We are calling for a General Membership Meeting for the Costa Banderas chapter of Democrats Abroad for Thursday October 22 starting at 4:00 PM. We will convene upstairs at Nacho Daddy Restaurant (Basilio Badillo 287, Col. Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
The key purpose of the meeting is to approve chapter bylaws revisions prior to the Annual General Meeting to be scheduled in February 2027. Other agenda items will include:
- • Updates on Vote From Abroad, including ongoing help for Overseas voters, updates on laws, lawsuits, and other current challenges.
• Critical races, and
• What is left to complete before election.
Please review the following bylaws revisions noted in red:
DEMOCRATS ABROAD MEXICO COSTA BANDERAS CHAPTER BYLAWS
Adopted: March 05, 2020
Amended: November 19, 2026
Article I: Name of the Organization
These Bylaws govern an organization having as its name Democrats Abroad Mexico-Costa Banderas Chapter (“DAMX-CB”).
Article II: Purpose and Relationship to Democrats Abroad Mexico (DAMX)
2.1 DAMX Chapter
The organization is a chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico, which is a constituent member of the Democratic Party Committee Abroad (“DPCA”) as a Country Committee within Democrats Abroad.
2.2 Purposes
The purposes of the organization shall be to advance the interests and ideals of the Democratic Party of the United States (“Democratic Party”) and of Democrats Abroad, as stated in the Charter of the Democratic Party (§17), the Bylaws of Democrats Abroad, and the Bylaws of DAMX, and to provide a platform for appropriate action by its members and supporters who reside within the boundaries approved by DAMX for DAMX-CB.
Article III: Members
3.1 Membership Requirements
Individuals who wish to join DAMX-CB must meet all of the following qualifications: (i) be citizens of the United States; (ii) be of voting age, meaning having attained eighteen (18) years of age by the next federal election subsequent to joining; (iii) subscribe to the principles of the Democratic Party of the United States, as defined by the Preamble to the current Democratic Party Platform, and of Democrats Abroad; and (iv) be residents of Mexico within the defined chapter boundaries. Membership in DAMX-CB automatically results in membership in Democrats Abroad and DAMX. A member may belong to only one chapter at a time.
3.2 Application Process for Membership
To join DAMX-CB, the DPCA online membership application form must be completed. It is available on the Democrats Abroad website, i.e., http://www.democratsabroad.org/join.
3.3 Consent to Personal Data Use
By becoming members of DAMX-CB, members explicitly consent to the delivery of their names and all other information contained on the membership forms to the DPCA for such lawful use thereof by the DPCA.
3.4 Validation of Personal Data
Members have the right to inspect and correct their own membership data as maintained in the DPCA membership database.
3.5 Limitations on Use of Personal Data
Membership records shall be kept confidential, and they shall not be available to any person other than members of DPCA, the DAMX Executive Committee, and DAMX members with designated responsibility in connection with elections or database management. All individuals with access to membership data shall sign and adhere to the terms of the current DPCA Confidentiality Agreement. No use of the membership database is permitted for purposes other than those related to the activities of (i) the Democratic Party, (ii) Democrats Abroad, (iii) DAMX, or (iv) DAMX-CB. No candidate for any office may use or access the membership database directly for the purposes of campaigning for office or soliciting votes.
3.6 Membership Database Maintenance
Membership records shall be maintained by the Membership Chair in a manner consistent with DPCA requirements and applicable data security laws. A validated and up-to-date chapter membership list shall be available to the Secretary of Membership of DAMX no later than January 31 of each year in such form and format as the DPCA shall require.
3.7 Cessation of Chapter Membership
Chapter members shall cease to be chapter members if they no longer reside in the defined chapter boundaries of DAMX-CB. Criteria for determining residency shall be in accordance with DPCA policy documents, including the current DPCA Country Committee Election Procedures (“DA-CCEP”). If chapter members move out of the chapter boundaries or wish to resign, they may notify the DAMX-CB Membership Chair in writing. A former chapter member may be reinstated under the same conditions as adding a new member, pursuant to Article 3.2.
3.8 Removal from Membership
The Executive Board (“Board”) of DAMX-CB may refer a chapter member who, by their actions, demonstrates that they no longer subscribe to the principles of the Democratic Party of the United States and of Democrats Abroad, to the DAMX Board of Directors for removal from membership in DAMX. The Board of DAMX-CB shall adopt such rules of procedure as it deems necessary to ensure that a referral for removal to the DAMX Board of Directors is done in a fair manner.
Article IV: Executive Board
4.1 Members of the Executive Board
The DAMX-CB Board shall be composed of the elected Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Immediate Past Chair (the latter pursuant to Article 4.8); and at least three (3), but not to exceed seven (7) Members-At-Large. Non-voting members include DPCA Voting Representatives and non-Member-At-Large Committee Chairs, who shall be observer members of the Board.
4.2 Gender Balance
Following Democratic Party and DPCA policy, the Chair and the Vice Chair shall be of different genders. To the extent practicable, the Officers shall be balanced as to gender.
4.3 Responsibilities of the Chair
The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of the organization; shall call and preside at all meetings of members and the Executive Board; shall establish the agenda of such meetings; and shall be responsible for carrying out the programs, policies, and activities approved by the organization. The Chair shall be responsible for ensuring the organization is in compliance with local and host-country laws and regulations. The Chair shall sit ex officio on all committees, except for the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC), of the organization, with full voting privileges. In the event of a vacancy on the Executive Board, the Chair may appoint a successor to complete the term. This appointment is provisional until approved by the membership at the next annual or special meeting. The Chair shall serve on the DAMX Board of Directors as a Chapter Representative, which term shall commence thirty (30) days immediately after the DAMX Annual General Meeting (“AGM”), and shall serve no more than two two-year terms as such. Decisions or actions taken by the Chair may be overruled by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Executive Board.
4.4 Vice Chair
The Vice Chair shall be charged with supporting the Chair of the chapter and implementing the decisions of the Executive Board, and shall, in the absence of the Chair, call and preside at meetings of members and the Executive Board. If the office of Chair should become vacant, the Vice Chair shall assume the responsibilities of the Chair.
The Vice Chair shall have such other duties as the Chair may define, including acting as Chapter Representative to the DAMX Board of Directors in the Chair’s absence.
4.5 Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes of Executive Board meetings, and for keeping on file the minutes of all meetings, including committee meetings, as well as all files and administrative records of the organization. The minutes of all meetings shall be made available to all DAMX-CB members without undue delay. The Secretary shall assist the Chair in the preparation, organization, and distribution of materials and documents for Executive Board meetings, and shall assist in the scheduling and notification of meetings. The Secretary shall provide chapter Executive Board minutes in a timely fashion to the Secretary for Administrative Records of DAMX.
The Secretary shall have such other duties as the Chair may define.
4.6 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the organization, present financial reports to the Executive Board, prepare an annual budget, and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law. All such records shall be available for review and comment by DAMX-CB members. The Treasurer shall serve on the Finance Committee of DAMX. The Treasurer shall provide chapter financial reports in a timely fashion to the Treasurer of DAMX.
The Treasurer shall have such other duties as the Chair may define.
4.7 Parliamentarian
The Parliamentarian shall be available for consultation by the Executive Board on legal and procedural questions relating to DAMX-CB and its activities. The Parliamentarian shall serve on the Governance Committee of DAMX. This person shall also act as Parliamentarian during all meetings.
The Parliamentarian shall have such other duties as the Chair may define.
4.8 Immediate Past Chair
The Immediate Past Chair of DAMX-CB shall serve as an ex officio voting member of the Board for one (1) two-year term, provided that they have not lost the immediately preceding election, resigned, or are otherwise disqualified.
The Immediate Past Chair shall have such other duties as the Chair may define.
4.9 Members-At-Large
Members-At-Large participate in the work of the Board to support the organization by chairing committees as requested by the Chair, and by engaging in such projects and committees as is needed for the effective functioning of DAMX-CB.
4.10 Other Voting Members
Any member of DAMX-CB who is also a member of the Democratic National Committee (“DNC”) or an International Officer of the DPCA shall be an ex officio member of the Board with full voting privileges.
4.11 Voting Privileges
No matter how many offices on the Board a Board member may hold, each Board member is entitled to cast only one (1) vote.
4.12 Term of Office
All members of the Board shall be elected every two (2) years in odd-numbered years at the AGM of the organization, which meeting shall be held no later than March 15. They shall be elected for a term expiring upon the election of their successors. No Board member may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same position.
4.13 Expiration of Term
Except for the Immediate Past Chair (pursuant to 4.8), the terms of all incumbent members of the Board shall automatically expire upon the election of their successors.
4.14 Removal for Absence
Any Board member who misses three (3) consecutive, regularly called meetings of the Executive Board may be removed from the Executive Board by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Chapter Board at a duly convened AGM or special meeting of the membership, at which meeting the question of such removal is on the agenda sent out at least thirty (30) days in advance, and at which the person in question is given due opportunity to contest the removal and explain the reasons for their absence.
4.15 Removal for Detrimental Conduct
Any Board member may be removed from office for conduct detrimental to DAMX-CB by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Chapter Board at a duly convened AGM or special meeting of the membership, at which meeting the question of such removal is on the agenda sent out at least thirty (30) days in advance, and at which the member in question is given due opportunity to contest the removal and explain the reasons for their conduct alleged to be detrimental to DAMX-CB. Examples of conduct detrimental to DAMX-CB. follow: (i) speaking against the host country while purporting to speak on behalf of DAMX-CB or the DPCA, (ii) soliciting funds or in-kind services from non-Americans, (iii) violating the DPCA Code of Conduct, and (iv) failure to perform their duties.
Article V: Executive Board Responsibilities
5.1 Schedule of Meetings
The Board shall meet at least quarterly upon call by the Chair for the purpose of consulting with and advising the Chair in the administration of the organization. A meeting of the Board of Directors may be called by any three (3) elected members.
5.2 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Board shall be responsible for the conduct of the affairs of DAMX-CB in accordance with the policies of the DNC, the DPCA, DAMX, and DAMX-CB. The Board shall be composed of members able and willing to attend meetings in person or electronically, and to take responsibility to chair a committee, and/or to serve on at least one committee. The Board may act in meeting, by telephone, by video conference, by email, or by other written or electronic means. The Board shall adopt a budget for DAMX-CB prior to the end of the fiscal year. Decisions taken by the Board shall be by simple majority vote of those present in person or participating by approved real-time electronic means at a meeting of the Board; or, if such a vote is taken by email or other written form, by a simple majority of the entire Board. A meeting of the Board may be called by any three (3) members of the Board, if not so called by the Chair. A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum, pursuant to Article 11.6.
5.3 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of DAMX-CB shall be from January 1 through December 31.
5.4 Code of Conduct
All members of the Executive Board are expected to adhere to the DPCA Code of Conduct and other procedures and policies defined by the DPCA, as well as to policies and procedures adopted by the Boards of Directors of DAMX and Executive Board DAMX-CB.
5.5 Policies and Procedures
The Executive Board of DAMX-CB may adopt such policies and rules of procedure as it deems appropriate.
Article VI: Committees
6.1 Standing Committees
DAMX-CB shall have the following Standing Committees: Membership, Voter Registration/Get Out The Vote (GOTV), Fundraising, and Communications.
6.2 Ad Hoc Committees
The Chair may create one or more Ad Hoc Committees, with such functions and responsibilities as the Chair shall designate. Ad Hoc committees will automatically end after the election of a new DAMX-CB. Chair unless reauthorized by the new DAMX-CB Chair.
6.3 Committee Chair Appointments
The Chair shall appoint or remove the chairs of the Standing Committees and the Ad Hoc Committees, which shall be subject to approval at the meeting of the Executive Board following such appointment or revocation. The membership of each such committee shall be selected by the Committee Chair after consultation with the DAMX-CB Chair.
6.4 Expiration of Term
The terms for all Committee Chairs and committee members shall automatically expire following the election of a new DAMX-CB Chair.
6.5 Meetings
The Standing Committees shall meet at least every other month upon the call of the Committee Chair. Minutes of all meetings shall be provided to the Secretary, or the Committee Chair may report on the committee´s meeting to the Executive Committee at its next meeting.
6.6 Reports
All committees shall periodically report on their activities to the Executive Board. Each committee shall prepare an annual report for distribution to the membership prior to the AGM.
Article VII: Standing Committee Responsibilities
7.1 Membership Committee
The Membership Committee shall be chaired by the DAMX-CB Membership Chair. The Membership Chair shall coordinate and oversee the annual membership database review for reporting an accurate membership count to the DAMX Secretary for Membership by January 31 of each year. The Committee shall implement strategies to increase DAMX-CB membership. The Committee may include chapter members with expertise in this area, in consultation with the DAMX-CB Chair.
7.2 Voter Registration/GOTV Committee
The GOTV Committee shall be chaired by the DAMX-CB GOTV Chair. The committee shall conduct the DNC Global Presidential Primary and GOTV efforts and implement strategies to increase voter participation from voters residing within the chapter boundaries. The committee may include other DAMX-CB members with expertise in this area, in consultation with the DAMX-CB Chair.
7.3 Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee shall be chaired by the DAMX-CB Fundraising Chair. The committee shall implement strategies and conduct fundraising efforts to increase the amount of financial support directed to the organization. The committee may include other DAMX-CB members with expertise in this area, in consultation with the DAMX-CB Chair.
7.4 Communications Committee
The Communications Committee shall be chaired by the DAMX-CB Communications Chair, The committee shall be responsible for conducting all DAMX-chapter abbr. internal and external communications, abiding by DPCA guidelines. Communications may be understood to encompass such activities and initiatives as social media, media relations, advocacy, and other like activities. The committee may include other DAMX-CB members with expertise in this area, in consultation with the DAMX-CB Chair.
Article VIII: Chapter Responsibilities
8.1 Chapter Bylaws
The chapter shall adopt bylaws based on the DAMX Model Chapter Bylaws to ensure alignment with DAMX Bylaws and compliance with the DPCA. If there is a conflict between a chapter’s bylaws and DAMX Bylaws, the Bylaws of DAMX shall take precedence. If warranted, the issue may be presented to the International Counsel of the DPCA for resolution.
8.2 Elections
For new chapters, election of chapter officers, at a minimum, shall be held promptly following admission. Thereafter, during each odd-numbered year, election of chapter officers and members-at-large shall be held no later than March 15. Chapter elections shall be conducted and held consistent with the procedures for elections of current Democrats Abroad-Country Committee Election Procedures (DA-CCEP).
8.3 Voting Stations and GOTV Activities
The chapter shall be responsible for managing at least one local voting center during the DNC Global Presidential Primary (“GPP”) and for conducting GOTV activities during midterm and presidential election years.
8.4 Financial Support
The chapter shall transfer to DAMX the greater of the following: Fifteen percent (15%) of actual expenditures generated by the chapter during each quarter; or MX$3,000 $165USD for chapters with fewer than 700 members; or MX$5,000 $275USD from each chapter with 700 or more members.
Said funds shall be payable on or before the last day of the month following each successive quarter. For example, the first quarter assessment of the calendar year shall be due and payable by May 1.
8.5 Chapter Compliance
The Chapter shall be in compliance with DAMX Bylaws, policies, and procedures. Examples of non-compliance include, but are not limited to, as follows: (i) not holding an AGM of the membership; (ii) not adopting aligned bylaws pursuant to Article 8.1; (iii) not holding election of officers pursuant to Article 8.2; (iv) failure to participate in the GPP and GOTV pursuant to Article 8.3; or (v) failure to pay its assessed contribution to the Country Committee, pursuant to Article 8.4.
Article IX: Nominations and Elections
9.1 Nominations and Elections Committee
Every two (2) years in odd-numbered years and at least forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual General Meeting, but in any event no later than February 1 of an election year, a Nominations and Elections Committee (hereinafter “NEC”) of at least three (3) members of DAMX-CB shall be named by the Chair with the approval of the Executive Board. The members of the NEC shall elect a chair from among its appointed members. All NEC members shall be subject to the obligations of confidentiality, pursuant to Article 3.5. This committee shall be empowered to receive nominations of members for elected Officer positions and Members-at-Large from the membership and to make nominations, with the assent of the nominated member, for any open position.
9.2 Establishing Voting Procedures
At the meeting approving the appointment of the NEC, the Executive Board shall decide, in view of local circumstances and to promote the greatest participation, on the rules and procedures for the balloting and elections. They shall define proxy and voting procedures and procedures for notifying members of the election process. To the extent possible under the rules of the DNC and the DPCA, provision shall be made to enable members to vote remotely via a personally verifiable electronic means (e.g., by survey, fax, email, via the Web, etc.).
9.3 Nominations Invitation
The NEC shall notify the membership and solicit nominations no fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the AGM at which an election will be held. Any member of the organization wishing to run for an open position and not nominated by the NEC shall declare their candidacy in writing to the Chair of the NEC at least seventeen (17) days before the AGM.
9.4 Ballot Preparation and Distribution
The chair of the NEC shall prepare ballots containing the names of the nominated candidates for distribution to the membership of the organization no earlier than seventeen (17) days before the AGM and no later than fourteen (14) days before such meeting. Such ballots shall be posted to the DAMX-CB page on the DPCA website and emailed to all DAMX-chapter abbr. members no less than fourteen (14) days before the election meeting.
9.5 Candidate Presentations
The NEC shall ensure that nominated candidates have reasonable and equitable opportunity to present their candidacy, qualifications, and platforms prior to the elections. The NEC shall ensure adequate distribution of all such information to the membership, including posting for download on the DPCA website.
9.6 Restrictions on Nominations from the Floor
If there is no declared candidate for an open position at an election meeting, then members may nominate a candidate from the floor. Otherwise, there may be no nominations from the floor of the meeting.
9.7 Nominations for Special Election
In the case of an election held to fill an Officer vacancy pursuant to Article 10.4, the election shall be held at a special meeting of the membership or at the next AGM, following the rules given in Articles IX and X.
9.8 DPCA Election Procedures
The DAMX-CB election procedures shall adhere to and follow as practicably as possible the current DA-CCEP and other relevant policy guidelines.
Article X: Elections
10.1 Elections and the Counting of Ballots
The NEC shall run the election part of any membership meeting. Members of the Board shall be elected by a simple plurality of votes of (i) the members voting at the AGM (or in the case of a vacancy, at the general meeting at which the election is held); or (ii) by written or electronic ballot (e.g., email, Web) counted at the AGM (or in the case of a vacancy, at the general meeting at which the election is held). All ballots and votes shall be verified and counted by tellers appointed by the NEC to count the votes. The candidate receiving the most votes shall be elected.
In the case of a tie in the number of votes cast for an elected position, an immediate, on-the-spot run-off election shall be held following the announcement of the voting tie result. In such a case, absentee ballots will not be admitted in the runoff election. In the case of a tie, and if a challenge is raised at the election meeting, then a run-off election date shall be set, allowing at least fifteen (15) days for the NEC to hear the complaint and adjudicate the challenge, with a further minimum seven (7) days for voter notification and ballot distribution. Absentee ballots may be admitted in such a run-off election.
10.2 No Secret Ballot
In accord with Democratic Party and DPCA policy, there is no secret ballot voting in DAMX-CB elections. All ballots cast must include such personal identification and contact data (i.e., name, phone, email address) as to allow for validation that the voter is a member of DAMX-CB, and to confirm that votes are counted as the voter intended. An electronically submitted ballot with a typed name shall constitute a valid “signature,” so long as the ballot is submitted from the email address registered in the DPCA membership database.
10.3 Vacancy of the Chair
If the position of Chair becomes vacant for whatever reason, the Vice Chair shall succeed to the office of Chair, in accordance with Article 4.4. Elections shall be held to fill the office of Vice Chair in accordance with Article 10.4. Any Vice Chair succeeding to the office of Chair shall serve only until after the election of their successor at the next regular election.
10.4 Elections for Vacancies
Any vacancy among the members of the Board shall be filled by an election held at the next AGM of the members of the organization, in conformity with Articles IX and X. Until such vacancy is filled by an election, the Chair may make an interim appointment at their discretion of a member to fill the vacancy. This appointment is provisional until approved by the membership at the next annual or special meeting. Any Board member elected at an election shall serve only until the election of their successor at the next regular election.
10.5 Election Challenges
An election may be challenged by any eligible member. Challenges must be submitted in writing to the NEC within thirty (30) days of the election. The NEC shall hear and adjudicate all election challenges in accord with the DA-CCEP and the DPCA Rules of Procedure.
10.6 Election Reporting
The certified minutes of the election meeting shall be reported to the DAMX Secretary for Administrative Records together with the complete contact information of all elected Officers, within fifteen (15) days of the election. The election results shall also be reported promptly to the full membership.
Article XI: Meetings
11.1 Notice of Meetings
Notice of (i) Annual General Meetings, (ii) meetings at which elections and decisions on removals from office will be held, and (iii) meetings to amend these Bylaws shall be sent to members at least thirty (30) days before the meeting via the official membership email distribution list and the DPCA website. Notice of other meetings of members (with no less than fourteen [14] days’ written notice) shall be given via the official membership email distribution list and/or the DPCA website, as well as by other means as the Chair shall prescribe.
11.2 Annual General Meeting
An AGM of members shall be held no later than March 15 of each year and shall act upon the following: (i) approval of the accounts and the reports of the Chair and the Treasurer for the preceding calendar year; (ii) in election years, the election of the Board members, (iii) approval of the minutes from the previous AGM; (iv) such other business as the Chair may deem appropriate; and (v) other agenda items submitted pursuant to Article 11.8.
11.3 Other Meetings of the General Membership
Other meetings of the membership may be held from time to time upon call by (i) the Chair, (ii) three (3) members of the Executive Board, or (iii) the lesser of ten percent (10%) of the membership or twenty (20) members who request the holding of a meeting.
11.4 Meetings Open to All Members
All meetings of the general membership shall be open to the membership and conducted in accordance with these Bylaws (including the provisions in Article 11.1).
11.5 Manner of Assembly
Meetings of DAMX-CB may be held in person, by telephone, by video conference, or by such electronic means as the Executive Board may approve by a two-thirds (2/3) majority.
11.6 Constituting a Quorum
A quorum is required for any meeting to have a valid vote, pass resolutions, or elect Officers. For the purposes hereof, a quorum shall be determined as follows: (i) for meetings of the membership, the lesser of ten percent (10%) of the membership or twenty (20) members; (ii) for meetings of the Executive Board or any committee, a simple majority of the members, provided that the chair or vice chair of such committee is present. In addition, a person attending or voting by approved real-time electronic means (e.g. teleconference, video conference, etc.) shall be counted as in attendance for the purposes of achieving a quorum, in accordance with Article 11.5.
11.7 Failure to Call a Meeting
If the Chair fails to call a meeting in a timely manner for whatever reason, the Secretary or another Officer shall call the meeting.
11.8 Meeting Agenda
The agenda of a meeting of the membership shall include any item of business submitted in writing to the Chair two (2) weeks in advance by any three (3) members of the Executive Board; or the lesser of ten percent (10%) of the membership or ten (10) members. The agenda of any meeting of the Executive Board, or a committee, shall include any item of business submitted in writing to the Chair two (2) weeks in advance of said meeting by any two (2) members of the committee.
11.9 Governing by Robert’s Rules
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, as determined by the Counsel, for all procedural matters not governed by these Bylaws, or by the Bylaws, policies, and rules of procedure of the DPCA.
Article XII: Rules Applicable to the Chapter
The functioning of the DAMX-CB shall be governed by (i) these Bylaws and such rules as the Board of Directors may adopt and (ii) the Bylaws and rules and regulations of DAMX, the DPCA, and by the Charter and Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Democratic Party of the United States. In the event of a conflict between these DAMX-CB Bylaws [item (i) above] and the DAMX Bylaws, DPCA Charter, or rules and regulations of either the DPCA or the Democratic Party [item (ii) above], the documents, rules, and regulations of the latter [item (ii)] shall prevail.
Article XIII: Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of DAMX-CB present in person at a duly constituted general meeting of DAMX-CB. Written text of any proposed amendments shall be distributed at least thirty (30) days before the meeting at which such amendments shall be discussed or voted upon.