Caucus Rules
2012 Utah State Republican Party Caucus Rules
In an effort to clarify and simplify the meeting process while affording all participants their right to speak and vote, the following rules have been prepared. The State Republican Party Constitution and Bylaws set forth some of the rules which we will follow. These rules, because they are contained in the Party’s governing documents, cannot be suspended or changed at the caucus under any circumstances.
Precinct Hosts
Each county party shall designate individuals to conduct its caucus meetings per its governing documents. This person may be called precinct host or caucus host. The newly elected Precinct Chair will take office at the conclusion of the meeting. The Precinct Host will be responsible for processing the results of the meeting in accordance with the instructions from the state party. A copy of the attendance roll shall be given to the newly elected precinct chair.
Caucus Attendance
Anyone may attend and observe the caucus meeting as long as they do not cause any disruptions, become a nuisance, or commit a breach of decorum. In the event one or more such instances occur, the individual may be asked to leave by the Precinct Host.
Recognition to Speak
Those residents living within the Precinct boundaries, who will be at least 18 by the time of the general election, and who are registered with the Republican Party including any residents affiliating (registering) that night, and properly credentialed may speak.
Qualifications to Vote
Those residents living within the Precinct boundaries, who will be at least 18 by the time of the general election, who are registered with the Republican Party including any residents affiliating that night, and properly credentialed are considered qualified participants and may vote.
Candidates for Precinct Offices and Delegate Positions Qualifications
Those residents living within the Precinct boundaries, who will be at least 18 by the time of the general election, and who are registered with the Republican Party including any residents affiliating that night, and properly credentialed may run for precinct offices and/or delegate positions.
Affiliating Caucus Night
Those residents living within the Precinct boundaries who will be at least 18 by the time of the general election and not a registered Republican may complete the voter registration form and affiliate as a Republican the night of caucuses. The Precinct Host will collect the registration form and forward it to the County Party with the precinct packet at the conclusion of the meeting.
Rules of Order
The State Republican Party through its governing documents sets the rules for caucuses. The rules are designed to create a standardized procedure throughout the State and to ensure a fair and level playing field for all caucus attendees. These rules cannot be suspended in whole or in part. Robert’s Rules of Order will not be utilized in the caucus meetings. It is important that our delegates and officers are elected by the majority of qualified participants and not by the fastest means possible.
In addition to these caucus rules, the state party will provide a caucus packet for each precinct that includes all required materials and additional administrative instructions deemed necessary to facilitate a successful caucus meeting.
Caucus Meeting Order of Business
The State Republican Party sets the agenda. The individual precincts do not adopt or amend the agenda. If multiple precincts meet in the same location they may complete all required business, as a group, prior to the Nominations and Elections section of the agenda. Only the business set forth in the agenda may be conducted at this meeting. Each caucus meeting will follow the following format:
Registration of Attendees/ Other Administrative Matters
• Welcome/Introductions
• Prayer
• Pledge
• Reading of the State or County Platform
• Review of Rules, Procedures, Duties of Precinct and Delegate Positions
• Nominations and Elections (County Parties may change the order) for:
o Precinct Chair
o Precinct Vice chair
o Precinct Secretary and/or Treasurer
o State Delegate
o County Delegate
• Other Business as directed by State and/or County Parties
• Select Election Judges
• Adjournment of the Meeting
Registration
The State Party shall establish a registration and credentialing procedure to be used at the caucus meeting.
Rules for Debate/Speaking
Everyone has an opportunity to speak to an issue once before anyone can speak twice. If time limits on debate/speaking become necessary they can be imposed by a majority vote of the eligible attendees.
Nominations
Nominations for each office shall be taken from the floor. Seconds are not necessary. Only qualified participants may nominate. Only qualified individuals may be nominated. A qualified attendee may self-nominate. A nominee need not be in attendance. The Precinct Host may close nominations for an office only when no further nominations are offered.
Elections
The qualified participants will determine the length of the candidate speeches for each office by a majority vote.
Disclosures of candidates with regard to platform planks, employment, personal views, support for individual candidates, etc. are in order.
Voting will be by secret ballot in contested races. Absentee voting is not permitted. Proxy voting is not permitted. Only those qualified and in attendance may vote.
Election results can be declared by acclamation if only one nominee is submitted for any given office. A Ballot shall be made available to each qualified attendee for contested races. A majority vote (more than half of the ballots cast) is required to be elected to any office. If a majority is not obtained in the first round, multiple rounds of balloting may be necessary. Vote count shall be announced to attendees.
Ties shall be determined by a coin toss. Precinct hosts shall designate two or more non-candidate ballot counters and inform each candidate they may provide a poll watcher. Violations of these procedural rules shall not be basis for challenging delegate credentials. This does not prohibit County Parties from disciplining party officers for such violations.
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