Mass Scorecard links from 2025 Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform

Massachusetts Democratic Party Charter

Updated: September 27, 2023

Contents Preamble 2 Article One: Definitions 3 Article Two: Town, Ward and City Committees 4 SECTION I. Functions of Local Committees 4 SECTION II. Number of Members; Election of Ward, Town and City Committees 4 SECTION III. Officers of Local Committees 5 SECTION IV. Meetings of Local Committees 5 SECTION V. Removal of Local Members 5 Article Three: State Committee 6 SECTION I. Role of the State Committee 6 SECTION II. Number of State Committee Members 6 SECTION III. Election of State Committee Members 7 SECTION IV. subcommittees of the State Committee 8 SECTION V. Meetings of the State Committee 8 SECTION VI. Report to the Convention 8 SECTION VII. Removal of State Committee Members 8 Article Four: State Committee Officers 9 SECTION I. Officers of the State Committee 9 SECTION II. Chair 9 SECTION III. Vice-Chair 9 SECTION IV. Treasurer 9 SECTION V. Secretary 10 SECTION VI. Removal of Officers 10 Article Five: State Judicial Council 10 SECTION I. Number and Term of Membership 10 SECTION II. Chair of the Council 10 SECTION III. Rules of Order 10 SECTION IV. Responsibilities of the Judicial Council 10 SECTION V. Removal of Council Members 11 Article Six: State Convention 11 SECTION I. Empowerment of the Convention 11 SECTION II. Issues Convention 11 SECTION III. Endorsing Convention 11 SECTION IV. Call of the Convention 11 SECTION V. Adherence to Platform by Democratic Officials 13 Article Seven: Affirmative Action and Outreach 13 SECTION I. Support of Affirmative Action Programs 13 SECTION II. Goals 13 SECTION III. Affirmative Action and Outreach subcommittee 14 SECTION IV. Implementation of Affirmative Action and Outreach 14 SECTION V. Non-Compliance with Affirmative Action and Outreach 14 SECTION VI. Challenges 15 Article Eight: General Provisions 15 SECTION I. Ethical Practices 15 SECTION II. Openness 15 SECTION III. Proxy Voting 15 Article Nine : Amendments, By-Laws and Rules 15 SECTION I. Majority Rule 15 SECTION II. State Committee 15 SECTION III. Local By-Laws 15 SECTION IV Rules of Party 15

Preamble

We, the Democrats of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in common purpose with the National Democratic Charter, are united in seeking for our State and our Nation, justice, equality, freedom, and a decent quality of life for all individuals in the Commonwealth.

We affirm that we can best attain these goals through being a strong, cohesive, and honest Party that is accessible to all. The Massachusetts Democratic Party recognizes and supports the rights of all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, or philosophical persuasion to participate in all Party activities (or affairs) at any level of the Party structure. We acknowledge that in order to effectively lead, the Party must embrace all individuals who truly believe in democracy, and in order to nurture the best Democrat leaders to govern in the Commonwealth, the Party must fully embody all individuals of the Commonwealth.

The Democratic Party demands responsibility and accountability from all of its candidates and officials. and shall:

Be a political party where everyone can run for office, discuss issues, affect public policies, and implement systems of equal opportunity for all individuals.
Be receptive to new solutions of social and political problems, and create and enforce policies and procedures that take into account the needs of all individuals.
Promote the election and appointment of Democrats of all backgrounds to public office.
Act as a coordinator and mediator among the various governing agencies of towns, cities, counties, and the Commonwealth; out of office it shall act as a responsible opposition, a channel for legitimate dissent.

To these ends, we pledge ourselves to advocating for the rights for all individuals and supporting democratic leaders to ensure our government represents a true democracy through this Charter of the Democratic Party of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Article One: Definitions

The following definitions apply to terms used throughout the Charter: Convention is a state-wide gathering of Democrats called by the State Committee.

Conference is a regional gathering of Democrats called by the State Committee.

Caucus is a gathering of enrolled Democrats called by a town, ward, city or the State Committee.

Meeting is a gathering of full and associate members of a Party committee, or sub-unit thereof, at any level.

Agenda is defined as an outline of topics to be considered and actions to be taken by the Party, such as meetings, programs, rules, etc. Accessible is defined as referring to those conditions which assure openness and provide an equal opportunity for participation, including locations, convenience and public identification among others.

Underrepresented Ethnic and Racial Groups - The groups include but are not limited to Blacks/African Americans/African Descendants, Hispanic/Latino/Latinx, Native Americans, and Asian and Pacific Islanders Marginalized Communities -The groups include but are not limited to underrepresented ethnic and racial groups such as Blacks/African Americans/African Descendants, Hispanics/Latinos/Latinx, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, Native Americans; persons living with disabilities; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons; non-binary persons; workers; youth; low and moderate income people; women; veterans; and senior citizens.

Disability, with respect to an individual, means a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such an individual, a record of such a condition, or being regarded as having such a condition.

Youth individuals 16 through 35 years of age.

LGBTQ+, Gender- Nonconforming and Nonbinary is defined as individuals that identify as as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, or other identity that is not straight or cisgender.

Low and Moderate Income as defined by the Democratic National Committee.

Senior those persons 65 years of age or Citizens over.

Veteran: Someone who has served but is not currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, Reserves, or Coast Guard, or who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II.

Wards shall include the term municipal districts.

Article Two: Town, Ward and City Committees

SECTION I. Functions of Local Committees

Town, ward and city committees are the foundation of Party organization and have the closest contact with the people. The local committees shall conduct, according to duly established and recorded local by-laws, such activities as are suitable for a political organization; among which (without limitation) are: the endorsement of enrolled Democratic candidates in partisan and nonpartisan primaries, preliminaries and elections; financial support of the State Committee and Democratic nominees; the adoption of resolutions and platforms; the raising and disbursing of funds for political purposes; voter registration campaigns; and the calling of caucuses for the purpose of endorsing candidates, adopting resolutions, or conducting other Party business as provided for in the Call.

All Local committees are intended to be working committees, dedicated to the cause of winning elections. All members should pledge a minimum of 40 hours in each 2 year election cycle to organizing or soliciting financial or grassroots voter support for Democratic candidates, at least half of which shall be in the general election time period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter, failure to work actively in any election cycle could result in removal from all Democratic Party offices, if voted by said committee after a hearing. State Committee members shall be responsible for ensuring that all members within their state senatorial district are given opportunities to comply with this pledge. Town and Ward committee chairs shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the work pledge provision.

SECTION II. Number of Members; Election of Ward, Town and City Committees

Town and ward committees shall have no fewer than 3 nor more than 35 members, who shall be elected at presidential primaries with filing for the office by individual candidates in conformity with State Election Laws. Ward and Town Committees may increase the number of members of the Committee up to the maximum of 35 at any time by a vote of a majority of the members of the committee, effective upon notification of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Democratic State Committee within 30 days of said vote. City committees shall be composed of all ward committee members within a municipality. Town and ward committees may elect associate members who shall not be limited to a maximum figure. With respect to current numbers of the town committee who served as such for 20 or more years or current members of any ward committee who have served within such city for 20 or more years, said member's elected position on the town or ward committee shall be vacated after the member has served over twenty years and he or she becomes a voting member of the town/ward committee by action of this section. Vacancies in local committees shall be filled by vote of that committee. Associate members, if any, shall be the candidate(s) for filling any committee vacancies. Town and ward committees are authorized to constitute their elected officers plus such members as the committee designates as an executive board. All members of the town, ward and city committees shall be enrolled Democrats. State Committee members shall be ex officio members of ward, town and city committees.

SECTION III. Officers of Local Committees

Town, ward and city committees shall elect: a chair or, if deemed advisable, two co-chairs and a vice-chair (not both or all of the same gender), a treasurer, secretary, Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor and other appropriate officers from among their members. Officers shall be elected every two years; except that a committee in its by-laws may provide for a four-year term, running with presidential terms; at the local committee's organizational meeting, which shall be held no later than April 15th in non-presidential election years and as defined in state law in presidential election years. The local chair shall be the principal executive officer of the town, ward or city committee, with primary responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of this Charter and by-laws at the local level and for communications between local committees and the State Committee. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the local committee and at caucuses called by it. Other officers shall have such duties and responsibilities as assigned by the local by-laws, chair or committee.

SECTION IV. Meetings of Local Committees

Town, ward and city committees shall meet at least four times each year, at least once each quarter, at the call of the chair. Special meetings may be called by the secretary on receipt of signed petition from no fewer than 20% of the membership of the committee.

SECTION V. Removal of Local Members

Members and officers pledge themselves by accepting office to perform diligently and honorably their duties or resign. Members of town and ward committees may be removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice and due process and by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting, a quorum being present, for:

a. failure to attend at least half of the regularly scheduled committee meetings during any calendar year.
b. publicly endorsed or supported any candidate whose announced intention is to oppose the nominee of the Democratic Party, or potential nominees, publicly support(s) the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most recent state and national Democratic conventions, inclusive of the period prior to a Democratic primary when announced Democratic candidate or candidates supports the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party.
c. unauthorized use of the Party name or resources.
d. conviction after appeals are exhausted of a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor. A member must be given an opportunity to resign before notice of the hearing on the question of removal is given to the membership of the committee. Additionally, any member who is to be removed related to section d, must have had 3, or more, complaints filed against them by other local town or ward members and/or DSC members to the Party Chair, the Party Executive Director, and the Chair of the local town or ward committee in question. If a ward, town or city committee refuses to act upon or remove a member duly charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial Council. A member removed under this section shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council, and the vacancy may not be filled in such case until the final decision of the Judicial Council is made.
e. The Party is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all of its members and freedom from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or other harmful action, including but not limited to words, behaviors, and the display of symbols, based on racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, ableism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, cultural appropriation, or other axis of identity, whether actual or perceived.

Article Three: State Committee

SECTION I. Role of the State Committee

The Democratic State Committee shall have general responsibility for the affairs of the Democratic Party between State Conventions in the furtherance of this Charter. This responsibility shall include:

a. conducting the Party's state campaigns
b. filling vacancies in the nominations for state-wide and congressional offices c. formulating and disseminating statements of Party policy d. raising and disbursing monies needed for the successful operation of the State Committee.

The State Committee shall publicly support the Party's nominees, except no party resources shall be used to support a Democratic nominee, who as a Democrat publicly endorsed or supported a Republican or other party candidate in any one of the last two most recent biennial elections. The State Committee shall take all other actions necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Charter, including the adoption of by-laws to implement the Charter; maintenance of a file of by-laws of town, ward and city committees that is available for public inspection; and the maintenance of regular communication with and the provision for training, information and other services to town, ward and city committees when finances permit. The State Committee is intended to be working committees, dedicated to the cause of winning elections. All members should pledge a minimum of 40 hours in each 2 year election cycle to organizing or soliciting financial or grassroots voter support for Democratic candidates, at least half of which shall be in the general election time period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter, failure to work actively in any election cycle could result in removal from all Democratic Party offices, if voted by said committee after a hearing. State Committee members shall be responsible for ensuring that all State, Ward and Town Committee members within their state senatorial district are given opportunities to comply with this pledge.

SECTION II. Number of State Committee Members

Members of the Democratic State Committee shall be enrolled Democrats consisting of:

a. four individuals, with not more than half being of the same gender identity, elected from each state senatorial district;
b. members of the Democratic National Committee from Massachusetts
c. the State Committee in consultation with the Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee shall elect members for the purposes of affirmative action; the number of which will not exceed 10% of the total State Committee or the total percentage of these groups as reported in the most recent official Census data whichever number is greater shall prevail; in determining the affirmative action candidates for election, the Democratic State Committee shall consider the underrepresented target groups and shall endeavor to maintain proper geographic distribution of the State Committee as far as possible
d. additional members elected by the State Committee in accordance with its by-laws, and
e. a total of 19 youth members, none of whom shall have yet reached the age of 36, 12 of whom shall be elected by the Committee and 7 of whom shall be selected directly by designated organizations, as follows: (1) of the 12 youth members elected by the Committee, eight shall be individuals with not more than half being of the same gender identity, and four shall be members of the College Democrats of Massachusetts (when possible) with not more than half being of the same gender identity; and (2) of the 7 youth members selected directly by designated organizations, two shall be individuals of different genders selected by the Young Democrats of Massachusetts, one shall be the president of the Young Democrats of Massachusetts, two shall be individuals of different genders selected by the College Democrats of Massachusetts, and two shall be individuals of different genders selected by the High School Democrats of Massachusetts. All 7 of the youth members selected by designated organizations shall make every practical effort to become members or associate members of their local Ward or Town Committee. All student members specified in this paragraph (e) shall serve for a term of two years.
f. two veterans, of different genders.
g. 18 members of the LGBTQ+ community, five of whom shall be gay, five of whom shall be lesbian, two of whom shall be bisexual individuals of different genders, two of whom shall be transgender individuals of different genders, two of whom shall be nonbinary individuals, and two of whom shall be queer individuals.

The chair of the Party shall publicize the availability of these positions (Sections C, D, F, G). Only those candidates whose letters of intent have been received by the Chair of the State Party or his designee no later than 14 days prior to the scheduled reorganization meeting shall be eligible for any one of these positions. Candidates shall submit letters of intent for only one position. The determination as to whether, when and how long a candidate may speak will be made by the Chair and published prior to the meeting to effect an orderly election. The appropriate number of members shall then be chosen by a plurality of the members present and voting. In cases of a tie vote, there shall be a runoff between those candidates that tied on the preceding ballot. Members chosen under this paragraph, except student seats, shall serve for terms of four years and only during the term of the State Committee which chose them.

SECTION III. Election of State Committee Members

There shall be one hundred and sixty (160) members of the Democratic State Committee apportioned to the state senatorial districts. Eighty (80) members of the State Committee, one man and one woman from each state senatorial district, shall be elected at the Presidential primary election. Their terms shall begin on the thirtieth (30th) day following their election and end four years later on the (30th) day following the presidential primary to be held that year. Eighty (80) members shall be elected by the Democratic ward and town committees within the state senatorial district, in a manner prescribed by the Democratic State Committee. The terms of members so selected shall begin the day following their election and end four years later on the day of the conference to select their successors. Within the time period specified by state law for initial organization of the Committee, the incumbent Democratic State Committee chair, or someone designated by the chair, shall certify the members elected by state senatorial district conference. Thereafter, the popularly elected, conference-elected, twenty-year and ex officio members of the State Committee shall organize the Committee in accordance with then-applicable state law; however, at its first organized meeting following a Presidential Primary, the Committee shall elect additional members as provided by the Committee's by-laws. All members of the State Committee shall have full and equal voting privileges. In non-presidential years, the incumbent Democratic State Committee chair or someone designated by the chair shall certify the members elected by state senatorial district conferences. Following the certification of these members, the next order of business shall be the election of such additional members as provided by the state committee's by-laws. Members shall serve only so long as they remain enrolled as voters in the Massachusetts Democratic Party and in the case of members who serve by virtue of holding public or party office, only so long as they hold such office. Members appointed for affirmative action purposes shall serve until their successors are selected at the initial organizational meeting of the full committee. Any vacancy in the elected membership shall be filled by state senatorial district conferences as described above. Any vacancy occurring within six (6) months before the next regularly scheduled election shall not be filled.

SECTION IV. subcommittees of the State Committee

The Chair of the State Committee shall appoint such subcommittees as it determines necessary or appropriate to enable the State Committee to fulfill the duties and obligations with which it is charged by the Charter. There shall be an Affirmative Action and Outreach subcommittee responsible for encouraging and assisting target group individuals at all levels and for overseeing and assisting Party committees at all levels in meeting affirmative action guidelines.

SECTION V. Meetings of the State Committee

The State Committee shall meet at least four times each year, at least once each quarter, at the call of the State chair. Special meetings shall be called by the Secretary on receipt of signed petition from no fewer than 25 members of the State Committee. Meetings of the full State Committee shall be held regularly on a regional basis. Members of the State Committee elected at the state senatorial district level shall meet at least twice each year with members of town, ward and city committees in their districts.

SECTION VI. Report to the Convention

The Chair of the State Committee shall provide to the delegates at each State Convention, a report on the activities and finances of the State Party since the preceding State Convention.

SECTION VII. Removal of State Committee Members

Members and officers pledge themselves by accepting office to perform diligently and honorably their duties or resign. Members of the State Committee may be removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice and due process and by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at a State Committee meeting for:

a. failure to attend at least half of the regularly scheduled committee meetings during any calendar year.
b. publicly endorsed or supported any candidate whose announced intention is to oppose the nominee of the Democratic Party, or potential nominees, publicly support(s) the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most recent state and national Democratic conventions, inclusive of the period prior to a Democratic primary when announced Democratic candidate or candidates supports the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party.
c. unauthorized use of the Party name or resources
d. conviction after appeals are exhausted of a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor. A member must be given an opportunity to resign before notice of the hearing on the question of removal is given to the membership of the committee. Additionally, any member who is to be removed related to section d, must have had 3, or more, complaints regarding separate instances filed against them by other DSC members to both the Chair and Executive Director. If the State Committee refuses to act upon or remove a member duly charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial Council. A member removed under this section shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council, and the vacancy may not be filled in such case until the final decision of the Judicial Council is made.
d. The Party is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all of its members and freedom from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or other harmful action, including but not limited to words, behaviors, and the display of symbols, based on racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, ableism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, cultural appropriation, or other axis of identity, whether actual or perceived.

Article Four: State Committee Officers

SECTION I. Officers of the State Committee

The State Committee shall elect from among its members a chair, two vice-chairs one of whom shall be of a different gender than the chair, treasurer, secretary and other appropriate officers. All officers must be members of the State Committee, except that before choosing a treasurer or deputy treasurers, a majority of the members of the State Committee present and voting may suspend this requirement as to the treasurer or deputy treasurers only.

SECTION II. Chair

The chair shall be the chief executive officer of the State Committee, presiding at its meetings, speaking for it and directing its organization and activities. The chair shall, with the approval of the State Committee, appoint an Executive Director for the State Party and such additional staff as deemed appropriate. No member of the Democratic State Committee, other than the Chair, shall be eligible for full-time, non-temporary employment with the Massachusetts Democratic Party. The chair shall name persons to subcommittees provided for in this Charter or the by-laws of the State Committee, and may name other special subcommittees with the approval of the State Committee. The chair shall be an ex officio, voting member of all subcommittees. The chair may authorize the use of the name "Democrat" or "Democratic" by any regional, local or special committees or groups with the approval of the State Committee.

SECTION III. Vice-Chair

The vice-chair shall assume the powers and duties of the chair in the temporary absence or incapacity of the chair, and shall have such other responsibilities as are conferred by the State Committee or the chair.

SECTION IV. Treasurer

The treasurer shall be bonded and be responsible for the custody of all monies belonging to the State Committee; shall report annually to the State Committee on receipts, expenditures and the financial status of the Party; and shall comply with financial and reporting requirements of state and federal election laws.

SECTION V. Secretary

The secretary shall keep minutes and other records of State Committee meetings and actions, and shall have such other responsibilities as are conferred by the State Committee or the chair.

SECTION VI. Removal of Officers

Officers of the State Committee may be removed with adequate notice and due process for failing to perform the duties of the office, as well as for violations pursuant to Article 3 Section VII, by a two-thirds vote of the State Committee and additional actions as required by Article 3 Section VII. Vacancies in any office, for whatever reason, shall be filled by vote of the State Committee at a meeting not less than one (1) month following the formal announcement of the vacancy at a State Committee meeting.

Article Five: State Judicial Council

SECTION I. Number and Term of Membership

There shall be a State Judicial Council composed of five members elected by the State Committee for five-year terms, one of whom shall be elected each year. Members shall be enrolled Democrats, but shall not be members of the Democratic State Committee or any of its subcommittees. Affirmative action procedures shall be followed in electing members of the Judicial Council.

SECTION II. Chair of the Council

The State Judicial Council shall elect each year at its organizational meeting following the annual election of its members by the State Committee one of its members as chair. The Council chair shall call and preside at all meetings of the Council and shall have general administrative responsibilities for the Council.

SECTION III. Rules of Order

The Judicial Council shall adopt procedural rules which shall be reviewed by legal counsel. The Judicial Council shall meet at least once each year. Any member may call a meeting if the chair fails to do so.

SECTION IV. Responsibilities of the Judicial Council

The State Judicial Council shall be responsible for compliance of State and local committees with this Charter and by-laws for the adjudication of disputes arising therefrom. The Judicial Council may order any body or officer of the Party to take whatever action necessary to comply with the Charter or by-laws, including affirmative action goals. It shall also have general jurisdiction on appeal over disputes arising between local committees or between Party committees at different levels, in which case its judgment shall be final and binding on the parties.

SECTION V. Removal of Council Members

The chair of the State Judicial Council may be removed at any time for any reason by majority vote of the Council, but shall in such case continue as a member of the Council. Members of the State Judicial Council may be removed at any time for any reason by two-thirds vote of the members of the State Committee.

Article Six: State Convention

SECTION I. Empowerment of the Convention

The State Convention shall be the highest authority of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, subject to provisions of this Charter. It shall be empowered to adopt Party Platforms, endorse candidates for state-wide offices, and act upon such other matters of Party business as provided in the Call to the Convention. The Rules of the Convention, providing for all votes by simple majority except for a two-thirds majority required to suspend the rules, shall be recommended to the State Committee by the Rules Committee thereof and shall be adopted by a majority vote of the State Committee. The rules so adopted shall be distributed to the delegates not less than two weeks before the convention and may be amended from the floor of the convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates.

SECTION II. Issues Convention

There shall be a State Issues Convention in odd numbered years for the purpose of adopting a Party Agenda and/or Platform by a majority vote of Convention delegates present and voting based upon the recommendation, subject to amendments, of the Party Agenda or Platform Committee. Resolutions may be developed through a process beginning with caucuses of local Democrats.

SECTION III. Endorsing Convention

There shall be a State Convention in even numbered years for the purpose of endorsing candidates for state-wide offices in those years in which such office is to be filled. Endorsements for state-wide office of enrolled Democrats nominated at the Convention shall be by majority vote of the delegates present and voting, with the provision that any nominee who receives at least 15 percent of the Convention vote on any ballot for a particular office, in accordance with the Rules of that convention, may challenge the Convention endorsement in a State primary election.

SECTION IV. Call of the Convention

The State Committee shall issue the Call of a State Convention at least four months prior to the date of the convention. In even numbered years, the State Convention shall be not later than the Saturday after the date set by the Commonwealth for the filing of nomination papers with the Secretary of State's office, further it shall be the responsibility of the State Committee by vote to schedule the date of the convention in all years.

Provide for no fewer than 2,500 delegates; and to ensure adequate representation at the Democratic State Convention, the Democratic State Committee shall survey the delegates elected at the caucuses to determine whether marginalized communities’ representation reflects the participation of the marginalized communities in the Party as defined in Article I of the Charter of the Democratic Party of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If it does not so reflect the underrepresented ethnic and racial groups of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect a number of at-large delegates from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups at least thirty days prior to the said convention based upon the recommendation of the Caucus of Democrats from Underrepresented Ethnic and Racial Groups, formerly known as the Caucus of Minority Democrats. All of the add-on delegate categories must meet the same diversity goals that are used to fulfill the Party’s commitment to diverse representation when selecting the add-on delegates from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups. If it does not so reflect the disabled population of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the Disability Outreach Subcommittee at least thirty days prior to said convention, a number of at-large disabled delegates. If it does not so reflect the LGBTQ+ population of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the LGBTQ+ Outreach Subcommittee at least thirty days prior to said convention, a number of at-large LGBTQ+ delegates. If it does not so reflect the veteran population of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the Veterans and Military Families Subcommittee at least thirty days prior to said convention, a number of at-large veteran delegates. Those seats that are apportioned to cities and towns under part 4 of this section but are left vacant due to the failure of a city or town to hold a caucus by the deadline set forth in the Rules of the Convention shall be made available to "young" registered Democrats as defined by Article One of this Charter. The Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the Youth Services subcommittee at least 30 days prior to the convention, a number of "young" delegates on an at large basis equal to the number of delegate seats left vacant due to the failure of a town or ward to hold a caucus. These seats shall be equally divided between men and women, and preference shall be given to "young" Democrats residing in towns or wards which failed to hold a caucus
Assure all eligible enrolled and pre-enrolled Democrats, full, timely, and equal opportunity to participate through caucuses in towns and cities and include publicity and affirmative action guidelines toward that end
Restrict participation to enrolled and pre-enrolled Democrats in accordance with the Rules of that Convention
allocate one delegate to each city and town and the remainder on the basis of a formula giving equal weight to most recent Democratic Party registration as recorded by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and to the average vote for Democratic candidates in the last general elections for the offices of Governor and President;
- a. the members of the Democratic State Committee and the State Judicial Council shall serve as ex officio delegates to the Convention with full voting privileges
- b. the chair of each city, ward and town committee (as duly recorded with the offices of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Democratic State Committee) shall serve as an ex officio Delegate to the Convention with full voting privileges. If he/she cannot serve or is a delegate in another capacity, the next highest ranking officer (vice-chair, secretary and then treasurer) shall. If the next highest ranking officer cannot, a meeting of the full committee shall be called to elect one (1) to serve in this capacity, provided the Chair held a caucus for the most recent convention.
- c. the Democratic elected members of the General Court, the Democratic members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the Democratic elected state constitutional officers shall serve as ex officio delegates to the Convention with full voting privileges.
the delegate selection process shall begin within four (4) months prior to the convention.

SECTION V. Adherence to Platform by Democratic Officials

The most recent Democratic platform and/or agenda is the official position of the Democratic Party. Every Democratic committee member, every Democratic nominee, and every official elected as the Democratic nominee shall adhere to the national, state, and any local platform, in that order of priority, in all official statements and actions. Failure to do so shall not result in any removal or loss of rights within the Party, but may be publicized by resolutions or other appropriate action of any Party convention, conference, committee, or caucus.

Article Seven: Affirmative Action and Outreach

SECTION I. Support of Affirmative Action Programs

The Democratic Party of Massachusetts, to encourage full participation by all segments of the population, shall conduct affirmative action and outreach programs on behalf of marginalized communities including but are not limited to underrepresented ethnic and racial groups, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals workers, youth, low and moderate income people, women, and senior citizens. Democratic Party organizations shall undertake affirmative action programs designed to encourage the fullest participation of all Democrats in all Party activities at all levels including leadership. These activities shall include but not limited to the processes in which delegates are selected to the State and National Democratic Conventions; elected or appointed Party officials; Party policy, platforms, and rules are formulated; and regular programs of voter registration, public education and public relations.

SECTION II. Goals

The goals of affirmative action and outreach shall be: 1. to institute goals and procedures at all levels and in all units of the {arty which will provide: a. these members with an understanding of the methods and procedures for participating in all elections and programs of the Democratic Party, and b. an opportunity to participate in all elections and programs of the Democratic Party. 2. to elect members of marginalized communities to all levels and units of the Democratic Party according to parity of enrolled Democrats in a voting area, through a formula compatible with United States Census data 3. these goals shall not be accomplished either directly or indirectly by the Party's imposition of mandatory quota at any level of the delegate selection process or in any other Party activities, as defined in the By-Laws of the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic State Committee.

SECTION III. Affirmative Action and Outreach subcommittee

The majority of the Affirmative Action and Outreach subcommittee of the State Committee shall oversee the formulation and implementation of uniform affirmative action plans for each state senatorial district, to include plans for ward and town committees therein, for the election of members to all Party committees and for the selection of delegates to conferences and conventions. All Affirmative Action and Outreach plans shall be submitted for approval to the State Committee, which shall remain responsible for all affirmative action efforts. Challenges to the formulation or implementation of these plans shall be referred to the Judicial Council.

SECTION IV. Implementation of Affirmative Action and Outreach

With continual outreach and affirmative action as a major priority of the National and Massachusetts Democratic Parties, the goals of affirmative action and outreach shall be achieved by, but not limited to, the following steps:

the equal division insofar as possible between men and women at every level of party structure
a written affirmative action plan by all levels and units of the Democratic Party, including submission of population figures relative to the target groups. The Affirmative Action and Outreach subcommittee shall help devise, implement and hold accountable individual Affirmative Action and Outreach plans.
the establishment of uniform implementation guidelines, data sources and procedures for setting goals
the allocation of financial resources by the State Committee to affirmative action and outreach as a priority program
the communication of all Party programs and Party elections shall be frequent, public and explicit. All meetings, caucuses, conferences and conventions shall be held in centrally located, accessible and well publicized sites
the formulation of all Party rules, regulations and processes written in clear, explicit language and accessible.
the establishment by each ward and town committee of an affirmative action and outreach advisor, who shall serve as an officer of the local committee
the State Committee shall hire a full-time staff person to assist the Affirmative Action and Outreach subcommittee in the discharge of their duties, if funds are available.

SECTION V. Non-Compliance with Affirmative Action and Outreach

Delegate and member elections at every level will be monitored by the Affirmative Action Committee. The failure to achieve affirmative action goals will result in an automatic compliance review by the Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee. If a compliance review determines that affirmative action plans were not adequately implemented, then the matter shall be submitted to the Judicial Council which may order that a committee not be recognized or a delegation not be seated unless and until a new and adequate election is held. If a compliance review determines that, although a "good faith" effort was made to formulate and implement affirmative action goals, the effort failed, in that case, the Judicial Council is empowered to recommend that the unit in question be designated a priority area for special affirmative action efforts by the State Committee.

SECTION VI. Challenges

Challenges to the formulation, implementation or achievement of affirmative action goals may be brought before the Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee by an enrolled Democrat from the area in question with right of appeal to the Judicial Council.

Article Eight: General Provisions

SECTION I. Ethical Practices

The State Committee shall adopt and publish a code of ethical conduct of Party officials and a code of fair campaign practices for all candidates of the Democratic Party.

SECTION II. Openness

All meetings of all Party committees, except workshop or drafting committees, at all levels shall be open to the public, unless an executive session is authorized by a two-thirds vote, and no vote shall be taken by secret ballot. However, use of secret ballots is permitted in local caucuses.

SECTION III. Proxy Voting

Voting by proxy shall not be permitted at a State Convention, a committee or sub-unit thereof at any level of the Party, or the State Judicial Council.

Article Nine : Amendments, By-Laws and Rules

SECTION I. Majority Rule This Charter may be amended by a vote of a majority of all delegates to any State Convention.

SECTION II. State Committee

By-laws to implement this Charter shall be adopted by majority vote of the State Committee, with the provision that they be consistent with actions of State Conventions. By-laws may be amended by majority vote of the State Committee provided that written notice is given to all Committee members at least 30 days in advance of the vote thereon.

SECTION III. Local By-Laws

Party committees at the local level and/or political organizations permitted to use the word Democratic, shall adopt by-laws consistent with this Charter and subject to the approval of the Chair of the State Committee. The State Committee shall maintain current copies of all such by-laws.

SECTION IV Rules of Party

In the absence of other provisions, Roberts' Rules of Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the conduct of all Democratic Party meetings.

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