Volunteer for a role that could help shape America. Deadline for nominations: February 11, 2021
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Democrats Abroad Canada - Hamilton will take place on March 28. The meeting will be held online with details to be shared with members who register to attend. Details and RSVP here.
The election of our chapter officers and board members will take place at the AGM. Your online ballots will be emailed to you March 13 with instructions on how to complete the ballot by March 27.
The Nominations Committee is seeking nominations for the following offices: Chapter Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, Membership Secretary and three (3) Members-at-Large.
There will be an online information session on Monday, February 1st, 7:30 - 8 pm. Zoom link and details will be sent to any member who RSVP’s here. Position descriptions for each office are below.
Important Dates:
- January 25: Nominations open - submit via Nomination Submission Form
- February 1: Election Information Drop-in Session at 7:30 - 8:00 pm ET
- February 11: Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET
- March 13: Ballots distributed to chapter membership
- March 27: Ballots must be cast by 11:59 pm ET
- March 28: Democrats Abroad Canada - Hamilton AGM at 7:30 - 8:00 pm ET
Term: starting March 28, 2021 for two years, ending approximately March 2023.
Board Members may serve a limit of two terms. In the event there is no candidate for a Board office, an Officer who has served two-consecutive terms in that office may be elected to a third term, pending approval by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of votes cast by members present at the biennial AGM. Candidates wishing to run for a third term may complete the nomination form (below) in order to inform the Nominations and Elections Committee of their willingness to run, however their name will not appear on the electronic ballot, since they can only be elected through nomination from the floor.
Eligibility: A nominee must be a currently registered member of Democrats Abroad Canada Hamilton Chapter and willing and able to handle their duties while adhering to the principles of the Democratic Party of the United States. A nominee must give their consent to stand for election. A nominee is not eligible when prohibited (i.e., term limits) per the Democrats Abroad Canada by laws.
Nomination Process: Self-nomination and nomination forms must be submitted with a candidate statement via this Nomination Submission Form.
Please contact the Nominations and Elections Committee if you require accommodation in submitting a nomination form: [email protected]
Board Meetings: Board members are expected to actively participate in the management of the Chapter, including attendance at board meetings, either in-person or virtually.
Nominations and Elections Committee Equity Statement: Democrats Abroad Hamilton’s Nominations and Elections Committee will actively work to recognize, develop and promote initiatives that build equity, diversity, and inclusion in the election process, including, but not limited to, removing barriers of race, sex, gender, age, physical disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic status. These efforts will prioritize actions to ensure that all members are treated in a fair and ethical manner and are supported in their paths to success. For more information, please contact the committee at [email protected].
“Democrats are the party of inclusion. We know that diversity is not our problem—it is our promise. As Democrats, we respect differences of perspective and belief, and pledge to work together to move this country forward, even when we disagree ... we do not merely seek common ground—we strive to reach higher ground.”
-- DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM
Positions: The following are brief descriptions of each position on the Board. All positions are open for election and each position is for a two year term.
Chapter Chair: The Chair shall be the legal representative of Democrats Abroad Canada - Hamilton (DA-Hamilton) and the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, and shall preside at all General Meetings and all meetings of the Board. The Chair shall have responsibility for the day-to-day activities of DA-Hamilton and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Board. The Chair may appoint such ad hoc committees as necessary for the execution of the activities of DA-Hamilton. The Chair shall be a voting member of all Standing Committees and ad hoc committees. The Chair shall be a voting member of and attend meetings of Democrats Abroad Canada.
Chapter Vice Chair: In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Executive Committee. The Vice Chair shall have such other duties as chairing one or more committees. The Vice Chair shall work with the Chair to ensure all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the organization are supervised and executed appropriately. The Vice Chair elected shall be a member who is not of the same gender as the Chair, as per the by-laws of Democrats Abroad and the rules of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Chapter Secretary: The Secretary shall attend and produce minutes for all Board meetings. The Secretary shall maintain all files and administrative records of the organization. All of such records shall be open for inspection by members. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Board once approved by the Chair and/or Vice Chair. The Secretary shall schedule and coordinate participation for all Board meetings.
Chapter Treasurer: The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the organization, maintain its monthly financial reports to members and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law (including without limitation the laws and regulations of the United States and the several States applicable to political parties and contributions to them). All such records shall be open for inspection by members. The Treasurer shall prepare and present to the Annual General Meeting of DA-Hamilton a Statement of Income and Expenses and a Balance Sheet based on the fiscal year ending December 31.
Chapter Membership Secretary: The Membership Secretary maintains the chapter membership database by responding in a timely manner to member requests for changes, welcoming new members, and by using best practices to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy.
The Membership Secretary participates in the annual DA-Hamilton membership verification process. The Membership Secretary provides statistical information to the chapter’s Board as required.
The Membership Secretary verifies eligibility of nominees and voters in elections.
Chapter Members-at-Large: Three (3) Members-at-Large represent the broader membership and bring to the organization special gifts and talents, which complement those of the other elected officials on the Board. Members-at-Large shall take on duties and responsibilities aligned with their interests and skills.