Serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis. © James Conner.

 

7 August 2014

How Walsh’s replacement will be chosen

Montana’s Democratic Party has written rules covering this situation and others. Below, Rule 15, for filling a vacancy in a statewide office. Download Montana Democratic Party Rules.

RULE 15 SPECIAL NOMINATING CONVENTION TO FILL A VACANCY FOR A CANDIDATE FOR A STATEWIDE OFFICE

1. In the event the Democratic Party shall have to nominate a candidate for statewide office, the procedures for such nomination shall be as provided in this rule.

2. The State Chair shall call a meeting of the Montana Democratic State Central Committee. Reasonable written notice of the meeting shall be issued unless deadlines imposed by the Secretary of State, the laws of Montana, or other authority shall necessitate shorter notice by telephone. The notice of the meeting shall include:

  1. a statement that the purpose of the meeting is to fill a vacancy for the Democratic Party’s candidate for statewide office, and naming the office;
  2. the date, time and place of the meeting;
  3. the procedures by which the nominee will be chosen at the meeting;
  4. the procedures for certifying the election of State Central Committee members not already on record with the State Chair; and
  5. the qualifications required of the person to be nominated at the meeting.

3. Only members of the Montana Democratic State Central Committee shall be entitled to participate in the meeting, except that the State Central Committee may adopt rules allowing nominating speeches by other persons and may agree to hear presentations by candidates for the nomination. Following the close of nominations, the members of the Montana Democratic State Central Committee shall vote. The person receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be declared the Party’s nominee. If no person receives a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be stricken from subsequent ballots until one person receives a majority of the votes cast.

4. The State Chair and Secretary shall sign a certificate of nomination naming the person selected and shall deliver the original to the Secretary of State.