledtoareplacement,exceptunderthefollowingcircumstances:(Rule18.E.&Reg.4.33.)
a.MembersofCongressshallnotbeentitledtonameareplacement.IntheeventofchangesorvacanciesinthestatesCongressionalDelegation,followingtheofficialconfirmationandpriortothecommencementoftheNationalConvention,theDNCSecretaryshallrecognizeonlysuchchangesashavebeenofficiallyrecognizedbythe
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DemocraticCaucusoftheU.S.HouseofRepresentativesortheDemocraticConferenceoftheU.S.Senate(Call,IV.D.2.a.).
b.MembersoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteeshallnotbeentitledtoareplacement,norshallthestatebeentitledtoareplacement,exceptinthecaseofthedeathofsuchdelegates.InthecasewherethestatesDNCmembershipchangesfollowingtheDNCSecretarysofficialconfirmation,butpriortothecommencementofthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention,acknowledgmentbytheSecretaryofthenewDNCmembercertificationshallconstituteverificationofthecorrespondingchangeofunpledgeddelegates(Call,IV.D.2.b).
c.Innocasemayanalternatecastavoteforanunpledgeddelegate(Call,VIII.F.3.d.).
SectionIVConventionStandingCommitteeMembers
A. Introduction
1.Texashasbeenallocatednine(9)membersoneachofthethreestandingcommitteesforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Credentials,PlatformandRules)foratotalof27members(Call,VII.A.&AppendixD.).
2.MembersoftheConventionStandingCommitteesneednotbedelegatesoralternatestothe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Call,VII.A.3.).
3.Thesememberswillbeselectedinaccordancewiththeproceduresindicatedbelow(Rule1.G.)
B. PERMANENTSTANDINGCOMMITTEEMEMBERS
1.SelectionMeeting
a.ThepermanentmembersofthestandingcommitteesshallbeelectedbyallofTexas'NationalConventiondelegates,atameetingtobeheldonJune8,2016andwillbeallocatedonthesamebasisastheAtLargedelegates.Aquorumshallconsistofamajorityofthestate'sdelegatestotheNationalConvention.Allmembersofthedelegationshallbeinformedupontheirelectionofthetimeandplaceofthemeetingtoselectthepermanentstandingcommitteemembers(CallVII.B.1).
b.Allmembersofthedelegationshallreceiveadequatenoticeofthetime,dateandlocationofthemeetingtoselectthestandingcommitteemembers(Call,VII.B.1.).
2.AllocationofMembers
a.ThemembersofthestandingcommitteesallocatedtoTexasshallproportionatelyrepresentthepresidentialpreferenceofallcandidates(includinguncommittedstatus)receivingthethresholdpercentageusedinthestatesdelegationtocalculatetheAtLargeapportionmentpursuanttoRule13.E.oftheDelegateSelectionRules(Call,VII.C.1&Reg.5.7).
b.ThepresidentialpreferenceofeachcandidatereceivingtheapplicablepercentageormorewithinthedelegationshallbemultipliedbythetotalnumberofstandingcommitteepositionsallocatedtoTexas.Iftheresultofsuchmultiplicationdoesnotequal0.455orabove,thepresidentialpreferenceinquestionisnotentitledtorepresentationonthestandingcommittee.Iftheresultofsuchmultiplicationis0.455butlessthan1.455,the
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presidentialpreferenceisentitledtoone(1)position.Thosepreferencessecuringmorethan1.455butlessthan2.455areentitledtotwo(2)positions,etc.(Call,VII.C.2.).
c.Wheretheapplicationofthisformularesultsinthetotalallocationexceedingthetotalnumberofcommitteepositions,thepresidentialcandidatewhoseoriginalfigureofrepresentationisfarthestfromitseventualroundedofftotalshallbedeniedthatone(1)additionalposition.Wheretheapplicationofthisformularesultsinthetotalallocationfallingshortofthetotalnumberofcommitteepositions,thepresidentialcandidatewhoseoriginalfigureofrepresentationisclosesttothenextroundinglevelshallbeallottedanadditionalcommitteeposition(Call,VII.C.3.).
d.Standingcommitteepositionsallocatedtoapresidentialcandidateshallbeproportionatelyallocated,totheextentpracticable,toeachofthethreestandingcommittees.Whensuchallocationresultsinanunequaldistributionofstandingcommitteepositionsbycandidatepreference,adrawingshallbeconductedtodistributetheadditionalpositions(Call,VII.C.4.).
3.PresidentialCandidateRightofReview
a.Eachpresidentialcandidate,orthatcandidatesauthorizedrepresentative(s),shallbegivenadequatenoticeofthedate,timeandlocationofthemeetingofthestatesdelegationauthorizedtoelectstandingcommitteemembers(Call,VII.D.1.).
b.Aftertheentiredelegationhasbeenselected,eachpresidentialcandidate,orthecandidate'sauthorizedrepresentative(s),mustsubmittotheStateDemocraticChair,byJune18,2016,at5p.m.thenameofatleastone(1)personforeachslotawardedtothatcandidateforpermanentmembersofeachcommittee.Thedelegationshallselectthestandingcommitteememberssubmittedbythepresidentialcandidates(includinguncommittedstatus).Presidentialcandidatesshallnotberequiredtosubmitthenameofmorethanonepersonforeachslotawardedtosuchcandidateformembersofstandingcommittees(CallVII.D.2).
4.SelectionProceduretoAchieveEqualDivision
a.Themembershipofthestandingcommitteesshallbeasequallydividedaspossibleunderthestateallocation:thevariancebetweenmenandwomenmaynotexceedone(1)andtheadvantagedgendermustnotremainconstantforthethreestandingcommittees(CallVII.E.1).
b.Presidentialcandidates(includinguncommittedstatus)shallusetheirbesteffortstoensurethattheirrespectivedelegationofstandingcommitteemembersachieveTexasaffirmativeactiongoalsandthattheirrespectivemembersareequallydividedbetweenmenandwomen(Rule6.I.&Reg.4.9.).
c.Eachpositiononthestandingcommitteesshallbeassignedbygender.ThefirstpositionontheCredentialsCommitteeofthepresidentialcandidatewiththemoststandingcommitteepositionsshallbedesignatedforafemale,thesecondpositionforamale,andtheremainingpositionsshallbedesignatedinlikefashion,alternatingbetweenfemaleandmale.Positionsforpresidentialcandidatesoneachcommitteeshallberankedaccordingtothetotalnumberofstandingpositionsallocatedtoeachsuchcandidate.AfterpositionsontheCredentialsCommitteearedesignatedbysex,thedesignationshallcontinuewiththePlatformCommittee,thentheRulesCommittee.
d.Aseparateelectionshallbeconductedformembershiponeachstandingcommitteeandthepositionsallocatedtoeachpresidentialcandidateoneachcommitteeshallbevotedonseparately,andthewinnershallbethehighestvotegetteroftheappropriatesex.
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5. CertificationandSubstitution
a.TheStateDemocraticChairshallcertifythestandingcommitteemembersinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteewithinthree(3)daysaftertheirselection(Call,VII.B.3.).
b.Nosubstitutionswillbepermittedinthecaseofstandingcommitteemembers,exceptinthecaseofresignationordeath.SubstitutionsmustbemadeinaccordancewiththerulesandtheelectionproceduresspecifiedinthissectionandmustbecertifiedinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteewithinthree(3)daysafterthesubstitutememberisselected(Call,VII.B.4.).
SectionVTheDelegation
A. Texaswillselectone(1)persontoserveasDelegationChairandsix(6)individualstoserveasConventionPages(Call,IV.E.&F,1.&AppendixC.).
B. DelegationChair
1.SelectionMeeting
a.TheDelegationChairshallbeselectedbyallofTexas'NationalConventionDelegatesatameetingtobeheldonJune18,2016.Themeetingwillbeopenandwellpublicized(Call,IV.E.).
b.Allmembersofthedelegationshallreceivetimelynoticeofthetime,dateandlocationofthemeetingtoselecttheDelegationChair(Rule3.C.).
2.TheStateDemocraticChairshallcertifytheDelegationChairinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommitteewithinthree(3)daysafterhisorherselection(Call,IV.E.).
C. ConventionPages
1.Six(6)individualswillbeselectedtoserveasTexas'ConventionPagesbytheStateDemocraticChair,inconsultationwiththeTexasDemocraticNationalCommitteemembers.ThisselectionwilltakeplacenolaterthanJune18,2016(Call,IV.F.3.&Reg.5.6.).
2.TheConventionPagesshallbeasevenlydividedbetweenmenandwomenaspossibleunderthestateallocationandshallreflect,asmuchaspossible,theAffirmativeActionguidelinesintheAffirmativeActionPlan(Reg.5.6.A.).
3.TheStateChairshallcertifytheindividualstoserveasTexas'ConventionPagesinwritingtotheSecretaryoftheDemocraticNationalConventionwithinthree(3)daysaftertheselection(Call,IV.F.3.&Reg.5.6.B.).
SectionVIGeneralProvisionsandProceduralGuarantees
A. Participationinthedelegateselectionprocessisopentoallvoterswhoaffiliate(TexasElectionCode162.001)withtheTexasDemocraticPartybyvotinginthe2016
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DemocraticpresidentialPrimaryandwhodonotparticipateinaprimaryorconventionofanotherpartyduringthesameyear(Rules2.A.&2.E.).ThepresidentialprimaryisaclosedprimaryatwhichvoterspubliclydeclaretheiraffiliationwiththeTexasDemocraticParty,andthelistsofwhovotesintheprimaryarepublicrecord.PeoplewhovoteintheDemocraticprimaryareprohibitedfromvotingintheRepublicanprimaryandviceversa,bystatelaw.
B. Nopersonmayparticipateinmorethanone(1)PrecinctConventionorCounty/SenatorialConvention.(Rule3.E.).
C. Atnostageofthedelegateselectionprocessshallanypersonberequired,directlyorindirectly,topayacostorfeeasaconditionforparticipatinginthedelegateselectionprocess.VoluntarycontributionstotheTexasDemocraticPartymaybemade,butundernocircumstancesshallacontributionbemandatoryforparticipation(Rule2.D.).
D.TheTexasDemocraticPartyreaffirmsitscommitmenttoanopenpartybyincorporatingtheSixBasicElementsaslistedbelow.TheseprovisionsdemonstratetheintentionoftheDemocraticPartytoensureafullopportunityforallstatusmemberstoparticipateinthedelegateselectionprocess(Rules4.A.&C.).
1.AllpublicmeetingsatalllevelsoftheDemocraticPartyinTexasshouldbeopentoallmembersoftheDemocraticParty,regardlessofrace,sex,age,color,creed,nationalorigin,religion,ethnicidentity,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,economicstatusorphysicaldisability(hereinaftercollectivelyreferredtoasstatus)(Rule4.B.(1)).
2.Notestformembershipin,noranyoathsofloyaltyto,theDemocraticPartyofTexasshouldberequiredorusedwhichhastheeffectofrequiringprospectiveorcurrentmembersoftheDemocraticPartytoacquiescein,condoneorsupportdiscriminationbasedonstatus(Rule4.B.(2)).
3.ThetimeandplaceforallpublicmeetingsoftheDemocraticPartyinTexasonalllevelsshouldbepublicizedfullyandinsuchmannerastoassuretimelynoticetoallinterestedpersons.SuchmeetingsmustbeheldinplacesaccessibletoallPartymembersandlargeenoughtoaccommodateallinterestedpersons(Rule4.B.(3)).
4.TheDemocraticPartyinTexas,onalllevels,shouldsupportthebroadestpossibleregistrationwithoutdiscriminationbasedonstatus(Rule4.B.(4)).
5.TheDemocraticPartyinTexasshouldpublicizefullyandinsuchamannerastoassurenoticetoallinterestedpartiesafulldescriptionofthelegalandpracticalproceduresforselectionofDemocraticPartyofficersandrepresentativesonalllevels.PublicationoftheseproceduresshouldbedoneinsuchfashionthatallprospectiveandcurrentmembersoftheTexasDemocraticPartywillbefullyandadequatelyinformedofthepertinentproceduresintimetoparticipateineachselectionprocedureatalllevelsoftheDemocraticPartyorganization(Rule4.B.(5)).
6.TheDemocraticPartyinTexasshouldpublicizefullyandinsuchamannerastoassurenoticetoallinterestedparties,acompletedescriptionofthelegalandpracticalqualificationsofallpositionsasofficersandrepresentativesoftheTexasDemocraticParty.SuchpublicationshouldbedoneintimelyfashionsothatallprospectivecandidatesorapplicantsforanyelectedorappointedpositionwithintheTexasDemocraticPartywillhavefullandadequateopportunitytocompeteforoffice(Rule4.B.(6)).
TheseactionsdemonstratetheintentionoftheTexasDemocraticPartytoensureafullopportunityforallDemocraticmemberstoparticipateinthedelegateselectionprocess.
E.DiscriminationonthebasisofstatusintheconductofDemocraticPartyaffairsisprohibited(Rule5.B.).
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F. Texasdelegationshallbeequallydividedbetweendelegatemenanddelegatewomen,andalternatemenandalternatewomen.Suchgoalappliestotheentiredelegation,whichincludesallpledgeddelegatesandalternatesandallunpledgeddelegates.Delegatesandalternatesshallbeconsideredseparategroupsforpurposesofachievingequaldivision(Rule6.C.).
G. Alldelegateandalternatecandidatesmustbeidentifiedastopresidentialpreferenceoruncommittedstatusatalllevelswhichdeterminepresidentialpreference(Rule12.A.).
H. NodelegateatanylevelofthedelegateselectionprocessshallbemandatedbylaworPartyrulestovotecontrarytothatpersonspresidentialchoiceasexpressedatthetimethedelegateiselected(Rule12.I.).
I. DelegateselectedtotheNationalConventionpledgedtoapresidentialcandidateshallinallgoodconsciencereflectthesentimentsofthosewhoelectedthem(Rule12.J.).
J.Alldelegates,alternatesandstandingcommitteemembersmustbebonafideDemocratswhohavetheinterests,welfareandsuccessoftheDemocraticPartyoftheUnitedStatesatheartwhosubscribetothesubstance,intentandprinciplesoftheCharterandBylawsoftheDemocraticPartyoftheUnitedStatesandwhowillparticipateintheConventioningoodfaith(Rule12.H.&Reg4.24).
K.Nolessthan40%ofthemembersofanyPartybodyabovethefirstlevelofthedelegateselectionprocessshallconstituteaquorumforanybusinesspertainingtotheselectionofNationalConventiondelegates,alternates,standingcommitteemembersandotherofficialConventionparticipants(Rule15).
L.Proxyvotingshallbeallowedatthestateconvention,subjecttoArt.IV.A.3,StatePartyRules.Noproxiesfromacountyshallberecognizedifanydelegateoralternateispresentfromthecounty.Theproxyshallbenontransferableandnopersonshallholdorvotemorethanoneproxy(Rule16).
M.Theunitrule,oranyruleorpracticewherebyallmembersofaPartyunitordelegationmayberequiredtocasttheirvotesinaccordancewiththewillofamajorityofthebodyshallnotbeusedatanystageofthedelegateselectionprocess(Rule17.A.).
N.AnyindividualorgroupofDemocratsmaysponsororendorseaslateofcandidatesforconventiondelegates.Butnoslatemay,byvirtueofsuchendorsement,receiveapreferentialplaceonadelegateselectionballotorbepubliclyidentifiedontheballotastheofficialDemocraticPartyorganizationslate,andallslatesmustmeetidenticalqualifyingrequirementsforappearingonaballotatalllevelsofthedelegateselectionprocess(Rule17.B.).
O.Allstepsinthedelegateselectionprocess,includingthefilingsofpresidentialcandidatesmusttakeplacewithinthecalendaryearoftheDemocraticNationalConvention,exceptwithrespecttotheimplementationoftheAffirmativeActionPlan(Rules1.F&11.B).
P.Inelectingandcertifyingdelegatesandalternatestothe2016DemocraticNationalConvention,TexasherebyundertakestoassureallDemocraticvotersinthestate:full,timelyandequalopportunitytoparticipateinthedelegateselectionprocessandinallPartyaffairs,andtoimplementaffirmativeactionprogramstothatendthatthedelegatesandalternatestotheConventionshallbeselectedinaccordancewiththeDelegateSelectionRulesforthe2016DemocraticNationalConventionthatthevotersinthestatewillhavetheopportunitytocasttheirelectionballotsforthePresidentialandVicePresidentialnomineesselectedbysaidConventionandforelectorspledgedformallyandingoodconsciencetotheelectionofthesePresidentialandVicePresidentialnominees,underthelabelanddesignationoftheDemocraticPartyoftheUnitedStatesandthatthedelegatescertifiedwillnotpubliclysupportorcampaignforanycandidateforPresidentorVicePresidentotherthanthenomineesfortheDemocraticNationalConvention(Call,II.B.).
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SectionVIIAffirmativeAction,OutreachandInclusionPlan
A. StatementofPurposeandOrganization
1.PurposeandObjectives
a.InorderthattheDemocraticPartyatalllevelsbeanopenPartywhichincludesratherthanexcludespeoplefromparticipation,aprogramofeffectiveaffirmativeactionisherebyadoptedbyTexas(Rule5.A.).
b.Discriminationonthebasisofstatus(definedinSectionVII.A.1(c))intheconductofDemocraticPartyaffairsisprohibited(Rule5.B.).
c.AllpublicmeetingsatalllevelsoftheDemocraticPartyinTexasshouldbeopentoallmembersoftheDemocraticParty,regardlessofrace,sex,age,color,creed,nationalorigin,religion,ethnicidentity,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,economicstatus,orphysicaldisability(hereinaftercollectivelyreferredtoasstatus)(Rule4.B.(1)).
d.ConsistentwiththeDemocraticPartyscommitmenttoincludinghistoricallyunderrepresentedindividualsintheDemocraticPartysaffairs(underrepresentedbyvirtueoftheirrace,ethnicity,age,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,ordisability),TexashasdevelopedPartyoutreachprograms.Suchprogramsincluderecruitment,educationandtraininginordertoachievefullparticipationbysuchgroupsanddiversityinthedelegateselectionprocessandatalllevelsofPartyaffairsin2016(Rule5.C.&Reg.4.7.).ProgramswillbedesignedtoproactivelyreachouttoTexasvariousDemocraticconstituencies(includingAfricanAmericans,Hispanics,Asians,NativeAmericans,women,youth,personsover65yearsofage,individualswithintheLGBTcommunity,personswithdisabilities,etc.),inordertoheightenawarenessofthesegroupsandtheDemocraticPartysdesiretohavethemfullyparticipate.
e.InordertoencouragefullparticipationbyallDemocratsinthedelegateselectionprocessandinallPartyaffairs,theTexasDemocraticPartyhasadoptedandwillimplementprogramswithspecificgoalsandtimetablesforAfricanAmericans,Hispanics,NativeAmericans,Asian/NativeHawaiiansandPacificIslandersandwomen(Rule6.A.).
(1)ThegoaloftheprogramsshallbetoencourageparticipationinthedelegateselectionprocessandinPartyorganizationsatalllevelsbytheaforementionedgroups,asindicatedbytheirpresenceintheDemocraticelectorate(Rule6.A.(1)).
(2)ThisgoalshallnotbeaccomplishedeitherdirectlyorindirectlybythePartysimpositionofmandatoryquotasatanylevelofthedelegateselectionprocessorinanyotherPartyaffairs(Rule6.A.(2)).
f.InordertoachievefullparticipationofothergroupsthatmaybeunderrepresentedinPartyaffairs,includingmembersoftheLGBTcommunity,personswithdisabilities,andyouth,theTexasDemocraticPartyhasadoptedandwillimplementInclusionPrograms(Rule7).
g.InordertoassistDemocratswithlowtomoderateincomesinattendingtheNationalConventiontheTexasDemocraticPartystaffwillprovideDelegatesandAlternatesoflowtomoderateincomewhoareelectedtothe2016
24
NationalConventionwithguidanceonhowtheymayraisefundstoattendtheConvention.Further,theAffirmativeActionCommitteerecommendsfundraisingtrainingatallNationalDelegatetrainings(Rule6.G.).
2.OrganizationalStructure
a.AnAffirmativeActionCommitteeshallbeappointedbytheStateDemocraticChairbyMarch2,2015(Rule6.F.).
b.TheStateChairshallcertifyinwritingtotherulesandbylawsCommitteeoftheDemocraticnationalCommitteethecomplianceofthestatesAffirmativeActionCommitteewithRules5.C,6.A,and7,andsubmitthenames,demographicdataandcontactinformationnolaterthan15daysaftertheirappointment(Reg.2.2K).
c.TheCommitteeshallconsistofmembersfromeachoftheDemocraticconstituencygroupssetforthintheStatementandPurposeSectionoftheAffirmativeAction,OutreachandInclusionPlan.(Exhibit#1,AffirmativeActionCommitteeMembershipRosterattached).
d.TheAffirmativeActionCommitteeshallberesponsiblefor:
(1)ReviewingtheproposedDelegateSelectionandAffirmativeActionPlansandmakingrecommendationstotheStateDemocraticChair
(2)ReviewingtheproposedInclusionProgramsandmakingrecommendationstotheStateDemocraticChair
(3)DirectingtheimplementationofallrequirementsoftheAffirmativeActionsectionofthisPlan
(4)Implementingafinancialassistanceprogramfordelegatesandalternatestoencourageparticipationandrepresentationofthoseoflowtomoderateincomes(Rule6.G.)
(5)Ensuring,onbehalfoftheStatePartyCommittee,thatdistrictlinesusedinthedelegateselectionprocessarenotgerrymanderedtodiscriminateagainstAfricanAmericans,Hispanics,NativeAmericans,Asian/PacificAmericansandwomen(Rule6.E.).
e.FinancialandstaffsupportfortheAffirmativeActionCommitteeshallbeprovidedbytheStatePartyCommitteetothegreatestextentfeasible,including,butnotlimitedtomakingavailableonaprioritybasistheStatePartystaffandvolunteersandcoveringallreasonablecostsincurredincarryingoutthisPlan.
3.TimetableforImplementation
a.TheTexasDemocraticPartyshallassumetheexpensesnecessarytoaccomplishalltheactivitiesdescribedinthefollowingTimetable:
DATE ACTION
2015
SEPTEMBER15
THESTATEPARTYANDSTATEDEMOCRATICEXECUTIVECOMMITTEEMUSTBEGINIMPLEMENTATIONOFITSAFFIRMATIVEACTIONPLAN.IMMEDIATELYONCERTIFICATIONOFTHERBCAPPROVINGTEXASDELEGATESELECTIONPLAN,APRESSRELEASEWILLBEDISTRIBUTEDTOTHESTATEWIDEPRESSCORPSANNOUNCINGTHEPLANSAPPROVALANDDESCRIBINGITSKEYELEMENTS.
25
OCTOBER1 LOCATIONSANDDATESFORASERIESOFWORKSHOPSWILLBEDECIDEDANDANNOUNCED.NOLESSTHANONEWORKSHOPWILLBEHELDFOREACHOFTEXAS'31SENATEDISTRICTS.SPECIALEMPHASISSHALLBEPLACEDONMINORITIESANDTRADITIONALLYUNDERREPRESENTEDGROUPS.WORKSHOPSWILLBEGINASSOONASPARTYRULESAREAVAILABLE.THESEWORKSHOPSWILLBEDESIGNEDTOENSUREALLPARTYOFFICIALSANDALLINTERESTEDDEMOCRATSUNDERSTANDTHEDELEGATESELECTIONPROCESS.
OCTOBER1 ABROCHURESUMMARIZINGTHEDELEGATESELECTIONPROCESSWILLBEREADYFORMASSDISTRIBUTIONTHROUGHMAILINGTOSTATEANDLOCALPARTYOFFICERSDISTRIBUTIONATPARTYMEETINGSANDWORKSHOPSANDATMEETINGSOFCONSTITUENTINTERESTGROUPS.
2016
JANUARY2 APRESSRELEASEWILLBEDISTRIBUTEDTOTHESTATEWIDENEWSMEDIAEMPHASIZINGTHEIMPORTANCEOFPREREGISTRATIONFORTHETHEMARCH19,2016PRECINCTANDCOUNTYANDSENATEDISTRICTCONVENTIONSTHETIMEANDLOCATIONSOF
THESECONVENTIONSANDTHEIRRELATIONSHIPANDTHERELATIONSHIPOFTHEPOPULARVOTETOTHEDELEGATESELECTIONPROCESS.
DEADLINEFORPRESSKITTOBEDISTRIBUTEDTOPRINTAND
ELECTRONICMEDIAOUTLETS.
MARCH16 ADDITIONALPRESSRELEASEANDPUBLICSERVICEANNOUNCEMENTSSUITABLEFORUSEASRADIOANDTELEVISIONSPOTSWILLBEDISTRIBUTEDTOSTATEWIDENEWSMEDIATOENCOURAGEATTENDANCEATTHEMARCH19,2016PRECINCTANDCOUNTYAND
SENATEDISTRICTCONVENTIONSCONVENTIONS.ANNOUNCEMENTSINSPANISHSHALLBEPREPAREDANDDISTRIBUTEDWHEREAPPROPRIATE.
4.ImplementationoftheAffirmativeActionPlanshallbeginonSeptember15,2015,withthedistributionofthepressreleaseandwillcontinuethroughtheendofthedelegateselectionprocess(Rule1.F.).
B. EffortstoEducateontheDelegateSelectionProcess
1.WellpublicizededucationalworkshopswillbeconductedineachofthedelegatedistrictsbeginninginOctober2015.Theseworkshopswillbedesignedtoencourageparticipationinthedelegateselectionprocess,includingnotifyingpotentialdelegatecandidatesoftheavailabilityoffinancialassistance.Theseworkshopswillbeheldinplaceswhichareeasilyaccessibletopersonswithphysicaldisabilities.Thetimes,dates,locationsandrulesfortheconductofalleducationworkshops,meetingsandothereventsinvolvedinthedelegateselectionprocessshallbeeffectivelypublicizedbythePartyandwillincludemailingstovariousorganizationsrepresentativeoftheDemocraticvotingpopulace(Rules3.A.,3.C.&3.D.).
2.AvolunteerSpeakersBureaucomprisedofAffirmativeActionCommitteememberswhoarefullyfamiliarwiththeprocesswillbeorganizedtoappearbeforegroupsasneeded,toprovideinformationonthedelegateselectionprocess.
3.TheStatePartyseducationeffortswillincludeoutreachtocommunityleaderswithintheDemocraticPartysvariousconstituenciesandensuringthatinformationaboutthedelegateselectionprocessisavailabletoDemocraticclubsandPartycaucusesrepresentingthesespecificconstituencies.
4.TheTexasDemocraticPartywillpublishandmakeavailable,atnocost,aclearandconciseexplanationofhowDemocraticvoterscanparticipateinthedelegateselectionprocessanexplanationofhow,whereandwhen
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personscanregistertovoteanddelegatedistrictmaps.Additionally,theStatePartyshallalsomakeavailablecopiesoftheStatePartyRules,theTexasDelegateSelectionPlan(anditsattachments),theAffirmativeActionPlanandrelevantstatestatutesonitswebsite.DocumentsrelatedtoTexasdelegateselectionprocesswillbepostedandtheAffirmativeActionCommitteewilldistributetheminthevariousdelegatedistrictsnotlaterthanDecember5,2015(Rule1.H.).
5.TheStatePartyshalltakeallfeasiblestepstoencouragepersonstoregisterandtovoteasDemocratsandwillseektoensuresimpleandeasyregistrationprocedures(Rule2.C.).
C. EffortstoPublicizetheDelegateSelectionProcess
1.Specialattentionshallbedirectedatpublicizingthedelegateselectionprocessinthestate.Suchpublicityshallincludeinformationon:eligibilitytovotehowtobecomeacandidatefordelegatethetimeandlocationofeachstageofthedelegateselectionprocessandwheretogetadditionalinformation.TheforegoinginformationwillalsobepublishedbytheStatePartyinitsprintoronlinecommunicationsmedium.ThePartyorganization,official,candidate,ormembercallingameetingorschedulinganeventshalleffectivelypublicizetherolethatsuchmeetingoreventplaysintheselectionofdelegatesandalternatestotheDemocraticNationalConvention(Rules3.C.and3.D.).
2.Newspapers,radioandtelevisionwillbeutilizedtoinformthegeneralpublichow,whenandwheretoparticipateinthedelegateselectionprocess.Specifically,thisinformationshouldprovidedetailsastohowtoqualifytorunasadelegatecandidate.Specialeffortshallbedirectedtothemajordailynewspapers,radioandtelevisionstationsbytheStateDemocraticChair,AffirmativeActionCommitteemembersandPartystaff.Regularreleasesduringthedelegateselectionprocesstoallothermediasources,weeklynewspapers,andwireservicesshouldcompletetimelycoverage(Rules4.B.(3)&6.D.).
3.ApriorityeffortshallbedirectedatpublicityamongtheDemocraticPartysconstituencies.
a.InformationaboutthedelegateselectionprocesswillbeprovidedtominoritynewspapersandradiostationsethnicpressNativeAmerican,Asian/NativeHawaiianandPacificIslander,SpanishspeakingandothernonEnglishpress,radiostationsandpublicationswomensorganizationsstudentnewspapersgayandlesbianpresspressdirectedtowardpersonswithdisabilitiesandanyotherspecialtymediainthestatelikelytoreachtheDemocraticconstituencygroupssetforthintheStatementandPurposeSectionoftheAffirmativeAction,OutreachandInclusionPlan.
b.TheTexasDemocraticPartyshallberesponsiblefortheimplementationofthispublicityeffort.Forpurposesofprovidingadequatenoticeofthedelegateselectionprocess,thetimes,dates,locationsandrulesfortheconductofprecinctconventionscountyandsenatedistrictconventionstheTexasStateConventiondeadlinestofileforstandingcommitteeseatsandasaNationalConventionDelegateandsenatedistrictexecutivecommitteemeetingstimesshallbeeffectivelypublicizedincludingbilinguallytoencouragetheparticipationofminoritygroups(Rule6D.).
4.NotlaterthanFebruary7,2016,apresskitshallbecreatedandprovidedonlinetoeachdailyandweeklynewspaper,aswellastotheelectronicmediaoutlets.Thepresskitwillinclude:
a.asummaryofallpertinentrulesrelatedtoTexasdelegateselectionprocess
b.amapofdelegatedistrictsandthenumberofdelegatestobeelectedwithineachdistrict
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c.asummaryexplainingtheoperationandimportanceofthe2016Conventionand
d.materialsdesignedtoencourageparticipationbyprospectivedelegatecandidates.
D. RepresentationGoals
1.TheStatePartyhasdeterminedthedemographiccompositionofAfricanAmericans,Hispanics,NativeAmericans,andAsian/PacificAmericansinthestatesparticipatingDemocraticelectorate.TheseconstituencypercentagesshallbeestablishedasgoalsforrepresentationinTexasconventiondelegation(Rule6.A.).
2.TheStatePartyhasdeterminedthedemographiccompositionofmembersoftheLGBTcommunity,personswithdisabilities,andyouthinthestatesparticipatingDemocraticelectorate.TheStatePartyhaschosentoestablishthesepercentagesasgoalsforrepresentationinTexasconventiondelegationaswell.
3.PriortodeterminingtherepresentationgoalsforTexas,theAffirmativeActionCommitteeunanimouslyagreedthatnoconstituencygroupwoulddropbelowthepercentageofdelegatesapprovedasrepresentationgoalsinthe2012AffirmativeActionPlan.
4.Inordertoaccuratelyestablishrepresentationgoals,theStatePartyhasworkeddiligentlytodeterminethedemographiccomposition,percentageoftheparticipatingelectorate,andDemocraticsupportlevelsofalltraditionallyunderrepresentedgroupswithintheTexasDemocraticconstituency.
In2012,theStatePartyconsultedmanydiverseresourcesincluding,butnotlimitedto,theTDPvoterfileandVoterActivationNetwork(VAN),censusnumbersandanalysisfromtheU.S.CensusBureau,theAmericanCommunitySurvey,theTexasStateDataCenter,availablepollingdata(includingfor2010TexasLyceum,PPP,PublicStrategies,theUniversityofTexas,LatinoDecisions,theAsianAmericanLegalDefenseandEducationFundandthePewHispanicCenterandfor2008Research2000,theTexasLyceum,theUniversityofTexas,thePewHispanicCenter,theVelasquezInstitute(onlineexitpoll,andCNNexitpolling).Additionally,analyticaldatafromthePewHispanicInstitutewasconsideredaswellasanumberofuniversitystudiesandadvocacygrouppublications.
In2015,theStatePartyaveragedconstituencypercentagesoftheDemocraticelectorateacrossfourelections.UsingVANthestatepartypulleddataonthe2008,2010,2012and2014GeneralElections.Thecountswerecomprisedof3modelsthatdeterminebothlikelypartisanshipandlikelyethnicity.TheClaritysupportscoresshowthelikelihoodofavotertobeDemocratic.TheLikelyEthnicityModel(whichwasusedinthiscasetodeterminerace)usesmultiplepointsofdatatodeterminethelikelihoodthatapersonisacertainrace.Therearethreesubsectionsoflikelihoodthatwerecombined.
TheAffirmativeActionCommitteehasmadeeveryefforttobesurethateachgroupsrepresentationisatleastequaltothatgroupsparticipationpercentageofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticelectorate.Additionally,tofurtherensurethediversityoftheTexasDelegationtheStateCommitteedecidedtoslightlyincreasethedelegategoalsfortheAfricanAmerican,AsianAmericanandHispanicgroupsabovethelevelofeachgroupsparticipation.
5.Representationalgoalsaredeterminedasfollows:
AfricanAmericanTherepresentationgoalforAfricanAmericansis74delegates(themathinitiallyindicatedthatAfricanAmericansconstituted27.7%oftheparticipatingDemocraticelectoratewhichwasadjustedupto29.2%).Utilizingafourgeneralelectionaveragetherepresentationgoalequals56delegates(AfricanAmericansconstituted23.25%oftheparticipatingDemocraticelectorate).Inordertonotreversecourseonaffirmativeactionthecommitteeelectedtoutilizethe2012formula.
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AsianAmericansTherepresentationgoalforAsianAmericansis12delegates(themathinitiallyfoundthatAsianAmericansconstitutedjustunder5%oftheparticipatingDemocraticelectorateandwasadjusteduptofull5.2%).Utilizingafourgeneralelectionaveragetherepresentationgoalequals5delegates(AsianAmericansconstituted2%oftheparticipatingDemocraticelectorate).Inordertonotreversecourseonaffirmativeactionthecommitteeelectedtoutilizethe2012formula.
HispanicTherepresentationgoalforHispanicis75delegates.The2012mathinitiallyfoundthattheHispanicsconstituted29.2%oftheparticipatingDemocraticelectoratewhichwasadjustedupto31.1%,resultingin74delegates.Utilizingafourgeneralelectionaveragetherepresentationgoalequals75delegates(Hispanicsconstituted31.5%oftheparticipatingDemocraticelectorate).Thecommitteeelectedtoutilizethefourgeneralelectionaverageformula.
NativeAmericanParticipationbyNativeAmericansintheDemocraticelectorateremainswellbelowone(1)percent.ThePartyvaluesthissupportiveconstituencyandtherepresentationgoalforNativeAmericansis1delegate.
LGBTFortheLGBTconstituency,theStatePartyutilizedanestimateofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorate(7%)suggestedbyadvocacygroupsandconfirmedbylimitedavailablepollingdataandpostelectionanalysisandendorsedbytheStonewallDemocrats,agroupalliedwiththeTexasLGBTcommunity.TherepresentationgoalforLGBTDemocratsis17delegates
DisabilityThepercentageofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorateforpersonswithdisabilitieswasderivedbyutilizingacombinationofCensusBureaunumbers,AmericanCommunitySurveyestimates,informationfromadvocacygroupsandasmallbutconsistentbodyofuniversitystudies.Thedatashowsthatapproximately11.5%ofthestatepopulationisdisabled.Thedisabledpopulationisdisproportionatelyolderandsomewhatlesslikelytoparticipate.ThedisabledpopulationthatdoesparticipatetendstobesomewhatmoreDemocraticthanthepopulationingeneral.TheAffirmativeActionCommitteeconcludedthatdisabledindividualsaccountforapproximately12.5%ofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorate,resultingin30delegates.
YouthThepercentageofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectoratefortheyouthconstituencywasderivedbyusingtheactualrawnumberofyouthindicatedintheTexasDemocraticPartysvoterfiletoestablishthelevelofparticipation.However,theAffirmativeActionCommitteealsoconcludedthatyoungvoterstendtobeslightlymoreethnicallydiversethanthegeneralpopulationandslightlymoreDemocratic.Theseconsiderationsresultedintheassignmentof21.7%ofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorate(56Delegates)torepresenttheYouthattheNationalConvention.
6.Inthe2012AffirmativeActionPlan,tocalculatetherepresentationgoalsforthespecifiedgroupmembers,rawnumbersofidentifiedweredrawnfromtheTexasDemocraticPartys(TDPs)voterfile.Suchindividualswereidentifiedforeachgroupusingtheacceptedmethodologyofmatchingtraditionallastnamesasocalledethnicmatch(e.g.RamirezforHispanicvoter).Theserawnumberswerefurthersupportedbycensus,ethnicityandneighborhoodmatchingdata.Inordertomoreaccuratelyapproximatethenumberofactualvotersinaparticulargroup,however,aCorrectionfortheQualityofEthnicMatchwasutilizedwithintheAffirmativeActionDelegateformula.SuchcorrectionwasbasedondatasuppliedbythevendorsTDPutilizedtodeterminetheethnicmatches,plusavailableexitpollingdataandpostelectionanalysisfromavarietyofsources,inordertogivetheStatePartyanumericalfiguremorerepresentativeofthetargetpopulationsandtoensureeachfigurecompensatedfortheexpectedpercentageofethnicvotersthateachethnicmatchmightmiss.(Importantly,theTDPsvoterfilevendorhasacquiredoveradecadeofexperiencewiththeTexasvoterfile,includingworkingwithothervendorsonimprovingthequalityofTDPsethnicitymatch.Further,theAffirmativeActionCommitteedidnotrelysolelyonthevendorsconclusionsbutconsultednumerousothersources.Ineachcasethisadditionaldataresultedinanincreaseinthecorrectionadjustment
29
appliedtotheaffectedconstituency).ThiscorrectedfigurewasthenmultipliedbythepercentageoflikelytovoteDemocraticandthendividedbythenumberofDemocraticvotesforPresidentandGovernor(in2008and2010,respectively)inordertodeterminethepercentageoftotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorateforthesegroups.ThetotalnumberofNationalDelegatesascribedtoTexaswasthendividedbythispercentageofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorateDgivingusthefinalnumericalrepresentationgoalforeachconstituencynotedintheAffirmativeActionplan.
In2015,theStatePartycreatedanadditionalmethodbyaveragingconstituencypercentagesoftheDemocraticelectorateacrossfourelections.ThetotalnumberofNationalDelegatesascribedtoTexaswasthendividedbythispercentageofthetotalparticipatingDemocraticElectorateDgivingusthefinalnumericalrepresentationgoalforeachconstituencynotedintheAffirmativeActionplan.Foreachconstituency,theAffirmativeActioncommitteethenselectedthe2012or2015formulathateitherincreasedorheldharmlessrepresentationforeachconstituency.
SummaryofRepresentationGoals: Thesepercentagesareappliedtoatotaldelegationof239delegates
AfricanAmerican 29.2% 70delegates
AsianAmerican 5.2% 12delegates Hispanic 31.5% 75delegates NativeAmerican>.5% 1delegate LGBT 7.1%17delegates Disabled 12.5% 30delegates Youth 21.7% 52delegates 7.WhenselectingtheAtLargeportionofthedelegation,thedemographiccompositionoftheotherdelegates(i.e.districtlevel,pledgedPLEO,andunpledged)shallbecomparedwiththeStatePartysgoalsinordertoachieveanatlargeselectionprocesswhichhelpstobringaboutarepresentativebalance.
8.UseoftheAtLargedelegationtoachievetheaffirmativeactiongoalsestablishedbythisPlandoesnotobviatetheneedfortheStatePartytoconductoutreachactivitiessuchasrecruitment,educationandtraining(Rule6.A.(3)).
E. ObligationsofPresidentialCandidatestoMaximizeParticipation
1.PresidentialcandidatesshallassisttheTexasDemocraticPartyinmeetingthedemographicrepresentationgoalsreflectedintheAffirmativeActionPlan(Rule6.H.).
2.EachpresidentialcandidatemustsubmitawrittenstatementtotheStateDemocraticChairbyFebruary1,2016whichindicatesthespecificstepsheorshewilltaketoencouragefullparticipationinTexasdelegateselectionprocess,including,butnotlimitedto,proceduresbywhichindividualsmayfileasacandidateforconventiondelegateoralternate(Rule6.H.(1)).
3.Eachpresidentialcandidatemustsubmitdemographicinformationwithrespecttoallcandidatesfordelegateandalternatepledgedtothem.Suchinformationshallbesubmittedinconjunctionwiththelistofnamesapprovedforconsiderationasdelegateandalternatecandidatespledgedtothepresidentialcandidate(Rule6.H.(2)).
30
4.Presidentialcandidates(includinguncommittedstatus)shallusetheirbestefforttoensurethattheirrespectivedelegationswithinTexasdelegate,alternateandstandingcommitteedelegationsshallachievetheaffirmativeactiongoalsreflectedintheAffirmativeActionPlanandthattherespectivedelegationsofeachpresidentialcandidateshallbeequallydividedbetweenmenandwomen.Furthermore,presidentialcandidatesshallusetheirbesteffortsatthedistrictleveltoapprovedelegateandalternatecandidateswhomeetapplicableequaldivisionandaffirmativeactionconsiderationsinordertoachievetheaffirmativeactiongoalsandequaldivisionfortheirrespectivedelegations(Rule6.I.&Reg.4.9.).
SectionVIIIChallenges
A. Jurisdiction&Standing
1.ChallengesrelatedtothedelegateselectionprocessaregovernedbytheRegulationsoftheDNCRulesandBylawsCommitteeforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Reg.,Sec.3.),andtheRulesofProcedureoftheCredentialsCommitteeofthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention.(Call,AppendixA.)
2.UnderRule20.B.ofthe2016DelegateSelectionRules,theDNCRulesandBylawsCommitteehasjurisdictionoverchallengespertainingtothesubmission,nonimplementationandviolationofstateDelegateSelectionandAffirmativeActionPlans(Rule20.B.,Call,AppendixA).
3.TheRulesandBylawsCommitteehasjurisdictiontohearanddecideanychallenge,provideditisinitiatedbeforethe56thdayprecedingthedateofthecommencementofthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention(Call,AppendixA.&Reg.,3.1.).
4.AnychallengetothecredentialsofastandingcommitteemembershallbeconsideredandresolvedbytheaffectedstandingcommitteeinaccordancewithAppendixAoftheCallforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention.TheRulesandBylawsCommitteeshallhavejurisdictionoverchallengesbroughtbeforethe56thdayprecedingthedateofthecommencementoftheDemocraticNationalConvention(Call,VII.B.5.).
5.Challengestothecredentialsofdelegatesandalternatestothe2012DemocraticNationalConventioninitiatedonorafterthe56thdayprecedingthedateofcommencementoftheDemocraticNationalConventionshallbeprocessedinaccordancewiththeRulesofProcedureoftheCredentialsCommitteeofthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention.(Call,AppendixA,).
6.CopiesoftheRegulationsoftheRulesandBylawsCommitteeand/ortheCallforthe2016DemocraticNationalConvention,includingtheRulesofProcedureoftheCredentialsCommittee(Call,AppendixA),shallbemadeavailablebytheStatePartyuponreasonablerequest.
7.Anygroupoffifteen(15)Democratswithstandingtochallenge(asdefinedinReg.3.2ortheCall,AppendixA,Sec.2.A.),maybringachallengetothisPlanortotheimplementationofthisPlan,includingitsAffirmativeActionprovisions.
B. ChallengestotheStatusoftheStatePartyandChallengestothePlan
1.AchallengetothestatusoftheStatePartyCommitteeasthebodyentitledtosponsoradelegationfromthatstateshallbefiledwiththeRulesandBylawsCommitteenotlaterthanthirty(30)calendardayspriortotheinitiationofTexasdelegateselectionprocess(Rule20.A.&Reg.3.4.A.).
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2.AchallengetothestatesDelegateSelectionPlanshallbefiledwiththeChairoftheTexasDemocraticPartyandtheCoChairsoftheRulesandBylawsCommitteewithinfifteen(15)calendardaysaftertheadoptionofthePlanbytheStateParty(Reg.3.4.B.).
3.AchallengetoaPlanmustbebroughtinconformitywiththeRulesandtheRegs.,whichshouldbeconsultedforadetailedexplanationofchallengeprocedures.
C. ChallengestoImplementation
1.AchallengemaybebroughtallegingthataspecificrequirementofanapprovedPlanhasnotbeenproperlyimplemented.JurisdictionoverallchallengesinitiatedinatimelyfashionshallresidewitheithertheRulesandBylawsCommitteeortheCredentialsCommitteeoftheNationalConvention(SeeSectionVIII.A.above).However,theRulesandBylawsCommitteemayprovideadvice,assistanceorinterpretationsoftheDelegateSelectionRulesatanystageofthedelegateselectionprocess(Reg.3.1.C.).
2.AnimplementationchallengebroughtbeforetheRulesandBylawsCommitteeisinitiatedbyfilingawrittenchallengewiththeStatePartyCommitteeandwiththeRulesandBylawsCommitteenotlaterthanfifteen(15)daysaftertheallegedviolationoccurred.TheStatePartyhastwentyone(21)daystorenderadecision.Withinten(10)daysofthedecision,anypartytothechallengemayappealittotheRulesandBylawsCommittee.However,iftheStatePartyrendersnodecision,anypartytothechallengemayrequesttheRulesandBylawsCommitteetoprocessit.Therequestmustbemadewithinten(10)daysafterexpirationoftheabovetwentyone(21)dayperiod(Reg.3.4.C.,E.,&H.).
3.PerformanceunderanapprovedAffirmativeActionPlanandcompositionoftheconventiondelegationshallbeconsideredrelevantevidenceinthechallengetoanystatedelegation.IfaStatePartyhasadoptedandimplementedanapprovedaffirmativeactionprogram,theStatePartyshallnotbesubjecttochallengebasedsolelyondelegationcompositionorprimaryresults(Rule6.B.).TheproceduresarethesameforchallengesallegingfailuretoproperlyimplementtheAffirmativeActionsectionofaPlan,exceptthatsuchchallengesmustbefilednotlaterthanthirty(30)dayspriortotheinitiationofTexasdelegateselectionprocess(Reg.3.4.C.).
4.Dependingontheappropriatejurisdiction(seeSectionVIII.A.above),implementationchallengesmustbebroughtinconformitywiththeRegulationsoftheRulesandBylawsCommitteeortheRulesofProcedureoftheCredentialsCommittee,whichshouldbeconsultedforadetailedexplanationofchallengeprocedures.
SectionIXSummaryofPlan
A. SelectionofDelegatesandAlternates
TexaswilluseaproportionalrepresentationsystembasedontheresultsofboththeStaterunPrimaryandcaucusesinapportioningitsdelegatestothe2016DemocraticNationalConvention.
ThefirstdeterminingstepofTexasdelegateselectionprocesswilloccuronApril3,2012withaStaterunPrimary.
Delegatesandalternateswillbeselectedassummarizedonthefollowingchart:
Type
Delegates
Alternates
DateofSelection
SelectingBody
32
FilingRequirementsandDeadlines
DistrictLevelDelegates
DistrictLevelAlternates
136
17
6/18/16
6/18/16
SenatorialCaucuses
Filedelegateapplication(StatementofCandidacy)byMay19,2016
UnpledgedPartyLeader
andElectedOfficialDelegates*
31
N/A
N/A
Automaticbyvirtueofrespectivepublicor
PartyofficeasprovidedinRule9.A.ofthe
2016DelegateSelectionRules.
PledgedPartyLeadersandElectedOfficials(PLEOs)
27
6/18/16
StateConvention
Filedelegateapplication(Statementof
Candidacy)byMay19,2016
AtLargeDelegates
AtLargeAlternates
45
6/18/16
6/18/16
StateConvention
Filedelegateapplication(Statementof
Candidacy)byMay19,2016
TOTALDelegatesand
Alternates
239
17
ApersoneligibleforapledgedpartyandelectedofficialdelegatepositionwhohasnotfiledaStatementofCandidacyunderArticleII.C.ofthePlanshallhaveone(1)houraftertheelectionofthedistrictleveldelegatesandalternatestofileaStatementofCandidacy.
* UnpledgedPartyLeaderandElectedOfficial(PLEO)delegatesincludesthefollowingcategories,ifapplicable,wholegallyresideinthestate:theDemocraticNationalCommitteeMemberstheDemocraticPresidenttheDemocraticVicePresidentallDemocraticMembersofCongresstheDemocraticGovernorandanyother
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DistinguishedPartyLeaderasspecifiedinRule9.A.ofthe2016DelegateSelectionRules.TheexactnumberofUnpledgedPLEODelegatesissubjecttochangeduetopossibledeaths,resignations,electionsorspecialelections.
B. SELECTIONOFSTANDINGCOMMITTEEMEMBERS(FORTHECREDENTIALS,PLATFORMANDRULESCOMMITTEES)
Twentyseven(27)StandingCommitteeMembers(nineoneachofthethreestandingcommittees)willbeselectedbytheNationalConventionDelegatesonJune18,2016,basedonnominationsreceivedfromthepresidentialcandidatesbythatdate.PresidentialcampaignsmustcertifytheirnominationsforStandingCommitteepositionsnolaterthanadjournmentoftheStateConvention.
StandingcommitteememberswillbeselectedbythestatesNationalConventiondelegatesassummarizedbelow:
MembersPerCommitteeTotalMembers SelectionDate
FilingRequirementsandDeadlines
9 27 6/18/16
ElectedbyNationalDelegates
C. SelectionofDelegationChairandConventionPages
TheDelegationChairwillbeselectedbytheNationalConventionDelegatesonJune18,2016.
Six(6)ConventionPageswillbeselectedbytheStateDemocraticChaironJune18,2016.
D. PresidentialCandidateFilingDeadline
PresidentialcandidatesmustfilewiththeTexasDemocraticPartyChairmanbyDecember8,2016toparticipateinthe2012TexasDemocraticPrimary(Del.Sel.Rule14.E.).PresidentialCandidatesmustcertifytheirauthorizedrepresentative(s)totheStatePartynolaterthanFebruary1,2012.
E. Timetable
Date
Activity
2015
March1
DelegateSelectionAffirmativeAction
CommitteemembersareappointedbytheStateChair.
34
FebMarch21 AffirmativeActionCommitteemeetstodraft
proposedDelegateSelectionandAffirmativeActionPlans.
March21
ProposedDelegateSelectionandAffirmativeAction
PlansaretentativelyapprovedforpubliccommentbyStatePartyAffirmativeActionCommittee.
March21
PubliccommentsaresolicitedontheproposedDelegateSelectionandAffirmative
ActionPlans.Pressreleasesaresentannouncingthepubliccommentperiod.
April21,
PeriodforpubliccommentonstatePlanisconcluded.Responsesarecompiledfor
reviewbytheStatePartyCommittee.
byMay1
StatePartyCommitteereviewspubliccommentsandadopts
revisedDelegateSelectionandAffirmativeActionPlans
forsubmissiontoDNCRulesandBylawsCommittee.PressreleasesaremailedannouncingtheapprovalofthePlan.
May5,2015
DelegateSelectionandAffirmativeActionPlans
areforwardedtotheDNCRulesandBylawsCommittee.
September15,2015
StatePartybeginsimplementationoftheAffirmativeActionPlan.Pressrelease,as
describedintheAffirmativeActionPlan,issenttoallstatemedia.
October1,2016
Locationanddatesforaseriesofworkshopsonhowto
becomeadelegatetotheNationalConventiontobeannounced.
October1,2015
Abrochuresummarizingtheprocessbywhichtobecome
aNationalDelegatewillbereadyformassdistribution.
2016
Deadlineforpresidentialcandidatestosubmitafullparticipationletter.
35
D
Presidentialcandidatedeadlineforcertifyingthename(s)oftheirauthorized
representative(s)totheStateParty.
PressreleasetobedistributedtotheStatewidenewsmediaemphasizingthe
importanceofthePrimaryPrecinctConventionsthetimeandlocationsoftheseconventionsandtheirrelationshiptothedelegateselectionprocess.
StateCommitteeapprovesamendedDelegateSelectionPlan.
Pressreleaseandpublicserviceannouncements(PSAs)tobedistributed
totheStatewidenewsmediatoencourageattendanceatthePrimaryPrecinctConventions.AnnouncementsinSpanishtobepreparedand
distributedwhereappropriate.
March1,2016
PresidentialpreferencePrimary.
`March12
StatePartycertifiesresultsofPrimarydistrictlevel
delegatesareallocatedaccordingtopresidentialpreference.
April16May15
PledgedPLEO,DistrictLevelandatlargedelegate
oralternatecandidatedeadlineforfilingtheStatementofCandidacyandpledgeofsupportformswithStateParty.
March21
DelegateandalternatecandidatesmayobtaintheStatementofCandidacy
andpledgeofsupportformsandfilinginstructionsfromtheStateParty
CommitteeHeadquartersinperson,bymailorfromthe
36
TexasDemocraticPartyswebsiteat:www.txdemocrats.org.
May19
NationalleveldelegateandalternatedeadlineforfilingStatementof
CandidacyandpledgeofsupportformswithStateParty.
June1
StatePartyprovideslistofdistrictleveldelegateandalternatecandidates
totherespectivePresidentialcandidates.
StatePartyprovideslistofPLEOandatlargedelegateandalternate
candidatestotherespectivePresidentialcandidates.
June15
Presidentialcandidatesprovidelistofapproveddistrictleveldelegate
andalternatecandidatestoStateParty.
June17
StateConventionconvenes.Districtleveldelegatesandalternates
selectedbysenatedistrictcaucusesattheStateConvention.
June18
PresidentialcandidatesprovideapprovedlistofpledgedPLEOdelegate
candidatestoStateChaironehouraftercertificationofdistrictleveldelegates.
PledgedPLEOdelegate