Vassar

Vassar Chapter of Democracy Matters Constitution & Goals

Article I – Purpose

Democracy Matters is a non-partisan, non-profit, national organization that strives to reinvigorate and further democratize our American political system. As members of Democracy Matters, we strive to make politicians more accountable to the people by getting big money out of politics. The Vassar Chapter of Democracy Matters is particularly committed to meaningful campaign finance reform to insure that all Americans, regardless of wealth, have an audible voice in our political system and that viable political candidates are not discouraged from running because they do not have sufficient access to wealth.

The goals of Democracy Matters are to inform the general student body and the broader Poughkeepsie community about the downfalls of the current campaign finance system and how to rectify them.

We plan to achieve these goals through educational campaigns and events, leading rallies, and talking to high school students, civic organizations and others about bettering our democracy.

Article II – Membership

Any Vassar student who attends three meetings shall be considered an official member of Democracy Matters. No official record of attendance shall be kept, but membership status shall be determined by personal and group recollection.

Article III – Officers & Their Election

President

Duties:            The President shall act as the chapters contact to Democracy Matters National. She or he will facilitate the weekly general body meetings and coordinate all events.

Vice President

Duties:            The Vice President shall over see publicity for the group and its events and insures committees properly discharge their duties. The Vice President shall also act as the election chair and decide an annual election date, and publicize to the group the letters of intent of the various candidates.

Secretary

Duties:            The secretary shall act as the organizational contact to the Vassar Student Association. She or he shall also take the weekly minutes and distribute them to the e-mail list and act as the contact for outside organizations.

Treasurer

Duties:            The treasurer shall act as the group’s Chief Financial Officer.

Election

To run for an office, interested members must submit a brief letter of intent to the organizational Vice President the general body meeting week before the scheduled election. All officers will be elected by a simple majority vote of the members present at a meeting publicized by at least one e-mail to the Democracy Matters e-mail list. If more than two persons run and none achieve a majority of votes, a run off shall be held between the two candidates with the most votes.

Article IV – Absentee Voting

In the event that a member is unable to attend a designated election meeting, but still wishes to vote, he or she may e-mail, or by other means contact, the Vice President and submit an informal absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be submitted at least one hour before the designated election meeting.

Article V – Removal of Officers

At a general body meeting, if three members submit a written letter of impeachment to the Vice President against any of the officers described in Article III, the group shall be forced to vote for or against the motion at the following weeks meeting. If the motion passes by a 5/8 (62.5 %) majority of the members present at a meeting publicized by at least one e-mail to the Democracy Matters e-mail list, that officer will be relieved of duty. A replacement will be elected as described in Article III.

During the interim, the President shall take over that persons former duties. If the President is relieved of duty, the Vice President shall.

Article VI- Committees

Committees shall form and disband as needed to plan and execute activities.

Article VII – Amendments

At a general body meeting, if three members submit a written amendment to this constitution to the Vice President, the group shall be forced to vote for or against the motion at the following weeks meeting. If the amendment passes by a 5/8 (62.5 %) majority of the members present at a meeting publicized by at least one e-mail to the Democracy Matters e-mail list, the amendment shall be enacted.