GTDems Call to Convention

A Grand Traverse County Special Convention will convene on Wednesday, May 14, at 5pm at the NMC Great Lakes Campus, 715 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI - Room 101

Registration will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 5:10pm.

The purpose of our County Convention shall be 1) to elect a new vice chair for the Grand Traverse Democrats, 2) to consider a resolution to change the language in the Grand Traverse Democratic Party bylaws regarding gender requirements for the roles of Chair and Vice Chair, 3) to consider a resolution to create a new officer position of Deputy Treasurer, and 4) to elect a person to said position.

Any Democrat may attend the County Convention but voting delegates must meet the following requirements: to vote in our County Convention one must be either a Precinct Delegate elected at the Primary Election held on August 6, 2024, a Democratic nominee for County and Legislative offices as set forth in section 3.2.2 of the MDP bylaws, or a member of both Grand Traverse Democrats and the Michigan Democratic Party who reside in the county and whose membership was renewed prior to the County Convention.

Other Resolutions DeadlineIf any member wishes to propose additional resolutions for consideration please submit these to Chair@gtdems.org no later than May 12 at 4pm. 

Voting PrivilegesArticle II of the GTDP Bylaws stipulates the following qualifications for eligibility to vote: [2.5] In order to vote at any GTDP meeting or convention at any level, a person must be a member of both the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) and the GTDP. For questions about GTDP or MDP membership status contact chair@gtdems.org.

Convention Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Credential Report: This is a report on credentialed delegates attending the convention.

3. Rules Report: Review and accept voting procedures for the convention.

4. Approval of the Agenda

5. Election of Permanent Convention Chair: This person will chair the convention.

6. Appointment of Convention Secretary: This person will be the official recordkeeper of the Convention and will help send minutes, committee memberinformation and resolutions to MDP.

7. Election of Vice Chair

8. Consideration of Resolutions

9. New Business

10. Good and Welfare

11. Adjournment

Resolution 1: To Amend Bylaws Language Regarding the Vice-Chairperson

WHEREAS, the current bylaws of the Grand Traverse County Democratic Party (GTDP) state in Article III, Section D.2, that "The Vice-Chairperson shall be the opposite sex to the Chairperson"; and

WHEREAS, the GTDP affirms and upholds values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as outlined in its Preamble, including the recognition and respect of all gender identities; and

WHEREAS, the current language is outdated and inconsistent with the GTDP’s commitment to gender inclusivity and the values of the Michigan Democratic Party;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grand Traverse County Democratic Party hereby amends Article III, Section D.2 of the Bylaws to read:

“The Vice-Chairperson shall be of a differing gender identity to the Chairperson.”

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this amendment shall take effect immediately upon its adoption in accordance with Article VII of the GTDP Bylaws.

Resolution 2: To Create a Deputy Treasurer Position

WHEREAS, it is useful to have a person to assist and back up the Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, Michigan Finance allows a “recorder” to sign filings in lieu of the Treasurer; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grand Traverse Democratic Committee add an officer position of Deputy Treasurer and that this person be considered “Recorder” for purposes of finance filings.

Questions?

Questions about our County Convention can be directed to GTDP Chair, Trenton Lee, at chair@gtdems.org.