Illinois Green Party Bylaws

As Revised October 14, 2007

ARTICLE 1 – Name and Purpose

1-A. Name.  The name of this organization shall be the Illinois Green Party (ILGP).

1-B. Purpose and Mission.  The purpose of the ILGP is to advance the Ten Key Values of the Greens. The mission of the ILGP shall be to advance the green movement/party in Illinois based on the Ten Key Values through political and non-political means and support formation of Green Party locals.

1-C. The Ten Key Values.  The Ten Key Values of the ILGP are:  Ecological Wisdom, Social Justice, Grassroots Democracy, Nonviolence, Decentralization, Community-based Economics, Feminism, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Future Focus.

ARTICLE 2 – Membership

2-A.  Definition.  The ILGP shall be composed of individual members who reside within the State of Illinois.  The highest decision making body shall be the Membership of the ILGP.  All formal decisions made by the Membership at a state Membership Meeting or by some other manner as authorized by these Bylaws are binding upon all committees and officers of the state party including the Coordinating Committee and the Executive Committee.

2-B.  Qualifications.

2-B-1.  Age.  Members must be 13 years of age or older.

2-B-2.  Residence.  Members must be an Illinois resident, or be registered to vote in Illinois as an American living overseas.  A member must have a primary mailing address on file.

2-B-3.  Diversity.  No person may be excluded from voting membership in the ILGP based on race; social or economic status; national origin; age if at least 13 years of age; sex; gender; disability; sexual orientation; religious affiliation, religious belief, or lack thereof; citizenship; or criminal record, including current incarceration.

2-B-4.  Values.  All members must be committed to the Ten Key Values.

2-B-5.  Application.  All members must submit an application to the state party.

2-B-6.  Dues.  All members must pay dues or request a dues waiver annually based on need.  The levels of dues shall be established by the Coordinating Committee.

2-C.  Standing.

2-C-1.  Good Standing.  An ILGP member shall be considered to be a member in good standing if he/she has a membership application on file with the party and if he/she has paid dues or requested a dues waiver in the past twelve months.

2-C-2.  Lapsed.  An ILGP member shall be considered to be a lapsed member if he/she has a membership application on file with the party and if he/she last paid dues or requested a dues waiver more than twelve months previous but within the past eighteen months.

2-C-3.  Dropped.  Individuals who have not paid dues or requested a dues waiver in the past eighteen months shall be removed from the membership rolls.

2-C-4.  Application.  Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, both members in good standing and lapsed members shall be considered "members" in any section of the bylaws that references membership.

2-D.  Removal.  Any member can be removed from the organization, only for cause, by a 3/4 vote of the Coordinating Committee or a 3/4 secret ballot vote of the Membership.  The member affected shall have a right to hear the charges against them, the right to be heard and to present evidence, and the right to confront witnesses against them.  If a member is removed by the Coordinating Committee, the member can appeal that removal to a membership meeting.

2-E.  Cards.  Members will be issued a membership card annually.

2-F.  Primary Duties.

2-F-1.  Bylaws.  The content of the Bylaws may only be modified by the Membership, at a Membership Meeting or otherwise, as specified by these Bylaws.

2-F-2.  Platform.  The content of the Platform of the ILGP may only be modified by the Membership, at a Membership Meeting or otherwise.

2-F-3.  Candidates.  To the extent permitted under state statute, candidates for statewide and national office may only be endorsed by the Membership, at a Membership Meeting or otherwise.

ARTICLE 3 – Local and Associated Organizations

3-A.  Local Organizations.

3-A-1.  Definition.  A "local organization" or "local" is a group of Green Party members living in the same area who form an organization to advance the purpose and mission of the ILGP in that area, and which has been affiliated by the ILGP.  To be affiliated, a local must have at least three ILGP members, a clearly defined geographic area, and approved bylaws and officers.

3-A-2.  Membership.

3-A-2-a.  Each local organization must have in its membership at least three members of the ILGP.

3-A-2-b.  Local organizations may permit individuals to join who are not members of the ILGP.  However, only ILGP members will be considered members of a local organization for the purposes of the ILGP and these bylaws.

3-A-2-c.  Individuals may be members of more than one local organization, but for the purposes of these bylaws, each member of the ILGP may only be counted as a member of at most one local organization.

3-A-2-d.  Local organizations may allow members to join who are not inside the territory covered by the organization.

3-A-3.  Bylaws and Contacts.  Local organizations must send the Secretary their bylaws and the names of their officers and Coordinating Committee representatives.  Modification to bylaws and changes to officers and CC representation must be sent to the Secretary within 30 days of occurring.

3-A-4.  Representation on the Coordinating Committee.  Each local organization is entitled to representation on the Coordinating Committee.  Such representatives must be members of the ILGP.

3-A-5.  Rights of Local Organizations.  Each local organization may develop its own platform and bylaws, run local political and issue campaigns, and chose its own officers, spokespersons, and representatives, so long as these actions are in general accordance with the Ten Key Values.

3-A-6.  Affiliation and Disaffiliation of Local Organizations.

3-A-6-a.  Local organizations shall apply for affiliation to the Secretary, who will forward the application to the Coordinating Committee for approval.

3-A-6-b.  Any local organization can be disaffiliated by a 3/4 vote of the Coordinating Committee or by a 3/4 vote of the membership. The Executive Committee cannot disaffiliate a local.

3-A-6-c.  Representatives of the affected local organization shall have the right to hear the charges against them, the right to be heard and present evidence, and the right to confront witnesses against them.

3-A-6-d.  A local organization may only be disaffiliated for cause.

3-A-6-e.  If a local organization is disaffiliated by the Coordinating Committee, it can appeal the disaffiliation to a membership meeting.

3-B.  Associated Organizations.

3-B-1.  Definition.  An "associated organization" is a group of Green Party members identified by demographics or geography who form an organization to advance the purpose and mission of the ILGP.  Examples may include, but are not limited to, organizations smaller than locals, municipal organizations, organizations for particular political jurisdictions, campus organizations, identity caucuses for traditionally underrepresented groups, and networks of associated individuals such as officeholders, veterans, union members, professionals, or others.  To be affiliated, an associated organization must have at least three ILGP members, a clear definition of who may be a member, and approved bylaws and officers.

3-B-2.  Membership.

3-B-2-a.  Each associated organization must have in its membership at least three members of the ILGP.

3-B-2-b.  Associated organizations may permit individuals to join who are not members of the ILGP.

3-B-2-c.  Individuals may be members of multiple associated organizations.

3-B-2-d.  Associated organizations must have clear definitions of who may be a member.

3-B-3.  Bylaws and Contacts.  Associated organizations must send the Secretary their bylaws and the names of their officers.  Modification to bylaws and changes to officers must be sent to the Secretary within 30 days of occurring.

3-B-4.  Rights of Associated Organizations.  Each associated organization may develop its own platform and bylaws, run issue campaigns, and chose its own officers, spokespersons, and representatives, so long as these actions are in general accordance with the Ten Key Values.

3-B-5.  Affiliation and Disaffiliation of Associated Organizations.

3-B-5-a.  Associated organizations shall apply for affiliation to the Secretary, who will forward the application to the Coordinating Committee for approval.

3-B-5-b.  Any associated organization can be disaffiliated by a regular supermajority vote of the Coordinating Committee or by a regular supermajority vote of the membership. The Executive Committee cannot disaffiliate an associated organization.

3-B-5-c.  Representatives of the affected associated organization shall have the right to hear the charges against them, the right to be heard and present evidence, and the right to confront witnesses against them.

3-B-5-d.  If an associated organization is disaffiliated by the Coordinating Committee, it can appeal the disaffiliation to a membership meeting.

ARTICLE 4 – Membership Meetings

4-A.  Definition and Purpose.  The ILGP shall have an Annual Membership Meeting every calendar year, and may have additional membership meetings in a given year as called for by the Membership or the Coordinating Committee.  The Membership Meetings are for the purpose of conducting official business of the ILGP Membership and may also be used for other purposes including but not limited to presentations, workshops, and fundraising.  Except as otherwise specified by these Bylaws, any action that can be taken by the Membership may be taken at a Membership Meeting, and all functions delineated to any party committee under these Bylaws are subject to review by the Membership at a Membership Meeting.

4-B.  Notice.  Notice of Membership Meetings shall be sent to all ILGP members by U.S. First-Class Mail at least 30 days in advance, or by U.S. Standard Mail at least 45 days in advance.

4-C.  Eligibility.  Decisions at membership meetings will be made by members of the ILGP who have been members of the state party or a local for at least three months prior to the membership meeting.

4-D.  Decision Making Process.  Unless otherwise stated in these Bylaws, decisions will be made by consensus, or if a consensus cannot be reached, a vote may be taken.  In order to pass, a proposal must receive twice as many "yes" votes as "no" votes, and more "yes" votes than "no" and "abstain" votes combined.

4-E.  Approval of Meeting Dates and Location.  The Coordinating Committee or Membership shall approve of the dates and location of Membership Meetings at least 15 days in advance of notice being sent to the Membership.

ARTICLE 5 – The Coordinating Committee

5-A.  Definition.  The Coordinating Committee (CC) is made up of voting representatives from every local affiliated with the ILGP.  The CC may invite other persons to participate in the meeting, but only as non-voting members.  The Secretary and the Treasurer are required to attend CC meetings, but are not entitled to vote unless they are also a representative of a local.

5-B.  Purpose.  The CC will carry out the policies of the ILGP between state party meetings.

5-C.  Nature of Meetings.  The CC shall meet at least nine times every calendar year.  At least one of these meetings will be in person.  Meetings may also be conducted by phone teleconference.

5-D.  Size, Voting Strength, and Decision Making.

5-D-1.  Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, each local shall be entitled to a number of votes on the CC based on the number of ILGP members it represents.

5-D-2.  Voting Strength.  Voting strength shall be apportioned as follows:

3-9 members – 1 vote

10-24 members – 2 votes

25-49 members – 3 votes

50-99 members – 4 votes

100-149 members – 5 votes

150 members and above – 6 votes

5-D-3.  Application.  Locals may send as many representatives to the Coordinating Committee as the number of votes they are entitled to, or may send representatives designated to cast weighted votes.

5-D-4.  Notification.  Locals must notify the Secretary as to how they are being represented.  Only those individuals on file with the Secretary as being able to represent a local as a designated representative or alternate will be allowed to vote.  Representatives who carry weighted votes must be on file with the Secretary as being so designated.

5-D-5.  Quorum.  To conduct formal business, a Coordinating Committee meeting must have more than one-half of the locals which have designated representatives on file with the Secretary have at least one representative present for the meeting.

5-D-6.  Decision Making.  Unless otherwise stated in these bylaws, provided a quorum is present, decisions will be made by consensus, or if a consensus cannot be reached, a vote will be taken.  In order to pass, a proposal must receive twice as many "yes" votes as "no" votes, and more "yes" votes than "no" and "abstain" votes combined.

 
5-E.  Duties.

5-E-1.  Membership Meetings.  The CC will organize the annual membership meetings and propose the agenda for those meetings.

5-E-2.  Committees and Officers.  The CC oversees all committees and officers of the State Party. The CC is responsible for filling any vacancies that arise unless otherwise prohibited by these bylaws.

5-E-3.  Ad hoc Committees.  The CC may form Ad Hoc committees as it so chooses.

5-E-4.  Expenditures.  The CC may authorize expenditures from the state party treasury.

5-E-5.  Statements.  The CC may authorize any statement to be made on behalf of the ILGP. Any such statement must be consistent with the 10 Key Values and the ILGP platform.

5-E-6.  Executive Committee.  The CC shall elect from among its members an executive committee.

5-E-7.  Mediation of disputes between local and/or associated organizations.  Any local or associated organization may ask the CC to mediate a dispute between it and another local/associated organization or organizations.

5-E-8.  Operating Procedures.  The CC shall ensure that the various committees and officers develop written internal operating procedures for the ILGP.  Such procedures will only be adopted with the approval of the Coordinating Committee.

5-F.  Removal.  Any coordinating committee member may be removed, for cause, by a ¾ vote of the CC or a ¾ secret ballot vote of the members at a membership meeting. In the event that the CC removes a CC member, the affected member may not vote. However, the local and the member involved must receive reasonable advance notice and an alternate representative from the same local may vote. The Executive Committee cannot remove a CC member.

ARTICLE 6 – The Executive Committee

6-A.  Definition.  Up to five co-chairs shall be elected by the Coordinating Committee from among its voting members and shall constitute the ILGP Executive Committee, with the Secretary and Treasurer serving ex officio as non-voting members of the Executive Committee.  The function of the Executive Committee is to carry out the duties of the CC between CC meetings.  The CC should strive for geographic, racial, and gender diversity in the ExC.

6-B.  Selection.

6-B-1.  Initial.  The CC will try to come to a consensus on the membership of the ExC.  Failing that, ExC members will be elected from the CC in an election administered by the State Party Secretary, by the method provided for in these bylaws.  Multiple representatives from the same local organization may vote, but no representative may cast a weighted vote for such an election.  The ExC will be chosen in the month after the Membership meeting.  The vote shall be by open ballot.

6-B-2.  Vacancies.  If a vacancy or vacancies in the ExC occurs, the CC will try to come to a consensus on filling the vacancy or vacancies.  Failing that, a special election will be held, administered by the State Party Secretary, by the method provided for in these bylaws.  Multiple representatives from the same local organization may vote, but no representative may cast a weighted vote for such an election.

6-C. Duties.

6-C-1. The ExC carries out the duties of the CC between CC meetings except as otherwise specified in these bylaws. It may issue emergency statements that are consistent with the 10 key values and the platform, spend money from the treasury, and oversee ongoing projects.

6-C-2.  The ExC shall organize and propose the agenda for CC meetings.

6-C-3.  The members of the ExC shall also serve as spokespersons for the party.

6-D.  Procedures.

6-D-1.  Notification.  A good faith effort must be made to notify all ExC members of any ExC meeting. The state party secretary and treasurer shall also be invited to and ExC meetings as non-voting members.

6-D-2.  Quorum.  A majority of the ExC members shall constitute a quorum at an ExC meeting

6-D-3.  Decision Making.  The ExC will make all decisions by consensus. If the ExC cannot come to a consensus on a decision then it must refer the decision to the CC.

6-E.  Relationship between ExC and CC.

6-E-1. CC Review.  The ExC is subordinate to the CC. The CC may review and override any decision of the ExC.

6-E-2. Limitations.  The CC may place any limitation on the ExC that it so desires. All decisions of the CC are binding on the ExC.

6-E-3.  Removal.  Any member of the ExC can be removed by the CC by a 2/3 vote.  Multiple representatives from the same local organization may vote, but no representative may cast a weighted vote for such an election.

ARTICLE 7 – Officers

7-A. General.

7-A-1.  Requirements.  All officers of the ILGP must be members in good standing.

7-A-2.  Accountability.  All officers must report to the membership at membership meetings and to the CC and ExC between membership meetings.

7-A-3.  Offices.  The offices of the ILGP are: Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Steward, and Representatives to National Organizations.

7-A-4.  Election.  The officers of the ILGP will be elected at membership meetings in odd numbered years for a two-year term in office, by the method provided for in these bylaws.

7-A-5.  Removal.  An officer can be removed from office for cause by a 2/3 vote of the members at a membership meeting or a 2/3 vote of the CC at a CC meeting. The ExC cannot remove an officer.

7-A-6.  Replacement.  If it becomes necessary to fill a vacancy in an ILGP office, the CC can elect a new officer to serve until the next membership meeting, by the method provided for in these bylaws.  Weighted votes will not apply.  The Secretary will conduct the election, or, in the case that the Secretary office is vacant or the Secretary is a candidate, the Treasurer will conduct the vote.  The vote shall be by open ballot.

7-B. Treasurer.

7-B-1.  Description.  The Treasurer will manage all of the financial matters of the ILGP.

7-B-2.  Reports.  The Treasurer will prepare reports on the finances of the Party for CC and membership meetings.

7-B-3.  Legal Issues.  The Treasurer shall submit the financial records of party operations to the State of Illinois as necessary by law.  The Treasurer shall file all documents necessary to ensure the ILGP can endorse candidates and ballot initiatives supported by the ILGP. The Treasurer shall ensure legally required records are maintained for all funds collected.

7-B-4.  Disbursement of Funds.  The Treasurer shall disburse and manage the ILGP funds based on the direction of the CC and the ExC. 

7-C.  Secretary.

7-C-1.  Description.  The Secretary will handle all records and correspondence of the ILGP.

7-C-2.  Meeting Minutes.  The Secretary shall keep and distribute the minutes of all CC and membership meetings.

7-C-3.  Communications.  The Secretary shall handle the mail, e-mail, and phone calls on behalf of the ILGP.  The Secretary shall process the applications of new local and associated organizations.

7-C-4.  Assistants.  The Secretary can enlist the help of other party members to complete these duties.

7-C-5.  Chair.  The Secretary is empowered to sign as the “chair” of the ILGP on official documents that require such a signature.  In no other sense is the Secretary considered the chair of the party.

7-D.  Membership Steward.

7-D-1.  Description.  The Membership Steward will handle all business related to the administration of the membership of the ILGP.

7-D-2.  Membership Forms.  The Membership Steward shall, with the help of the various officers and locals of the party, design and distribute membership forms and encourage new members to join.

7-D-3.  Forwarding.  The membership steward will forward all dues and other donations to the ILGP Treasurer.

7-D-4. Membership List.

7-D-4-a.  The membership steward shall keep the official membership list for the ILGP

7-D-4-b.  The membership steward shall make the membership list available to any CC member or officer of the party for the purpose of the organization upon request.

7-D-4-c.  The membership steward can only make the list available with the understanding that it may not be made available to any outside organization, individual, or to any candidate for office without prior approval by the CC at a CC meeting, or the membership at a membership meeting, unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

7-D-4-d.  The membership steward may make relevant portions of the membership list available to newly forming locals in order to facilitate their growth, without prior express approval.

7-D-5.  Membership Cards.  The Membership Steward shall design and annually distribute membership cards to the members of the Party.

7-D-6.  Renewal.  The Membership Steward shall send reminders to members when they need to renew their membership.

7-D-7.  Credentialing.  The Membership Steward will be in charge of the Credential Process at Membership Meetings.

7-D-8.  Voting Strength of CC Members.  The Membership Steward will make regular membership reports to the CC for the purposes of allotting voting strength to the CC members.

7-D-9.  Assistants.  The Membership Steward can enlist other members of the Party to help in these duties.

7-E.  Representatives to National Organizations.

7-E-1.  Description.  Representatives may be sent to national organizations of which the ILGP is an affiliate or a member.  The CC may designate to which offices this bylaw shall apply.

7-E-2.  Term of Service.  The representatives will be chosen as in described in Section 7-A above, unless this conflicts with the bylaws of the national organization. In that case, the representative will be chosen according to the bylaws of that organization.

7-E-3.  Travel Costs.  The ILGP will defray part or all of the travel costs to national meetings. The CC will decide how much of the treasury shall be allocated to this.

7-E-4.  Binding Votes.  The membership at a membership meeting can dictate how representatives must vote at national meetings. Between membership meetings, the CC can also dictate how representatives must vote. The ExC cannot obligate national representatives.

7-E-5.  Duties.  National representatives are required to make known to the membership important decision and events occurring at national meetings. The representatives are also required to prepare and distribute reports on all national meetings attended.

ARTICLE 8 – Committees

8-A.  General Rules.

8-A-1.  Types of Committees.  In addition to the CC and the ExC, the ILGP shall have two types of committees: standing committees as delineated in this article of the bylaws, and ad hoc committees created by the CC or membership.

8-A-2.  Composition.  Membership on all standing committees is open to any ILGP member.

8-A-3.  Committee Rules.  Each standing committee shall produce a committee rules document that may, among other things, outline a process for the selection of committee chairs and create a decision-making process for the committee.  Such documents must be approved by the CC or membership to take effect.

8-A-4.  Additional Powers and Responsibilities.  Additional powers and responsibilities beyond those delineated to committees in this article may be given by the CC or membership or specified in committee rules.

8-A-5.  Chairs.  Each committee shall have a chair or co-chairs who are responsible for reporting the activities of the committee to the CC. No one person may be a chair of more than two standing committees.  The CC shall approve the chair(s) of each committee.  If required, the CC shall elect the chair(s) in the same manner in which officers are elected.

8-A-6.  Reports.  Each committee will submit a report on its actions for the general membership meeting.  Between membership meetings the CC can require that reports be submitted.

8-A-7.  Financial Commitments.  No standing committee shall make any financial commitment on behalf of the ILGP without the prior consent of the CC, unless financial powers have been specifically delegated to it, or unless specific arrangements have been made for the committee’s independent financial responsibility.

8-A-8.  Removals.

8-A-8-a.  Chairs:  Any committee chair can be removed from their position by a 2/3 vote of the members at a membership meeting or a 2/3 vote of the CC at a CC meeting where each voting CC member receives 1 vote.  The ExC cannot remove committee chairs.  A committee chair may also be removed by the committee itself according to an approved process within its rules document.

8-A-8-b.  Committee members:  Any member can be removed from their committee, except for the CC, by a 2/3 vote of the members at a membership meeting or a 2/3 vote of the CC at a CC meeting where each voting CC member is given 1 vote.  The ExC cannot remove committee members.  A committee member may also be removed by the committee itself according to an approved process within its rules document.

8-B.  Bylaws and Procedures Committee.

8-B-1.  The Bylaws and Procedures Committee shall:

8-B-1-a.  Propose changes to the bylaws for consideration at membership meetings.

8-B-1-b.  Maintain the official copy of the bylaws and make it available to all members.

8-B-1-c.  Help interpret the bylaws for the CC, the ExC, and at membership meetings.

8-B-1-d.  Keep a record of the bylaws of the local and associated organizations.

8-B-1-e.  Propose procedures to be used at membership meetings.

8-B-1-f.  Under the direction of the CC and/or ExC, draft and evaluate internal operating procedures with the committees, officers, and for other needs of the party.

8-B-2.  The Bylaws and Procedures Committee can make any formatting, spelling, grammar or organizational changes to the bylaws.  These changes must be approved by the CC or Membership.  The Bylaws and Procedures Committee cannot make any changes to the meaning of the bylaws.

8-C.  Platform Committee.

8-C-1.  The Platform Committee shall:

8-C-1-a.  Propose updates to the ILGP platform.

8-C-1-b.  Help members and local propose updates to the platform.

8-C-1-c.  Maintain the official copy of the platform and make it available to all members.

8-C-1-d.  Keep a record of local and associated organization platforms.

8-C-1-e.  Develop issue statements, flyers and other activist material consistent with the platform.

8-C-2.  The Platform Committee can make any formatting, spelling, grammar or organizational changes to the platform.  These changes must be approved by the CC or Membership.  The Platform Committee cannot make any changes to the meaning of the platform.

8-D.  Finance Committee.

8-D-1.  The Finance Committee shall:

8-D-1-a.  Prepare a draft of the annual budget for the ILGP with the assistance of the Treasurer.  The budget will be presented to the CC before the start of the fiscal year.

8-D-1-b.  Monitor on a regular basis the collection and expenditure of funds by the Membership Steward, Treasurer and their assistants.  The committee will review the monthly reports by the treasurer to the CC and furnish written comments on the reports at the discretion of the committee or as directed by the CC.  The committee may request timely and complete audits as they deem necessary.

8-D-1-c.  Propose updates to the fiscal policy of the ILGP.

8-D-2.  The Finance Committee can make any formatting, spelling, grammar, or organizational changes to the fiscal policy.  These changes must be approved by the CC or Membership.  The Finance Committee cannot make any changes to the meaning of the fiscal policy.

8-E.  Fundraising Committee.

8-E-1.  The Fundraising Committee shall:

8-E-1-a.  Coordinate fundraising efforts for the ILGP.

8-E-1-b.  Aid ILGP local and associated organizations in fundraising efforts when possible.

8-F.  Government and Elections Committee.

8-F-1.  State Government; the Government and Elections Committee shall:

8-F-1-a.  Monitor the activities of the government of the State of Illinois and keep the membership informed of these activities.

8-F-1-b.  Help members of the ILGP understand and comply with electoral and campaign finance law in Illinois and at the federal level.

8-F-1-c.  Involve the ILGP members in lobbying federal, state, and local governments on issues as decided by the party.

8-F-2.  Campaign Coordination; the Government and Elections Committee shall:

8-F-2-a.  Actively seek out potential Green Party nominees for statewide office.

8-F-2-b.  Assist locals with candidate recruitment for other elected offices.

8-F-2-c.  Maintain lists of Green candidates for public office.

8-F-2-d.  Coordinate with locals and candidates on electoral campaigns.

8-G.  Media Committee.

8-G-1.  The Media Committee shall:

8-G-1-a.  Generate press releases for general dissemination.

8-G-1-b.  Help the state party and local and associated organizations make effective use of the media.

8-G-1-c.  Produce a newsletter for the ILGP.

8-H.  Information Technology (IT) Committee.

8-H-1.  The IT Committee shall:

8-H-1-a.  Administer the ILGP website.

8-H-1-b.  Provide tools for officers, local and associated organizations, and committees to add web content.

8-H-1-c.  Manage the email lists used by the ILGP

8-H-1-d.  Perform required administrative tasks to maintain the ILGP’s Internet presence.

8-H-1-e.  Provide architectural guidance, implementation, and technical support for digital solutions pursued by the ILGP.

8-I.  Meetings Committee.

8-I-1.  The Meetings Committee shall:

8-I-1-a.  Coordinate with locals to put on membership meetings and other types of meetings.

8-I-1-b.  Assist the Membership Steward in sending out meeting packets.

8-J.  Locals Support Committee.

8-J-1.  The Locals Support Committee shall:

8-J-1-a.  Aid in the development of new local and associated organizations by helping members and contacts form such organizations.

8-J-1-b.  Work to ensure that the state party provides useful services to local and associated organizations.

8-J-1-c.  Disseminate flyers, brochures, and other information to local and associated organizations.

8-K.  Membership Committee.

8-K-1.  The Membership Committee shall:

8-K-1-a.  Assist the Membership Steward in his/her duties.

8-K-1-b.  Work on membership recruitment efforts.

8-L.  Nominating Committee.

8-L-1.  The Nominating Committee shall:

8-L-1-a.  Maintain a list of ILGP positions, subject to consultation with the Secretary.

8-L-1-b.  Recruit ILGP members for consideration for elected and appointed positions.

8-L-1-c.  Have access to all membership information necessary to perform its function.

8-L-1-d.  Be authorized to nominate candidates for vacant positions.

ARTICLE 9 – Application of Illinois Statutes

9-A.  Freedom of Association.  The ILGP maintains its right, under the 1st and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution, to freedom of association, and authorizes legal action to be taken for the purpose of defending its freedom of association upon explicit approval of the Membership or upon simultaneous explicit approval of the Executive and Coordinating Committees.

9-B.  Partisan Primary Elections.  The ILGP considers the semi-open primary as practiced under Illinois statute to be an infringement upon the party's freedom of association and therefore authorizes the Coordinating Committee and Executive Committee to take steps as possible, and as those bodies deem appropriate, to implement rules to protect the party's freedom of association with regard to primary elections.

9-C.  State Central Committee.  The Green Party State Central Committee, as described in the Illinois Election Code, is considered a Standing Committee of the ILGP, subject to the conditions governing Standing Committees within these Bylaws.  No officer of the Green Party State Central Committee shall be considered, by virtue of such office, to be an officer of the ILGP.

9-D.  Other Central Committees.  Green Party Central Committees at jurisdictional levels below the entire state, as described in the Illinois Election Code, are considered to be organizationally subject to the direction of county or multi-county local organizations affiliated with the ILGP; or, when a jurisdiction includes a geographic area that is not part of an affiliated organization, to be organizationally subject to the direction of the ILGP; or, when such jurisdiction overlaps the territory of multiple county or multi-county organizations, to be organizationally subject to a combination of those organizations.

ARTICLE 10 – ILGP Candidates for Public Office

10-A.  Scope.  The intent of this Article is to establish processes by which candidates may be acknowledged as candidates of the ILGP for the purpose of extending public acknowledgement and otherwise providing resources to them.  Nothing within this Article shall be interpreted as to limit the ability of a local organization to issue an endorsement on its own behalf.

10-B.  Definitions.

10-B-1.  ILGP Candidates.  An individual running for public office in the State of Illinois shall be acknowledged as an ILGP candidate if the individual meets the following requirements.  a) The individual is an ILGP member and is not an officer or candidate of another political party; b) The individual is either running in a non-partisan election, or running on a Green ballot line where one exists in a partisan election or running as an independent where a Green ballot line does not exist in a partisan election; and c) The individual is endorsed or recognized in a manner described in this article.

10-B-2.  Statewide Office.  For the purposes of this article, a "statewide office" is any state or federal office for which the officeholder is elected solely by eligible voters throughout the State of Illinois.  These offices are the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Comptroller, and United States Senator.

10-B-3.  Legislative Office.  For the purpose of this article, a "legislative office" is any state or federal office for which the officeholder is elected solely by eligible voters within a specific electoral district in Illinois.  These offices are the offices of United States Representative, Illinois State Senator, and Illinois State Representative.

10-B-4.  Local Office.  For the purpose of this article, a "local office" is any elected public office within the State of Illinois that is not defined in this article as either a statewide office or a legislative office.  The offices of precinct, township, and ward committeeperson are not considered public offices.

10-B-5.  Nomination, Endorsement, and Recognition.  Nomination is a legal action by which a candidate is authorized to be placed on the ballot for a general election.  Candidates can be nominated by primary election, by action of a central committee (commonly referred to as "slating"), or by petition.  Endorsement is an action that can be taken by the ILGP, affiliated organizations, or ILGP members within a relevant electoral district to express preference for a candidate. Recognition is an action that can be taken by the ILGP, affiliated organizations, or ILGP members within a relevant electoral district to identify an ILGP candidate as defined in this article. Recognition is a prerequisite for being included in an official ILGP roster of candidates, and for potentially receiving financial, logistical and other types of electoral support from the ILGP. Endorsement includes recognition, but recognition does not imply endorsement.

10-B-6.  Slating.  "Slating" refers to a legal process by which a state-recognized body, such as a central committee, may fill a vacancy in nomination by formal action.

10-C.  Recognition and Endorsement of Candidates for Statewide Office.

10-C-1.  Endorsement for Nomination by New Party Petition.  If the Green Party is not an "established party" under Illinois statute, then a candidate for statewide office may be endorsed by a vote as described in this Section for inclusion on a petition to form a "new party" under Illinois law.

10-C-2.  Endorsement by Primary Election or Slating.  Provided that a candidate meets all other conditions to be an ILGP candidate as specified in this Article, a candidate for statewide office who wins a primary election or who is slated by the Green Party State Central Committee shall be considered endorsed, unless such candidate then explicitly has the endorsement withdrawn by the process defined within this Section.

10-C-3.  Primary Election Recognition.  A candidate for statewide office may be recognized as an ILGP candidate. Endorsements shall not be offered by the ILGP for candidates in a primary election.

10-C-4.  Recognition or Endorsement Votes.

10-C-4-a.  Statement of Intent.  Candidates who wish to be considered for the party's recognition or endorsement for a statewide office must provide the ILGP Secretary with a Statement of Intent including their name, legal residence address, and office sought, as the information should appear on an official Statement of Candidacy as required by Illinois statute.

10-C-4-b.  Timing.  Recognition or endorsement votes shall be taken no more than nine months preceding the first legal day to petition for such offices under state statute. 

10-C-4-c.  Method.  If feasible, recognition or endorsement decisions will be made by the Membership using the standard voting mechanism described within these Bylaws.  If the Coordinating Committee determines that there are timing or other issues that preclude a vote of the Membership from being taken, then the Coordinating Committee may extend recognition or endorsement to a candidate by a majority vote with open ballot.

10-C-5.  Withdrawal of Recognition or Endorsement.  A recognition or endorsement may be explicitly withdrawn by a majority vote of the Membership or, in the event that it is not feasible to put the vote before the Membership, by a standard supermajority vote of the Coordinating Committee.

10-D.  Recognition and Endorsement of Candidates for Legislative and Local Office.

10-D-1.  Primary Election Recognition.  A candidate for legislative or local office may be recognized as an ILGP candidate. Endorsements shall not be offered by the ILGP for candidates in a primary election.

10-D-2.  Autonomy of ILGP Member Residents.  The subset of ILGP members who are residents of an electoral district have primary autonomous authority to recognize or endorse candidates for offices serving that electoral district and, as a group, may therefore make or deny an ILGP recognition or endorsement, for offices serving that electoral district. There must be at least three members participating in that decision.

10-D-3.  Autonomy of Local Organizations.  When an affiliated local organization's boundaries completely encompass the boundaries of a relevant electoral district, such local organization may, in the absence of action taken by members residing within that electoral district, make or deny ILGP recognition or endorsement for such offices.  Also, if the members residing within an electoral district have made an ILGP recognition or endorsement or have denied a sought recognition or endorsement for an office serving that electoral district, such a decision may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of a relevant local organization.

10-D-4.  Overlapping Districts.  When the boundaries of a relevant electoral district overlap the boundaries of more than one affiliated local organization or unaffiliated geographic area, in the absence of action taken by members residing within a relevant electoral district, a local organization may make or deny ILGP recognition or endorsement for such offices, so long as other relevant local organizations do not vote to the contrary.  Also, if the members residing within an electoral district have extended an ILGP recognition or endorsement or have denied a sought recognition or endorsement for an office serving that electoral district, such a decision may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of each local whose territory is intersected by the relevant electoral district.

10-D-5.  Authority of State Party.  In the absence of any action taken by residents within a relevant electoral district or any local or locals relevant to such electoral district, the ILGP Membership or the Coordinating Committee may make or deny recognition or endorsements for offices within such electoral district by the same method as provided for making recognition or endorsements for statewide office.  Also, if the members residing within an electoral district, or any local or locals relevant to such electoral district, have made an ILGP recognition or endorsement or have denied a sought recognition or endorsement for an office serving that electoral district, such a decision may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the Membership, or by a two-thirds open-ballot vote of the Coordinating Committee.

10-D-6.  Implicit Recognition.  In the absence of any action whatsoever being taken at any level of the ILGP prior to the 60th day before an election, any candidate for legislative or local office who meets the other qualifications of being an ILGP candidate as defined in this Article shall implicitly be considered an ILGP recognized candidate.

10-E.  President and Vice-President of the United States.

10-E-1.  Compliance with Nomination.  The ILGP shall take all actions necessary to comply with the results of the nomination vote held by the Green Party of the United States at its quadrennial presidential nominating convention.

10-E-2.  National Convention Delegation.  The nature and method of selection of the ILGP delegation to the Green Party of the United States quadrennial presidential nominating convention shall be approved by the ILGP Membership, or, if so designated by the ILGP Membership, by the Coordinating Committee.

ARTICLE 11 – Internal Voting Rules and Other Standing Rules

11-A.  Internal Voting Rules.

11-A-1.  Instant Runoff Voting.  All elections called for in these bylaws for which a single seat is to be filled shall be conducted by Instant Runoff Voting.  To win, a candidate must secure a majority of votes from all ballots, including exhausted ballots.

11-A-2.  Single Transferable Voting.  All elections called for in these bylaws for which multiple seats are to be filled shall be conducted using choice voting (also called Single Transferable Voting or STV), with a fractional fixed Droop threshold (the number of ballots divided by the sum of the number of seats to be filled and one (1/(seats+1))) and fractional transfers.  British Columbia rules shall be used.  A candidate must pass the Droop threshold in order to be elected.

11-A-3.  Ties.  If an election called for in these bylaws shall end in a tie, the tie shall be broken by chance.

11-A-4.  Vacancies.  If an election called for in these bylaws shall end with seats not being filled, a vacancy or vacancies will be declared.

11-A-5.  Elaboration.  Elaboration of rules within this section may be included in a Code of Standing Rules.

11-B.  Code of Standing Rules.  The Coordinating Committee and Bylaws and Procedures Committee may maintain as a supplement to these Bylaws a Code of Standing Rules.  The Code of Standing Rules shall be secondary to these Bylaws as controlling rules for the ILGP.  The Code of Standing Rules may include a section containing Rules of Order for the ILGP.