SD51 Bylaws

4-10-2024

BYLAWS
Senate District 51 Republican Bylaws
ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 -- DEFINITIONS
The terms and definitions used in the SD51 Bylaws will be the same as those stated in the Senate District
51 Republican Constitution, Article 1.
SECTION 1.2 -- NAMES
1.2.1- The name of this BPOU is “Senate District 51 Republicans” (SD51).
1.2.2- The name of the primary SD51 Republican committee shall be “The Senate District 51 Full
Committee” (SD51-FC).
1.2.3- The name of the SD51 executive committee shall be “The Senate District 51 Executive Committee”
(1EC).
ARTICLE 2: ORGANIZATION OF SD50
SECTION 2.1 -- ORGANIZATION
2.1.1- The business of the Republican Party in SD51 is primarily conducted by SD51 Conventions and
two committees (the SD51-FC and SD51-EC). The SD51-FC and SD51-EC are responsible for policy and
operations of the Republican Party in SD51. They are assisted by the sub-committees and appointees
listed in 2.1.2, 2.1.3, and 2.1.4 below.
2.1.2- Standing committees shall be:
Constitution & Bylaws
Convention Rules & Agenda
Credentials & Registration
Resolutions (Platform)
Candidate Search & Nominations.
2.1.3- Regular appointees may include:
Fundraising Chair
Candidate and Campaign Coordinators
Representatives to the Congressional District Three (CD-3) and Congressional District Five
(CD-5) executive committees, and other Congressional District committees
Information Systems Coordinator
Media Coordinator – Online, Newspaper, Radio, Television, etc.
2.1.4- Ad hoc committees and other appointees
In addition, there may be ad hoc committees and/or appointees as required to conduct the business of
SD50. Examples are the Fundraising Committee, Convention Parliamentarian, Convention Sergeant at
Arms, Convention Chief Teller, Special Event Coordinator, etc.
2.1.5- Representatives to higher Republican Party levels
SD50 Conventions also elect delegates and alternates to the Republican State Convention, the CD-3 and
CD-5 Conventions, and the Republican State Central Committee.
SECTION 2.2 -- AUTHORITY
2.2.1- See Article 2, Section 2.3 of the SD50 Constitution.
2.2.2- Precedence of policies, procedures, rules and authority shall be as follows:
Minnesota Statute
RPM Constitution and Bylaws
Rulings of RPM state headquarters
Congressional District Constitution and Bylaws
SD51 Convention actions
SD51 Constitution
SD51 Bylaws
SD51-FC actions
SD51-EC actions
SD51 Chair rulings and actions
Other SD51 officers and committee actions
Precinct Chair actions
Precinct Delegate and Alternate participation
Other SD51 Republican participation
2.2.3- All actions at any level shall be in appropriate conformance to those rules and policies of a higher
level of precedence.
2.2.4- Actions of and participation by Republican office holders, candidates and nominees, and committee
members fit into the above structure at appropriate places, and are expected to conform to Minnesota
statute and Republican Party policy.
SECTION 2.3 -- ESTABLISHING THE SD51-FC AND SD51-EC
2.3.1- The initial organization of the Senate District takes place by the election of precinct officers, and
Senate District convention delegates and alternates at the first precinct caucus in the year of Minnesota
reapportionment (for two year terms of office). This is followed by the election of SD51 officers, SD51-FC
members, and SD51-EC members at the first SD51 convention after reapportionment, for one year terms
of office). The initial convention of a successor Senate District after reapportionment is called by the RPM
and organized by those carry-over resident officers from the prior geographic senate district(s) whose terms
of office are completed as of the date of such initial convention according to RPM policy.
2.3.2- Subsequent to initial organization after reapportionment, new precinct officers and SD51
convention delegates and alternates are elected at the precinct caucuses every even-numbered year
according to Minnesota Statute. The current SD51-EC together with the RPM calls a SD51 Convention to
follow each such set of biennial precinct caucuses. At this SD51 Convention, delegates and alternates to
the Congressional District and State Conventions are elected and other business is conducted. Except for
the initial convention after reapportionment, new SD51 officers and SD51-FC and SD51-EC members are
elected for two-year terms at a SD51 Convention in odd-numbered years. Former SD51 officers and
committee members serve until such elections, at which time the new officers and members of the SD51-
FC and SD51-EC immediately take office.
2.3.3- This process continues until the next general Minnesota reapportionment.
ARTICLE 3: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SD51-FC
SECTION 3.1 -- MISSION
3.1.1- The SD51-FC is charged with the creation of policy for and the management of Republican Party
affairs and programs within SD51.
3.1.2- The SD51-FC shall coordinate party affairs within SD50.
3.1.3 The SD51-FC will assist in the election of Republican Candidates to public office.
SECTION 3.2 -- RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SD50-FC
3.2.1- To establish goals, objectives and priorities for the SD51-FC.
3.2.2- To implement programs to meet the goals and objectives of the SD51-FC.
3.2.3- To provide leadership for Republican activities and Republican organizations and groups within
SD50.
3.2.4- To organize or facilitate the organization of the Republican Party in SD51, HD51A, HD51B, and
each precinct or other voting unit within SD51.
SECTION 3.3 -- DUTIES OF THE SD51-FC
3.3.1- To support and assist the campaigns and to elect Republican endorsed candidates for public office
whose constituencies when elected will include residents of SD51.
3.3.2- To administer the affairs of the Republican Party within SD51, and to execute its programs.
3.3.3- To elect Congressional District Committee members according to the Congressional District
Constitutions and Rules, if not already elected by a SD51 Convention.
3.3.4- To aid Republican finance drives, and to conduct SD51 finance drives.
3.3.5- To determine policy for the Republican Party in SD51, and to fairly represent the views of the
Republican Party constituency of SD51 in planning Republican Party activities in SD51.
SECTION 3.4 -- COORDINATION
In the discharge of its duties and purposes, the SD51-FC may enter upon partnership arrangements, or
cooperative or joint working agreements with other Republican Senate District or Republican groups,
organizations, or campaigns as in the discretion and judgment of the SD51-FC are desirable and feasible.
ARTICLE 4: SD51-FC ORGANIZATION
SECTION 4.1 -- MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the SD51-FC shall be composed of the following SD51 resident citizens who have been
duly elected and/or appointed, all of whom shall be voting members of the SD51-FC except as noted:
4.1.1- SD51-FC officers, and all other elected members of the SD51-EC.
4.1.2- A maximum of two (2) precinct officers from each precinct as selected at the Republican precinct
caucuses, and determined as described in 4.2.2 below.
4.1.3- One representative from each Republican auxiliary group and youth affiliate as defined by the RPM
Constitution. These representatives shall be designated, in writing, by their group to the SD51 Chairs.
4.1.4- Any endorsed Republican candidate residing within SD51 prior to the election for which endorsed,
or their (non-voting) representatives.
4.1.5- Any elected Republican official residing within SD51, or their (non-voting) representatives.
4.1.6- Any Minnesota State, Congressional District or County Republican Party officers residing within
SD50, or their (non-voting) representatives.
4.1.7- Immediate past SD51 Chairs; defined as the last presiding chair either elected or appointed to fill
the vacancy of the Chair, prior to the election or appointment of the current presiding chair from each House
District (HD51A and HD51B).
SECTION 4.2 -- ELECTION
4.2.1- In conformity with the RPM Constitution, Article XI, Section 1.C, “members of the BPOU committee
(SD51-FC) shall be elected at each BPOU convention held in odd-numbered years”.
4.2.2- The SD51 Chairs, Secretary, and Credentials & Registration Committee shall determine the names
of the persons qualified to be members of the SD51-FC according to 4.1.1 through 4.1.7 above, and prepare
a list of those persons to be presented for election at odd-numbered year SD51 Conventions. Newly elected
SD50 officers, other SD51-EC members, and endorsed candidates at odd-numbered year SD51
Conventions are automatically members of the SD50-FC, so their names do not need to be presented for
election to the SD51-FC a second time. Additional names may be nominated from the floor of the
convention. Newly elected or appointed persons qualified to be members of the SD51-FC according to
4.1.1 through 4.1.7 above, most notably precinct officers elected in even-numbered years, are automatically
members of the SD51-EC, subject to ratification by any intervening SD50 Convention before the next oddnumbered year convention.
4.2.3- A majority vote of the convention is required to elect a person to membership in the SD51-FC.
4.2.4- There is no specific limit to the number of persons who are voting members of the SD51-FC.
SECTION 4.3 -- MEETINGS
The SD51-FC shall hold a minimum of two (2) meetings per calendar year.
ARTICLE 5: SD51 OFFICERS
SECTION 5.1 -- SD51 OFFICERS
5.1.1- The officers of SD51 shall be two (2) Chairs, two (2) Deputy Chairs, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
5.1.2- One each of the Chairs shall reside in HD51A and HD51B. One each of the Deputy Chairs shall
reside in HD51A and HD51B.
SECTION 5.2 -- ELECTION OF SD51 OFFICERS
5.2.1- A SD51 officer is elected for a two (2) year term at an odd-numbered year SD51 Convention by a
majority vote of the last or final credentials report, whichever is larger.
5.2.2- The Candidate Search & Nominations Committee shall interview candidates who present
themselves to the committee, and shall report to the convention the one or several names that the
committee finds to be suitable for each position. The committee is charged to find, before the convention,
at least one suitable candidate for each position, but the committee is not charged to recommend a single
“best” candidate. The committee is not required to report to the convention those candidates that it finds
to be unsuitable.
5.2.3- The Candidate Search & Nominations Committee shall provide interview opportunities on the day
of the convention, starting at least one-half hour before the opening of the convention, and continuing until
all candidates who wish to be interviewed have been heard.
5.2.4- Those candidates that the Candidate Search & Nominations Committee finds to be suitable are to
be considered as nominated by the presentation of their names in the report of the committee to the
convention. The Candidate Search & Nominations Committee Chair shall report the findings of the
committee for a single office to the convention immediately prior to the election for that office.
5.2.5- Following the report of the Candidate Search & Nominations Committee, nominations for the
position shall be open from the floor of the convention. Any legal voter who is a Republican resident of the
area (HD or SD) to be represented may be nominated. Such nominations must be seconded.
5.2.6- Each candidate for an officer’s position shall have the opportunity to briefly address the convention.
The Convention Rules shall set the time allowed for such speeches.
5.2.7- The Convention Rules shall address the matter of candidate question periods.
SECTION 5.3 -- REPLACEMENT OF SD51 OFFICERS
5.3.1- If there is a vacancy in the SD51 Chair position, then the Deputy Chair from that House District
shall assume the position of Chair.
5.3.2- If there is a vacancy in any officer position other than Chair, or if both the Chair and Deputy Chair
positions from the same House District are vacant, then the position shall be temporarily filled by an election
held by the SD51-EC, with notice to all SD51-EC members of the pending election at least seven (7) days
prior to the meeting.
5.3.3- At the next meeting of the SD51-FC, the election by the SD51-EC shall be ratified, or another
person shall be elected to the previously vacant position. Notice of such election shall be given to all SD51-
FC members at least seven(7) days before the meeting.
5.3.4- At the next SD51 Convention, unless it is an odd-numbered year convention with a regular officer
election, the election by the SD51-FC shall be ratified, or another person shall be elected to the previously
vacant position. Notice of such election shall be given to all delegates and alternates with the Convention
Call. Election procedures shall follow the officer election process outlined in Section 5.2 above.
5.3.5- In the event of temporary disability or absence of any SD51 officer, the SD51-EC, and then the
SD51-FC, at its next meeting, may elect a temporary replacement until the return of said officer.
SECTION 5.4 -- DUTIES OF SD51 CHAIRS
The SD51 Chairs shall:
5.4.1- Formulate policy in conjunction with the SD51-FC and SD51-EC to set forth the SD51 Republican
party positions on issues affecting SD51.
5.4.2- Take administrative responsibility for overall supervision and monitoring of broad goals, policy,
specific objectives, and plans of action for SD51.
5.4.3- Assure that all SD51-wide Republican programs, as determined by the SD51-FC and SD51-EC are
carried out in an efficient, pleasant and productive manner.
5.4.4- Develop programs and actions to promote Republican philosophy and candidates.
5.4.5- Initiate volunteer training and development programs within SD51 to provide for a continual
development and flow of talent, properly trained and experienced, to serve on party organizations and
candidate or campaign teams.
5.4.6- Schedule and organize SD51 meetings as called for in these Bylaws.
5.4.7- Be or select the official spokesman for the Republican Party in SD51.
5.4.8- Find suitable persons and appoint such persons to SD51 committees or positions subject to the
advice and approval of the SD51-FC and SD51-EC.
5.4.9- Represent SD51 at Congressional District meetings or conventions as required.
SECTION 5.5 -- DUTIES OF SD50 DEPUTY-CHAIRS
The SD50 Deputy Chairs shall:
5.5.1- Assist the Chairs in the performance of their duties.
5.5.2- Substitute for an absent Chair at SD51 Conventions, or at SD51-FC or SD51-EC meetings.
5.5.3- Replace a Chair if the Chair office is vacated. The Deputy Chair may only replace the Chair from
the same House District.
5.5.4- Perform other duties as assigned by the SD51 Chairs or the SD51-EC.
SECTION 5.6 -- DUTIES OF THE SD51 SECRETARY
The SD50 Secretary shall:
5.6.1- Record and keep minutes of SD51 Conventions, SD51-FC, and SD51-EC meetings.
5.6.2- Keep a record of attendance at SD51-FC and SD51-EC meetings.
5.6.3- Keep all SD51-FC, SD51-EC and sub-committee records and reports on file.
5.6.4- Maintain and keep the membership rosters of the SD51-FC, SD51-EC, and the precinct delegates
and alternates.
5.6.5- Provide appropriate minutes, reports, and documents to SD51-FC and SD51-EC members.
5.6.6- Assist in the preparation of calls and other paperwork required for SD51 Conventions or other
meetings.
5.6.7- Prepare SD51 official correspondence as required.
5.6.8- Maintain the SD51 correspondence and other files.
5.6.9- Perform such other duties as are commonly assigned to the office.
SECTION 5.7 -- DUTIES OF THE SD51 TREASURER
The SD50 Treasurer shall:
5.7.1- Be entrusted with the custody of all of the funds of the SD51-FC/SD51-EC.
5.7.2- Keep a record of all accounts of SD51.
5.7.3- Provide current Treasurer’s Reports at each SD51 Convention, and each SD51-FC and SD51-EC
meeting. Report SD51 financial status versus the current budget.
5.7.4- Make and keep a record of reports as required by the State Board of Ethical Practices or its
successor.
5.7.5- Prepare and present a budget to the SD51-FC and SD51-EC. Update and finalize the budget as
revised by the SD51-FC and SD51-EC.
5.7.6- Provide a copy of the completed SD51 budget to the CD-3 and CD-5 Finance Committees.
5.7.7- Advise and assist the Fundraising Committee.
5.7.8- Perform such other duties as are commonly assigned to the office.
5.7.9- Expenditures exceeding $50.00 total per transaction shall be authorized by the SD51-EC.
5.7.10- No expenditure that requires negative SD51 money or asset balances may be made without an
express motion of the SD51-EC passed by a majority vote.
5.7.11- A review of all SD51 accounts shall be conducted at least biennially or upon the election or
appointment of a new Treasurer.
ARTICLE 6: SD 51 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (SD51-EC)
SECTION 6.1 -- MEMBERSHIP
The maximum number of voting SD51-EC members shall be eighteen (18) with no more than nine (9) from
HD51A and no more than nine (9) from HD51B. The voting and non-voting membership of the SD51-EC
shall include the following SD51 resident Republican citizens who have been duly elected or appointed:
6.1.1- All SD51 officers (voting members).
6.1.2- As many at-large members as needed to complete each House District (HD51A and HD51B)
delegation (referred to as Vice Chairs). These persons shall be nominated and elected by an abbreviated
form of the SD51 officer election process described in Section 5.2 above. The Candidate Search &
Nominations Committee is responsible to find and offer interviews to at least the twelve (12) required
persons (the other spots are filled by the SD51 officers). The Candidate Search & Nominations Committee
reports the nominees as a group to the convention. The number to be reported is not limited to twelve (12)
persons. Nominations of further candidates from the floor of the convention are to be accepted. Brief
introductions and statements are permitted by each candidate to the convention. Election requires a
majority vote from the convention, but barring objection from the floor of the convention, nominees may be
elected as a group. The Convention Rules shall address the details of the election of at-large members of
the SD51-EC.
6.1.3- The Chairs of the five (5) SD51 Standing Committees (ex-officio, non-voting if not already voting
members of the SD51-EC.
6.1.4- SD50 Fundraising Chair(s) during active service as fundraisers (ex-officio, non-voting if not already
voting members of the SD51-EC.
6.1.5- Any endorsed Republican residing within SD51 prior to the election for which endorsed, or their
representatives, (ex-officio, non-voting).
6.1.6- Any elected Republican official residing within SD51, or their representatives, (ex-officio,
non-voting).
6.1.7- Any Minnesota State, Congressional District or County Republican Party officers residing within
SD50, or their representatives, (ex-officio, non-voting).
6.1.8- Ex-officio members are present at SD51-EC meeting as guests. A presiding officer may take the
SD50-EC into executive session at any time, whereby only voting members are present.
6.1.9- Discussion and voting on a motion to provide SD51 funds to a candidate or a campaign must be
held during SD51-EC executive session.
SECTION 6.2 -- DUTIES OF SD51-EC
The SD51-EC shall have charge of the administration of the SD51 affairs, subject to the direction of the
SD51-FC. The SD51-EC duties are to:
6.2.1- Coordinate the operation of the SD51 Republican Party.
6.2.2- Fill SD51 officer and SD51-EC vacancies within thirty (30) days per Section 5.3 and 6.1.2 above.
6.2.3- Consult and advise the precinct officers, and if precinct officers/delegates fail to fill vacancies within
thirty (30) days, to appoint precinct officers to fill vacancies with the advice of the delegates of the involved
precinct.
6.2.4- Prepare a budget annually. Submit this budget to the CD-3 and CD-5 Finance Committees.
6.2.5- Assist in the selection and appointment of standing committees, ad-hoc committees and other
SD50 appointments. Assist and review the operations of SD51 committees and appointees.
6.2.6- Coordinate and assist in the campaigns of endorsed Republican candidates.
6.2.7- Assist the SD51 precinct organizations to recruit and train volunteers, block workers, and perform
other Republican duties and service.
6.2.8- Assist in the preparation for SD51 Conventions, including obtaining the convention site and other
arrangements.
6.2.9- Consider appointing special committees and/or representatives to joint committees to conduct
County, Municipal, Judicial, or Special Conventions or other Republican meetings.
6.2.10- Assist, plan, arrange, participate, and support Republican events.
6.2.11- Plan, review, and organize SD50 Republican fundraising activities.
SECTION 6.3 -- SD51-EC LIMITATIONS
6.3.1- No SD51-EC member shall hold an operational position on a candidate’s committee without first
obtaining the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the SD51-EC voting members.
6.3.2- No member of the SD51-EC other than the Chairs may initiate statements or write to the media
using his/her title or position as a means of identification without first obtaining the consent of two-thirds
(2/3) of the SD51-EC voting members.
6.3.3- Any SD51-EC member shall immediately resign if that member files for, is endorsed for, is
appointed to, or is elected to any partisan elective public office.
6.3.4- No SD51-EC member shall publicly support any candidate for Republican endorsement or primary
election nomination for SD51 state senator or HD51A or HD51B state representative prior to Republican
endorsement or primary election nomination.
6.3.5- Subject to the RPM Constitution, Articles II and IV, no member of SD51-EC shall publicly support
any candidate who is running against an endorsed Republican candidate. This limitation is subject to
common sense interpretation, e.g., the felonious conduct of a candidate. The SD51-EC shall resolve all
disputes of fact and interpretation relating to this issue and to limitation 6.3.4. SD51-EC shall make no
restriction of free speech or freedom of conscience on members of SD51-FC or SD51-EC.
SECTION 6.4 -- MEETINGS
The SD51-EC shall hold a minimum of six (6) meetings per calendar year. A meeting may be held jointly
with the SD51-FC. It is expected that the SD50-EC will meet regularly, optimally bi-monthly. The SD51-
EC officers may meet with the HD51-FC members from each House District (HD51A and HD51B) in
separate meetings held in the months between HD51-EC meetings, to be determined by the SD51-EC.
ARTICLE 7: SD50 HOUSE DISTRICT ORGANIZATION
SECTION 7.1 -- HOUSE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS OR CAUCUSES
In conjunction with each properly called SD51 Convention, there may be held a convention, or caucus, of
each SD51 House District (HD51A and HD51B). In appropriate years, these caucuses shall consider
endorsement for the Minnesota House of Representatives, the election of State and Congressional District
delegates and alternates, the election of delegates to the State Central Committee, and such matters as
may properly come before such convention or caucus. All applicable rules of the SD51 Convention, of
which the House District Convention is a caucus, shall be in effect. In addition HD51A shall adhere to CD3 and CD-5 rules, procedures, and allocations; and HD51B shall adhere to CD-3 rules, procedures, and
allocations.
SECTION 7.2 -- SPECIAL HOUSE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS
Special House District Conventions may be called by the SD51-EC or the RPM for endorsement of
candidates for special elections for public office, or for other suitable purpose for business pertaining only
to the subject House District. Normal SD51 rules and procedures will pertain for such HD51A or HD51B
Conventions.
ARTICLE 8: SD51 PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
SECTION 8.1 -- PRECINCT OFFICERS
The officers of each precinct shall be at least one Chair (preferably two Co-Chairs), and such other officers
as the precinct caucus may elect.
SECTION 8.2 -- PRECINCT OFFICERS RESPONSIBILITIES
8.2.1- It shall be the responsibility of the precinct officers to perfect the organization of the Republican
Party for the precinct, to recruit and direct block workers, conduct training sessions, complete voter surveys,
conduct voter registration programs, conduct authorized finance drives, to get out the Republican vote, to
find Republican volunteers for Republican activities and campaigns, and to accomplish such other
legitimate tasks as may be assigned to them by or through the SD51 organization, their Congressional
District organization, or the RPM.
8.2.2- Two persons (normally the top two precinct officers) represent the precinct on the SD51-FC. If the
top two precinct officers are unable to attend a meeting of the SD51-FC, they may designate substitutes in
writing for a meeting of the SD51-FC.
SECTION 8.3 -- PRECINCT VACANCIES
8.3.1- Vacancies in a precinct office shall occur upon death, resignation, or removal from office or as a
resident of the precinct from which the officer was elected.
8.3.1- Action to fill such precinct officer vacancies shall be by a vote of the precinct delegates and
alternates involved.
8.3.2- If no action is taken to fill precinct officer vacancies within thirty (30) days, such vacancies may be
filled by the SD51-FC or SD51-EC. A replacement must be a Republican resident of the subject precinct,
and first a precinct delegate, then a precinct alternate, and then another precinct Republican. However, no
Republican resident of a precinct may serve as a delegate or alternate, nor vote at an SD51 Convention
unless elected at a duly constituted precinct caucus.
8.3.4- If a precinct delegate or alternate no longer resides in the precinct as a valid voter, then that
delegate or alternate position remains vacant. Precinct delegates and alternates are only elected at
precinct caucuses.
SECTION 8.4 -- PRECINCT DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE
RESPONSIBILITIES
Major duties of precinct delegates and alternates shall be to represent the Republican party voters of the
precinct at legislative Senate District, legislative House District, County , Municipal, Judicial, and Special
Conventions; and to assist with the general party work of the precinct, such as finance drives, phoning,
literature distribution, and campaigning for endorsed Republican candidates.
ARTICLE 9: CONVENTIONS
SECTION 9.1 -- SENATE DISTRICT 51 ANNUAL CONVENTIONS
9.1.1- Timing and Location
An annual SD51 Convention is held within a specific time period as designated by the RPM Executive
Committee and the Congressional District Executive Committees. The convention is held prior to both the
annual CD-3 and CD-5 Conventions. The specific time and place of the annual SD51 Convention is set by
the SD51-EC.
9.1.2 HD51A and HD51B Sub-Caucuses
The SD50 Convention may be recessed so that the delegations may be divided into HD51A and HD51B
caucuses for the purpose of conducting House District business such as endorsing a candidate for the
Minnesota House of Representatives or selecting Republican State Central Committee representatives.
SECTION 9.2 -- CONVENTION DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
SD51 Conventions shall be composed of delegates and alternates elected at the most recent precinct
caucus who still reside in the precinct from which elected, and who live in the current geographic bounds
of SD51.
SECTION 9.3 -- CONVENTION ORGANIZATION
9.3.1- The SD51-EC is responsible for selecting and obtaining convention site, issuing the call, organizing
the convention, and supervising the work of the convention committees.
9.3.2- The SD51 Chairs shall nominate members of the various convention committees and convention
officials, subject to ratification by the SD51-EC, and subject to election by a prior SD51 Convention.
9.3.3- Convention committees are Rules & Agenda, Credentials & Registration, Candidate Search &
Nominations, and as appropriate, Resolutions (Platform), Constitution & Bylaws, etc.
SECTION 9.4 -- SPECIAL CONVENTIONS
9.4.1- Special Conventions may be held at such time and for such purposes as an appropriate Executive
Committee calling the convention may determine. These Executive Committees include those of the RPM,
CD-3, and CD-5; the SD51-EC; and the HD51A or HD51B sub-committees of the SD51-FC or SD51-EC.
9.4.2- The SD51-FC and SD51-EC shall cooperate in the calling of, planning, organization, and
participation in appropriate County, Municipal, Judicial and other Special Conventions.
SECTION 9.5 -- CONVENTION BUSINESS
A convention shall transact such business as is specified by the laws of Minnesota and in the Convention
Call, and may transact such other business as is properly brought before the convention. Certain matters
must be properly included in the Convention Call. These matters include, but are not limited to,
endorsements for public office, any elections, any removals, any changes to the Constitution and/or Bylaws,
and any major policy matters.
SECTION 9.6 -- ELECTION OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
9.6.1- Delegates and alternates to the State and Congressional District Conventions shall be elected at
the SD50 Convention in even-numbered years.
9.6.2- Delegates and alternates to the RPM State Central Committee shall be elected at the SD51
Convention in odd-numbered years.
9.6.3- The SD51 Convention shall temporarily adjourn into the HD51A and HD51B caucuses for the
purpose of the election of delegates and alternates.
9.6.4- The number of delegate positions for HD51A and HD51B is set by the RPM.
9.6.5- Nominations for delegates and (first and second) alternates may be made by the SD51 Chairs with
the assistance of the Candidate Search & Nominations Committee, subject to ratification by the SD51-EC.
9.6.6- Pre-printed ballots with the names of the nominees may be used only for the balloting for State and
Congressional District Convention delegates and alternates. There are no pre-printed ballots for any other
election except for straw ballots or resolutions/platform ballots.
SECTION 9.7 -- ALTERNATE SEATING
9.7.1- Alternates to the State and Congressional District Conventions and the State Central Committee
described in 9.6.1 and 9.6.2 above shall be assigned priority for seating according to the number of votes
received during the ballot by which they are elected. When additional ballots are necessary to select
alternates, the alternates qualifying on an earlier ballot shall have priority over those elected on a
subsequent ballot.
9.7.2- The SD51 Chairs shall seat the alternates according to the foregoing priority, but in the case of ties
from the same delegation area and election, such alternates are seated at the discretion of the delegation
chair (the SD51 Chair for HD51A or HD51B as appropriate, or designated representative).
9.7.3- If a delegate or higher priority alternate returns to the floor of the convention or committee meeting,
that higher priority alternate shall be immediately seated, except after ballots have been handed out during
an election, in which case the alternate shall be seated immediately following the voting for that ballot for
that election.
SECTION 9.8 -- BALLOTING
All elections are to be held by secret ballot, unless the number of nominees is less than or equal to the
number of positions to be filled, in which case a motion to cast a unanimous ballot is in order. Any objection
by a delegate or seated alternate to such a motion for a unanimous ballot causes the election to revert to a
secret ballot. No pre-printed ballots shall be used except as specified in Section 9.6.6 above.
SECTION 9.9 -- CONVENTION CALLS
The call for any convention shall be issued at least ten (10) days prior to the convention except for special
election or post-primary endorsing conventions, in which cases the call shall be issued at least five (5) days
prior to the convention.
ARTICLE 10: PRECINCT CAUCUSES
SECTION 10.1 -- PRECINCT CAUCUS PURPOSE AND TIMING
Each election (even-numbered) year, a precinct caucus shall be held in each precinct for the purpose of
electing precinct delegates and alternates to SD51 Conventions, and for such other purposes as may be
stated within the call thereof in the manner as prescribed and required by Minnesota Statutes. Precinct
delegates and alternates also serve as such to County, Municipal, Judicial, and Special Conventions. See
Section 8.4 for additional responsibilities that the Republican Party expects the precinct delegates and
alternates to fulfill.
SECTION 10.2 -- PRECINCT CAUCUS LOCATION
Precinct caucuses shall be held at the regular polling place, or some other suitable, central location as
authorized by the SD51-EC with the agreement of the local municipality.
SECTION 10.3 -- PRECINCT CAUCUS APPORTIONMENT
10.3.1- The number of delegates and alternates to be elected at each precinct caucus and the basis of
their apportionment shall be determined by the SD51-EC, provided that such basis shall be uniform
throughout SD51, and shall be based on the vote cast for the Republican candidate for Governor in the last
preceding statewide election; or if such election were a presidential election, the vote cast for the
Republican candidate for President.
10.3.2- Each precinct caucus shall rank its elected alternates in order of precedence. If a precinct fails to
rank its alternates, the SD51-EC shall determine the ranking by lot.
SECTION 10.4 -- PRECINCT CAUCUS TERMS AND VACANCIES
10.4.1- Precinct delegates and alternates shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
10.4.2- A vacancy shall occur in a delegate or alternate position upon death, resignation, or removal from
office or as a resident from the precinct from which the delegate or alternate was elected; or upon the failure
of a precinct caucus from electing its full allotment of delegates and alternates.
SECTION 10.5 -- PRECINCT CAUCUS REPORTING
10.5.1- The names of the persons elected as precinct delegates, alternates, and officers shall be forwarded
to the SD51-EC prior to the date specified by the SD51-EC. Alternate rankings shall also be reported.
10.5.2- If such names are not forwarded, then the election process shall be deemed not complete, and
the SD51-EC may declare those precinct delegate, alternate, and officer positions as vacant.
ARTICLE 11: SD51 STANDING COMMITTEES
SECTION 11.1 -- COMPOSITION
Each SD51 standing committee shall have a designated chair, and a minimum of two other committee
members.
SECTION 11.2 -- APPOINTMENT, ELECTION
11.2.1- SD51 standing committee chairs and members shall be nominated by the SD51 Chairs with the
advice and assistance of the current SD51 Candidate Search & Nominations Committee.
11.2.2- The nominations for standing committee chairs and members shall be approved by the SD51-EC.
11.2.3- Following SD51-EC approval, such persons shall serve on the designated standing committee until
the end of the next SD51 Convention.
11.2.4- The number of members of each standing committee shall be set by the SD51-EC, unless the
number is set by a motion passed at a SD51 Convention.
11.2.5- At the next SD51 Convention following such appointment and approval, the standing committee
chair and member positions will be ratified by the convention. Additional nominations for positions as
standing committee chair or member shall be accepted from the floor. If there are more nominations than
positions, a secret ballot shall be taken.
11.2.6- Any vacancies on standing committees shall be filled in the manner described in
11.2.1 through 11.2.5 above.
ARTICLE 12: GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 12.1 -- PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the most current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all
conventions and meetings of SD51 Republicans in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they
are not inconsistent with the statutes of the State of Minnesota, the Constitution and Bylaws of the
Republican Party of Minnesota, the Constitution and Bylaws of the applicable Congressional District, the
Constitution and Bylaws of SD51, and for conventions, the Convention Rules.