2016 Washington State Democratic Convention
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center | 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
June 17-19, 2016
State Convention Delegate Handbook
Table of Contents
State Convention Schedule
Pages 2-4
Draft Agenda
Pages 5-6
Draft Rules
Pages 7-14
Rules of Order
Pages 15-19
National Delegates
Pages 20-21
State Party Structure
Page 22
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2016 Washington State Democratic Convention
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center | 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
June 17-19, 2016
State Convention Schedule
Every Delegate, Alternate, Standing Committee Member, and Guest must register for State Convention by
either submitting a Registration Form or completing online registration at www.wa-democrats.org/convention by
Friday, June 3rd.
Guests are welcome to attend any events they register for, but do not have any role in proceedings.
Convention attendees will be able to sign in and pick up their credentials at the following times:
Friday, June 17th from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 18th from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sunday, June 19th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM*
*Only National Delegates and LD State Committee Members
All tickets and registration are available at www.wa-democrats.org/convention
Events on Friday, June 17th
Party Building Trainings and Forums: Learn more about your role as a Delegate and the State Party’s goals,
strategies, and tactics for winning in 2016. These events are included with your Convention Registration.
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
A.
B.
“Winning races up and down the Democratic ticket”
“The inner workings of the State Party and how it elects Democrats”
1:30 PM to 2:15 PM
A.
B.
“Grassroots organizing workshop”
“New Delegate training: Understanding and working with the rules and guidelines”
Standing Committee Meetings: The Credentials, Rules, and Platform Committees are referred to as the
Standing Committees of the State Convention. Members of these committees are selected a couple of months in
advance of the State Convention by the Local Party Organizations from each County and Legislative District.
Anyone can observe a committee meeting, but only committee members can participate unless invited to speak by
the committee.
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
A.
B.
Credentials Committee: Addresses challenges to delegate credentials.
Rules Committee: Determines convention agenda and procedure.
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
C.
Platform Committee: Drafts updated Party Platform and reviews submitted Resolutions.
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Constituency Caucus Meetings: Constituency caucuses are informal constituency groups organized
independently by members of the State Central Committee. Delegation members are invited to attend and
participate.
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
African American Caucus
Agriculture and Rural Caucus
Asian Pacific American Caucus
Disabilities Issues Caucus
Hispanic Latino Caucus
Jewish Caucus
Labor Caucus
Native American Caucus
Progressive Caucus
Small Business Caucus
Stonewall Caucus
Veterans and Military Families Caucus
Women’s Caucus
Young Democrats of Washington
Welcome Reception: This event is included with your Convention Registration. Cash bars will be available.
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Private Reception: You must purchase a VIP Package by June 3rd in order to attend this event with our
sponsors and elected officials. Complimentary drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres are included.
5:45 PM to 6:30 PM
Gala Banquet: Tickets must be purchased for this event by June 10th. This event will include a seated dinner and
a program featuring some of our top elected officials and keynote speaker: The Honorable Thomas E. Perez.
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Hospitality Suites: Campaigns and caucuses hold informal social gatherings at the host hotel. Meet your fellow
Democrats and have some fun! Room numbers will be posted in the hotel lobby. Please be mindful of other guests
in the hotel.
8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
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Events on Saturday, June 18th
State Breakfast: Tickets must be purchased for this event by June 10th. This event will include a seated breakfast
and a speaking program featuring some of our top elected officials.
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Convention General Session: Please review the proposed Agenda for more information.
9:00 AM to Adjournment
Convention Lunch Break: Meal tickets must be purchased by June 10th.
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Events on Sunday, June 19th
Election of At-Large and PLEO National Delegates: Please see the National Convention Delegates page
for more information.
9:00 AM to Adjournment
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2016 Washington State Democratic Convention
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center | 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
June 17-19, 2016
Proposed Agenda – June 18, 2016
1).
2).
Call to order by State Democratic Chairman Jaxon Ravens
A).
Presentation of the Colors
B).
Pledge of Allegiance
C).
National Anthem
D).
Invocation
E).
Welcome to Tacoma from Local Party Leaders
Appointment of the Temporary Chair
The Temporary Chair will run Convention proceedings until a Permanent Chair can be elected by the
Convention. The Temporary Chair is appointed by the State Party Chair.
3).
Appointment of Convention Officials
Convention Officials are appointed by the State Party Chair.
A).
Secretary
The Convention Secretary keeps official notes of the Convention proceedings.
B).
Parliamentarian
The Convention Parliamentarian ensures that the meeting is conducted in accordance with our
governing documents (DNC Charter, State Party Charter, Delegate Selection Plan, Convention
Rules, and Roberts Rules of Order).
C).
Sergeant-at-Arms
The Convention Sergeant-at-Arms ensures that order is kept on the Convention floor.
D).
Timekeeper
The Convention Timekeeper ensures that speakers abide by the time allotted to them in the Rules.
E).
Tally Committee Members
The Convention Tally Committee Members count hands or ballots during votes.
4).
Roll Call by Counties and Legislative Districts
5).
Report of the Credentials Committee*
The Credentials Committee determines how many delegates are present, seats alternates in place of absent
delegates, and considers any challenges to the legitimacy of an elected Delegate.
5
6).
Report of the Rules Committee*
The Rules Committee proposes an agenda and a set of rules for use by the Convention.
A).
Adoption of the Agenda and Rules of the Convention
7).
Election of the Permanent Chair
8).
Election of Presidential Electors
Delegates to the State Convention choose two Presidential Electors, and two Alternates, who will travel to
Olympia in December to cast Washington's Electoral College votes for the Democratic nominee.
9).
Lunch Recess
10).
Consideration of Charter and Bylaws Amendments
11).
Report of the Platform Committee*
The Platform Committee drafts the updated version of the State Party Platform, which is then released for
public comment prior to the State Convention. The committee also reviews proposed Resolutions and provides
recommendations regarding their passage.
A).
Adoption of Platform
Delegates to the State Convention vote to adopt the Platform. Amendments from the floor will be
very limited, so anyone who would like to suggest language to be added should plan to attend the
Platform Committee meeting on Friday. A majority vote of the Delegates present in the room is
required to adopt the Platform.
12).
Adoption of Resolutions
Delegates to the State Convention vote to pass or not pass each Resolution that was submitted to the body
prior to the State Convention. Individual Resolutions may be pulled for further discussion. A majority vote of
the Delegates present in the room is required to take action on a Resolution.
13.
Good of the Order
14).
Adjournment
*The Credentials, Rules, and Platform Committees are referred to as the Standing Committees of the State
Convention. Members of these committees are selected a couple of months in advance of the State Convention by the
Local Party Organizations from each County and Legislative District.
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2016 Washington State Democratic Convention
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center | 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
June 17-19, 2016
Draft Rules for Convention
1.
Call to Convention
The 2016 Washington State Democratic Convention shall be called under the authority of
the Charter of the Democratic Party of Washington State and the 2016 Delegate Selection
and Affirmative Action Plan. It shall be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in Tacoma,
Washington. The State Chair shall issue the Call for the Convention that shall be provided at
least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting to all delegates and alternates elected at the
Legislative District caucus.
2.
Appointment of Convention Officials
The State Chair shall appoint the Temporary Chair of the Convention, the Permanent Chairs
of the Rules, Credentials and Platform Committees, and the Secretaries, Parliamentarian,
Sergeants-at-Arms, Timekeeper, and as many members of the Tally Committee as necessary.
3.
Qualification of Delegates and Alternates
Each delegation shall be entitled to the number of delegate seats and alternate seats allocated
to it by the 2016 Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan (DSAAP). The total
number of elected delegate positions is 1400. The total number of elected alternate positions
is 700.
Each delegate and alternate must be a legal resident and registered voter of the Legislative
District s/he was elected to represent. “Registered voters” includes all registered voters and
any 17 year old who will be eligible to vote on November 8, 2016. In the event that a
delegate or alternate moves from the Legislative District s/he was elected to represent s/he
shall automatically forfeit his/her seat.
4.
Certification of Delegates and Alternates
Any delegate or alternate who has been properly certified by their respective County Chair or
Legislative District Chair as being duly elected with the necessary number of votes shall be
seated as a delegate or alternate.
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5.
Seating of Alternates
Alternates shall be seated following the approval of the first credentials report in the order in
which they were elected and must be of the same presidential preference, and, to the extent
possible, of the same gender as the delegate they are replacing. A delegate may be replaced
only by an alternate from their Legislative District. If a delegate is absent from a Legislative
District containing more than one county, an alternate from the same county as the absent
delegate shall be seated prior to any other alternate from the Legislative District. Seated
alternates shall have all the rights and responsibilities of delegates.
6.
Removal of Delegates and Alternates
Delegates and alternates will be removed in accordance with the “Rules for Delegate and Alternate
Credentials Challenges,” which are incorporated by reference in these Rules
A.
Specifically, challenges must have been filed with the Chair of the State Democratic Party no
later than 5:00 PM on June 10, 2016, challenges shall have been considered by the State
Convention Credentials Committee, and the rulings and decisions of the State Convention
Credentials Committee shall be final and not eligible for appeal.
B.
No person shall be permitted to vote on their own credentials challenge.
7.
8.
Convention Committees
A.
The Credentials, Rules and Platform Committees shall meet prior to the opening of
the Convention. No person may cast more than one vote. The Co-Chairs of each
committee shall vote only to break a tie. If after the Co-Chairs vote the result
remains a tie, the measure shall fail.
B.
The Convention Chair shall recognize the Co-Chairs of a committee to present the
committee's report. The Co-Chairs may yield part of their time to others for the
purpose of presentation and disposition of amendments and minority reports
without losing their right to the floor.
Final Report of Credentials Committee
A.
B.
The final report of the Credentials Committee shall be acted upon before the
consideration of any other business. This report shall include the total number of
delegates seated at the convention. It shall also include the total number of elected
delegates seated and the number of elected alternates seated.
After consideration and disposition of amendments, the Temporary Convention
Chair shall put the question on the adoption of the final Credentials Committee
Report before the Convention body. Consideration of Convention business may
proceed upon adoption of the final Credentials Committee Report.
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9.
Amendment to Credentials Report
Unchallenged delegates (and alternates eligible to be seated) who arrive after the adoption of
the Credentials Committee Report shall be seated by the Credentials Committee.
Registration shall close at 12:00 PM (Noon). Promptly thereafter, the Credentials Committee
shall amend its report to include late arriving delegates.
10.
11.
Report of Rules Committee
A.
The report of the Rules Committee shall include a proposed agenda and rules and
shall be provided to each delegate and alternate at least 10 days prior to the
Convention.
B.
After consideration and disposition of amendments, the Temporary Convention
Chair shall put the question on the adoption of the Rules Report.
Election of Permanent Chair
A.
Candidates for Permanent Chair of the Convention shall be nominated and
seconded by at least 50 delegates to the Convention. Each candidate may use up to
two (2) minutes on his or her own behalf for nominating and seconding speeches
and a speech by the candidate. The two (2) minutes may be allocated at the
candidate's discretion.
B.
A majority vote of the delegates present and voting shall be required to elect. If a
majority is not achieved on the first vote, then the nomination list shall be reduced to
the two receiving the highest totals and a succeeding vote shall be taken.
C.
The Permanent Chair shall take the gavel on announcement of the vote and shall
preside until adjournment. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair to conduct and
expedite the business of the Convention. The Chair is authorized to appoint a
person to temporarily perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair
and to take such lawful action as may be necessary to preserve order throughout the
Convention Hall.
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12.
13.
Election of At-Large Presidential Electors
A.
Two (2) of Washington State’s twelve (12) Presidential Electors shall be elected by
the State Convention delegates. One man and one woman shall be elected. Two (2)
alternates, one man and one woman, shall be elected by the State Convention
delegates to serve in place of the Electors if necessary.
B.
All candidates for Presidential Electors must be nominated and seconded by
delegates to the Convention and must be resident, registered voters of the state.
They need not be identified as to Presidential preference or uncommitted status. A
candidate need not be present to be elected but if not present must have filed a letter
of intent with the State Chair prior to the Convention. A second is required.
C.
Each candidate may use up to one (1) minute total for nominating, seconding,
and/or a candidate speech, to include the time spent by the Chair in reading the
letter for a candidate not in attendance. The one (1) minute may be allocated at the
candidate’s discretion.
D.
After nominations are completed, voting shall be by signed ballot with all positions
filled. Delegates will vote for one man and one woman. Any candidate for Elector
who receives a majority of the valid ballots cast on the first ballot shall be eligible for
election. If either of the available Elector positions have not been filled after the first
ballot a second ballot shall be held between the next two highest voter getters of the
appropriate gender for each position remaining in the field (if there is one position
remaining there will be two candidates, if there are two positions four candidates.) If
neither Elector is chosen on the first ballot, delegates will vote for one man and one
woman on the second ballot.
E.
The alternate shall be the next highest vote getter of the appropriate gender after the
election of the Electors.
Tally Periods
At the discretion of the chair, consideration of the platform and resolutions may take place
during tally periods without suspension of the rules.
14.
Ties Decided by Lot
In all voting for Permanent Chair or Presidential Electors ties shall be broken by lot.
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15.
16.
Consideration of Charter and Bylaws Amendments
A.
Consideration of amendments to the Charter will be out of order unless the
credentials report indicates that there are at least 701 delegate votes present, the
minimum number of affirmative votes needed for the Convention to pass a Charter
amendment.
B.
Proposed amendments to the Charter or Bylaws must have been submitted to the
state party office by Thursday, May 19, 2016, in accordance with Charter IX.A.1 and
Bylaws XII.B.
Dissemination of Draft Platform
The draft report of the Platform Committee shall be provided to each delegate and alternate
at least ten (10) days prior to the Convention. It shall be available on the State
Democratic Party website (http://www.wa-democrats.org).
17.
Submission of Proposed Amendments to the Platform and Resolutions
A.
A proposed amendment to the platform must be submitted with the signatures of at
least seventy-five (75) delegates (electronic signatures are not allowed, but faxed and
scanned signatures are allowed) and submitted by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 15,
2016.
B.
A proposed resolution must be submitted with the signatures of at least forty (40)
delegates, no more than twenty (20) of whom come from both the same County and
the same Legislative District (electronic signatures are not allowed, but faxed and
scanned signatures are allowed) and submitted by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 1,
2016.
C.
A hard copy or scanned copy of the platform amendment or resolution must be
received in the State Party office by the indicated deadline, along with an electronic
version that is editable in Microsoft Word. The State Party shall publicize
appropriate methods by which this submission can be done.
D.
The Platform Committee will determine whether an amendment or resolution meets
the test of a platform amendment, resolution or neither. If such a determination is
challenged, the Platform Committee Co-Chair shall explain the determination and
the challenge shall otherwise be non-debatable.
E.
The Platform Committee may establish additional methods by which platform
amendments or resolutions may be submitted.
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18.
19.
Presentation and Adoption of Platform at Convention
A.
The Convention shall adopt a platform that spells out the basic values and core
beliefs of Washington Democrats.
B.
The proposed platform shall be presented by the Platform Committee. At the
discretion of the Convention Chair, consideration of the platform may commence at
any time without amendment of the agenda or suspension of the rules. The order of
discussion of the sections of the platform shall be determined by lot prior to the
Convention by the Platform Committee.
C.
Challenges to the determination of platform amendments by the Platform
Committee shall be considered before any other amendments to the Platform.
D.
A motion for adoption of the platform as presented will be placed on the floor by
the Platform Committee. The Convention chair will entertain motions for debate.
Amendments to delete platform language shall be accepted from the floor with fifty
(50) seconds. Amendments to add language will not be in order.
Adoption of Resolutions by Convention
A.
Resolutions shall be consistent with the platform. They shall address specific or
transitory issues, include actionable language and be submitted in the required format
as publicized on the State Democratic Party’s website (http://www.wademocrats.org).
B.
Resolutions shall be considered by the Convention following final consideration of
the platform. Resolutions shall be grouped by related Platform topics. Within each
topic, the resolutions (if any) proposed by the Platform Committee shall be
considered first, followed by resolutions submitted in compliance with section 17
above. They shall be considered in the order in which they were received.
C.
The Platform Committee shall consider all resolutions submitted and may make a
recommendation on each of DO PASS, DO NOT PASS, or CONSOLIDATE.
Amendments and resolutions which are consolidated by the Platform Committee
shall be presented as consolidated. No amendments to the resolutions will be
accepted from the floor.
D.
Resolutions not acted upon at the Convention shall be referred to the State Central
Committee for Action.
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20.
Rules for Debate
Debate on any question before the Convention not otherwise covered in these rules shall be
limited in the following manner:
21.
A.
Only delegates have voice and vote from the floor of the Convention.
B.
Each speaker shall be limited to two (2) minutes.
C.
No more than two (2) speakers on each side of the question shall be recognized by
the Chair.
D.
Commencing at 3:00 PM or upon adoption of the platform, whichever event occurs
later, debate shall be limited to one (1) speaker on each side of the question for one
(1) minute each.
E.
Motions to table and to postpone indefinitely shall not be entertained.
F.
Except where a written ballot is required, votes from the floor shall be demonstrated
by display of delegate voting credential, rather than voice or standing vote.
G.
Any fifty (50) delegates may demand a division of the body.
Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 40% of the delegates seated upon the final report of the
Credentials Committee, as amended. A quorum call shall not be entertained prior to 4:00
PM, but in no event prior to the election of Presidential Electors and Alternates, prior to
adoption of the platform, and before at least one hour has been devoted to the consideration
of resolutions. Thereafter, in the event of a quorum call, the Chair shall ascertain the
presence or absence of a quorum by visual estimate or roll call of the delegations. The Chair
shall not proceed unless a quorum is present, provided that (a) a motion to adopt the full
platform without further amendment or debate, or (b) a motion to adjourn, may be
considered without a quorum present.
22.
Motion to Adjourn
A motion to adjourn shall not be entertained prior to the election of Presidential Electors
and Alternates, prior to adoption of the platform, and before at least one hour has been
devoted to the consideration of resolutions.
23.
Speakers at the Convention
The Chair of the Convention, at his or her sole discretion, may recognize other persons to
address the Convention.
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24.
No Endorsements
Except as otherwise provided in these rules, the Convention shall not endorse candidates.
Positions on initiatives may be taken only through properly submitted resolutions.
25.
Nominations of Statewide and Federal Officials
Nominations for statewide and federal elected positions shall be deferred to the next
meeting of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee.
26.
Suspension of the Rules
Provisions of these rules may be suspended only by a two-thirds vote.
27.
Robert's Rules
In other matters not specifically covered herein, the 2016 Delegate Selection and Affirmative
Action Plan, the Charter of the Democratic Party of the State of Washington, and Robert's
Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall prevail.
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2016 Washington State Democratic Convention
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center | 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
June 17-19, 2016
Convention Rules of Order
Proceedings at the Washington State Democratic Convention are governed by a number of different sets of
rules. These include, in general order of priority:





The Charter of the Democratic Party of the United States (the core document under which all
Democratic Party business is conducted)
The 2016 Delegate Selection Rules (describes how states may choose delegates to attend the 2016
Democratic National Convention; approved by the DNC in August 2014)
The Charter of the Democratic Party of Washington (the document under which all Democratic
Party business in Washington State is conducted)
The Washington State Democrats’ 2016 Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan
(describes how Washington State will choose its delegates to attend the 2016 Democratic National
Convention; approved by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee in April 2015 and
the DNC in September 2015)
The specific procedural Rules adopted by and for the 2016 Washington State Democratic
Convention (proposed by the State Convention Rules Committee and presented to the Convention
for approval on June 18, 2016)
When one of the above sets of rules does not govern a situation, we refer to a standard set of rules for
large meetings, Roberts’ Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Robert’s Rules can seem complex but they are
designed to reflect basic common sense principles of fairness:
1. A member of the meeting should not be allowed to speak twice on the same subject before someone
else has spoken once on the subject.
2. Every member of the meeting should have the opportunity to know what is going on at all times.
3. Only urgent matters may interrupt someone who is speaking or break into a queue.
4. The group discusses one idea at a time and makes a decision about that idea before going to the next
idea. Any exception to this is extraordinary and requires a motion and a vote.
5. In large meetings with heavy agendas time limits on debate are necessary to make sure the business at
the end of the meeting gets the same attention from the body as the business at the beginning.
6. Any deviation from the agreed upon rules is an extraordinary decision, made by the whole group.
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Motions and Debate
Under Robert’s Rules, new ideas are brought to the meeting by a report, an agenda item, or as new business.
Each of these events creates a new piece of business called a “motion” that is then up for discussion. In
most cases, a motion must be seconded before it can be discussed. The chair will ask if any delegate present
wishes to second the motion. Only once a second delegate has indicated support can a motion be considered
by the body.
Once a motion has been made and seconded and put before the group by the chair for discussion, it will be
discussed in an orderly fashion and then voted upon. Depending on how you feel about a motion, there are a
number of things you may want to do:
If you want to tell people why they should vote for or against the motion…


During the discussion period for the motion, join the queue of speakers. After being recognized by
the chair, state your position (“I am for/against the motion because…”) and then make your case within
the time limit allowed by the rules of the day. Most of the time, each speaker will be limited to two
minutes, and only two speakers will be allowed for each side.
If you are in the queue and concerned that you will be skipped, first consider whether it is urgent
enough to interrupt other speakers. If so, say “Point of Order,” wait for recognition by the chair, and
then point out the urgent problem.
If you have a question about the facts behind a motion or something claimed by another speaker (or
if you wish to correct something said by another speaker)…


Join the queue of speakers. After being recognized by the chair, state your question or correct the
previous speaker. Address your questions to the chair who will then seek appropriate clarification.
Do not initiate a conversation with another speaker, as it makes it very hard for the rest of the group
to follow what is happening.
Do not attempt to interrupt with a “Point of Information” – that is disruptive and time-consuming. See
the proper use of “Point of Information” later in the document.
If you want to change the wording of the motion or add or subtract from the motion without
fundamentally changing the topic…


Join the queue of speakers. After being recognized by the chair, say “I move to amend the motion by…”
and then state that you want to add words to the motion, strike words from the motion, or strike and
replace words. Certain motions, such as Charter Amendments, are not amendable because of notice
requirements described in the Charter itself (remember, Robert’s Rules are superseded by specific
rules in other documents.) Other motions may not be amendable under the rules of the Convention
(For example, resolutions cannot be amended during the debate. The Convention will have a lot of
resolutions to get through, and debating the specific wording of each one will take up too much
time.)
If the motion you want to change is amendable and your motion to amend is seconded, your
proposal to change the motion will be discussed next. You should explain your reasons for making
the change only after the motion is seconded and discussion begins. The amendment will be either
accepted or rejected by a vote and then the discussion of whether to accept the main motion will
continue.
16
If you want to stop the debate and immediate vote (also known as “calling the question” or
“previous question”)…


Join the queue to speak. After being recognized by the chair, say “I move to close the debate.” Before
doing so, please recognize that this will require a 2/3 vote (or unanimous consent) and will often take
longer than just listening to those who still want to speak.
Your motion must be seconded, and there will be no discussion of the idea of closing debate. The
motion must pass with 2/3 of the group’s votes.
You are confused about the main motion or a procedure underway and need immediate
clarification…


Do not wait for recognition from the chair. Wait until the current speaker is done, and say “Point of
Information” in a loud voice. The chair will recognize you, ask you to state your question, and will then
attempt to clarify the situation.
If there is a queue of speakers, consider joining the queue and speaking on your turn. Only interrupt
with a Point of Information if it looks like there will be a vote or some other motion before you can
find out what’s happening.
17
Example Consideration of a Motion
Order
1
Step
(During a pause in business)
What to say
“Mr./Madam chair.”
A member rises and addresses the chair.
2
The chair recognizes the member.
“The chair recognizes the delegate from the
50th Legislative District.”
3
The member makes a motion.
“I move to print a copy of Robert’s Rules for
all delegates.”
4
Another member seconds the motion.
“Second.”
5
The chair states the motion.
“It is moved and seconded to print a copy
of Robert’s Rules for all delegates. Is there
any debate?”
6
The members debate the motion.
“The chair recognizes the maker of the
motion to speak to it. . . .”
7
The chair puts the question, and the
members vote.
8
The chair announces the result of the vote.
“Are there any other members wishing to
speak on this motion?”
“Those in favor of adopting the motion to
print a copy of Robert’s Rules for all
delegates, raise your credential. [pause]
Those opposed, raise your credential.”
“In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have
it, and the motion carries. A copy of Robert’s
Rules will be printed for all delegates.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out whether I’m allowed to make a certain proposal?
If you want to propose something reasonable during a meeting, you may join the queue and just ask the chair
how to do it using parliamentary procedure. Some examples include:




Stopping discussion on a motion temporarily and moving it later in the day
Departing from the agenda to discuss something specific
Limiting debate to a certain amount of time or number of speakers
Taking a short break
The chair may advise you against your proposal, or even tell you your proposal is “Out of Order” (not allowed
under the rules).
How are votes conducted?
A typical Convention will consist of dozens of votes, and counting the exact number of delegates voting on
each side of an issue is time-consuming. In order to keep things moving, but also to give everyone’s vote an
equal chance to be recognized, most votes on matters of substance will be conducted by show of credentials.
The chair will attempt to quickly decide which side has the majority. If the chair cannot decide, they may call
on the Tally Committee to help them conduct a “roll call vote”, which involves individually counting each
delegate vote.
If a delegate feels that the chair’s determination was in error, they can also call for a roll call vote by saying
“Division” in a loud voice immediately after the chair’s determination. A motion for division requires 50
seconds (the chair will ask for those supporting the motion for division to raise their credential), and, if
successful, will be followed by a roll call vote. Roll call votes are very time-consuming, so only call for one if
you truly believe that the chair’s determination was in error.
What if something is preventing me from participating in debate (you can’t hear, something is
making you uncomfortable, etc.)?
If the problem is not urgent, join the queue to speak, wait for recognition, and begin by saying “I have a
question of privilege.” Then state the problem.
If the problem is urgent, don’t wait for recognition from the chair. Say “Question of Privilege” in a loud voice.
The chair will recognize you, ask you to state the problem, and will then attempt to resolve the problem.
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2016 Washington State Democratic Convention
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center | 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
June 17-19, 2016
National Convention Delegates
The Washington State Democratic Party will send 118 Delegates to the National
Convention: 67 District-Level Delegates, 22 At-Large Delegates, 12 PLEO (Party Leaders & Elected
Officials) Delegates, and 17 Superdelegates.
The Washington State Delegation also includes 8 Alternates, 9 Standing Committee
Members (appointed by the Presidential campaigns), and 3 Pages.
How to become an official National Delegate candidate
STEP 1: Be a registered voter in our state
STEP 2: Submit a Statement of Candidacy form (www.wa-democrats.org/nationalconvention)
In order to run as an At-Large or PLEO National Delegate at the State Convention,
submit your Statement of Candidacy by June 10th at 5:00 PM
STEP 3: Run to be elected as a National Delegate by giving a short speech
Candidates for At-Large and PLEO Delegate positions will run on Sunday, June 19, 2016
beginning at 9:00am at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. At-Large and
PLEO Delegates will be elected by members of the State Central Committee representing
each Legislative District
*67 District-Level National Delegates have already been elected at the Congressional District
Caucuses on May 21st.
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What to expect at National Convention
The 2016 Democratic National Convention will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from
Monday July 25th through Thursday July 28th. The Washington Delegation will be housed along
with the Massachusetts Delegation at the Sheraton Society Hill on the Delaware River, just half a mile
from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Daytime committee, caucus, and council meetings will take place at the Pennsylvania
Convention Center – 1.5 miles from our hotel – and convention floor activities in the evening will be
at the Wells Fargo Center – about 4 miles away.
Delegation Breakfast Meetings will be held daily at the Sheraton Society Hill each morning of
the convention. On Monday and Wednesday, the Washington Delegation will meet separately. On
Tuesday and Thursday, the Washington and Massachusetts Delegations will meet jointly. We will
be joined by special guest speakers each day, to be announced. Delegates will pick up their daily
Convention Credentials immediately prior to and following each breakfast meeting.
The Washington and Massachusetts State Parties will host a joint Welcome Reception on
Sunday, July 24th, at 5:30 PM aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia – a cruise ship docked on the
Delaware River complete with food, drinks, and an open air top deck.
The Washington and Massachusetts State Parties will join the Ohio State Party in hosting
a Convention Watch Party on Thursday, July 28th, at the Positano Coast restaurant, just down the
block from the Sheraton Society Hill. This will be an excellent place for guests without convention
floor passes to watch the speeches and votes.
Delegates and Alternates who are elected to represent Washington State at the National
Convention will receive further information shortly after the conclusion of the State Convention.
There is no fee to attend National Convention. However, Delegation members will need
to pay independently for travel, lodging, and all meals outside of the daily breakfasts and the
Welcome Reception dinner on Sunday. Guests will be able to purchase an event pass to attend the
daily breakfasts, reception, and watch party. Guests will not have Convention Credentials and
therefore will not be able to join the Delegation on the convention floor.
Hotel rooms at the host hotel in Philadelphia cost $329+ per night. Delegates and
Alternates should plan on arriving in Philadelphia by the afternoon of Sunday, July 24th, and
departing on Friday, July 29th. Rooms in the host hotel are not available outside those dates.
Although Delegates are not required to stay at the host hotel, it is highly recommended as all
delegation meetings will take place in the hotel and all complimentary transportation provided by
the DNC will depart from and return to the host hotel. If you do not stay at the host hotel, you
will be responsible for getting yourself to and from all convention events.
Hotel reservations at the host hotel cannot be made until the Delegation is certified by the
DNC after the State Convention. There is 1 room held for every member of the Delegation.
Members of the delegation will receive regular updates via email as further details are
released by the DNC.
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WASHINGTON STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
The State Party is managed by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee
(WSDCC). The WSDCC is made up of one man and one woman from each Legislative District and
County. They meet several times a year in locations around the state.
The WSDCC is governed by the following documents, available at www.wademocrats.org/about/documents:
 State Party Platform: States the Party’s beliefs and positions
 Charter: Describes the structure of the Party
 Bylaws: Rules for how the Party conducts business
Every two years the WSDCC elects a Chair. They also elect other members of the Executive
Board, nominate statewide candidates, pass resolutions, and perform other Party business.
The Chair hires staff and manages a central office, currently located in Seattle. Every two
years, the Party runs a Coordinated Campaign, which works to elect Democrats up and down the
ballot.
Each State Party
sends
representatives to
the Democratic
National Committee
(DNC)
Washington State Democratic
Central Committee (WSDCC)
Each Legislative District and County has a Local
Party Organization that holds monthly meetings,
nominates and endorses local candidates, recruits
and manages PCOs, passes resolutions, and
campaigns for local candidates. More info at:
www.wa-democrats.org/local
Democratic voters in elect Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs). PCOs are
community organizers who represent a precinct — an area determined by
county governments which can be comprised of a group of houses or
several blocks. PCOs are the largest group of voting members in State
Party elections and proceedings. More info at: www.wademocrats.org/local/pco
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