Section 1. Nominations for April Elections

The Parliamentarian will call for candidates for elected office from general membership no sooner than one month prior to the CDIN April Election. These candidates should submit a statement of their intention to run to the Parliamentarian no later than one week before the election.

Section 2. April Election

The CDIN will host two elections each year. The first election must be held during the first week of April, however, the specific date will be decided by a vote of the Executive Board. All members of the State Federation Council must be notified of the election at least two weeks prior to the election.

Failure to notify all members of the State Federation Council two weeks prior to the election by written format will necessitate the Parliamentarian to call a special session of the State Federation Council, where all members will be notified of the election.

Failure to notify all members of the State Federation Council by written format before election day will necessitate an Emergency Election, following procedure in Article 1, Section 10 in the CDIN bylaws.

The following officers are to be elected and these positions will be filled by a majority vote present voting members:

President,

Vice President,

Finance Director,

Political Affairs Director,

Communications Director,

Outreach Director,

Activism Director,

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director

Section 3. Nominations for November Elections

The Parliamentarian will call for candidates for elected office from general membership no sooner than one month prior to the CDIN November Election. These candidates should submit a statement of their intention to run to the Parliamentarian no later than one week before the election.

Section 4. November Election

The November Election must be held during the second week of November, however, the specific date will be decided by the Executive Board. All members of the State Federation Council must be notified of the election two weeks prior to the election. Failure to notify all members of the State Federation Council two weeks prior to the election will necessitate a special session of the State Federation Council to be called, where all members will be notified of the election. Failure to notify all members of the State Federation Council by election day will necessitate an Emergency Election, following procedure in Article 1, Section 8 in the CDIN bylaws.

The Parliamentarian is to be elected and the position will be filled by a majority vote of the State Federation Council present and voting.

Section 5. Voting in Elections

The voting body for Executive Board elections, with the exception of the Parliamentarian, shall consist of all present and voting members of both the current Executive Board, excluding the president, and State Federation Council. The Parliamentarian will be voted on by only the State Federation Council. The vote will be conducted via secret ballot, and a winner must be decided of each office before progressing to the next.

To win an election, a nominee must receive a majority of votes cast. If no nominee receives a majority in the first round of voting, a runoff will be held between the top two vote-getters. In the case of a tie in any round of voting, the sitting president will cast the tie-breaking vote.

Section 6. Vacancy in Office for Executive Officers

In the event of a vacancy of an officer, the President will appoint a member to fill a vacancy, subject to a majority confirmation vote of the CDIN Executive Board, until an election is held, unless the vacancy is in the office of President. For these confirmation(s), the nominations for President will be held in one regularly scheduled meeting of the Executive Board in advance of the meeting at which the confirmation(s) are to take place.

Section 7. Absence of the President

In the case of permanent absence or resignation of the President, the Vice President shall preside until the next meeting when a new President is elected. In the event of the absence of both the President and Vice President, the Finance Director shall assume the above duties and powers. In the case of multiple absences, the order of elections shall govern which officer assumes the above duties and powers.

Section 8. Absence of the Executive Board

In the case of a permanent absence or resignation of the Executive Board, the Advisory Council shall act as the temporary Executive Board. The Advisory Council shall follow all processes laid out in the CDIN Constitution and Bylaws, and work to appoint a replacement Executive Board as soon as possible.

Section 9. Term of Office

All elected officers shall assume the duties of their office immediately following the conclusion of their election and shall remain in their office until successors are elected, the officer resign, or the officer is removed from office.

Section 10. Emergency Elections

In the event that one or member of the State Federation Council was not notified of an election before the election date, the President shall notify the Advisory Council via written format and the Advisory Council shall be responsible for conducting a new election by a procedure of their choosing within one month of being notified.

Section 1. Duties of the President

The President shall:

A. Attend and preside over meetings of the Executive Board and the State Federation Council.

B. Be responsible, along with the Executive Board, for determining the goals and direction, and ensuring the stability, success, welfare and integrity of the CDIN.

D. Approve any official CDIN public communications.

E. Serve as member of College Democrats of America National Council

F. Make the decision to disaffiliate with any organization as necessary

G. Sit on the Indiana Democratic Party State Central Committee as a voting member 

H. Be registered to vote in Indiana in order to sit on the Indiana Democratic Party State Central Committee (SCC) as a voting member. It is up to the discretion of the two voting members to decide how to split the SCC vote. 

Section 2. Duties of the Vice President

A. Attend and preside over meetings of the Executive Board and the State Federation Council in the absence of the President

B. Be responsible for determining the goals and direction of the College Democrats of Indiana (along with the Executive Board)

C. Be a direct contact for all concerns of the State Federation Council

D. Act as President in case of temporary absence in accordance to these bylaws

E. Be registered to vote in Indiana in order to sit on the Indiana Democratic Party State Central Committee (SCC) as a voting member. It is up to the discretion of the two voting members to decide how to split the SCC vote. 

Section 3. Duties of the Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall:

A. Attend Executive Board Meetings

B. Oversee the nomination and election process for both November and April elections

C. Conduct a yearly Constitutional Review with the sitting president

D. Be the resident expert on Constitutional procedure for the Executive Board

E. Maintain an up to date version of the CDIN Constitution and Bylaws at all times

Section 4. Duties of the Political Affairs Director

The Political Director shall:

A. Attend Executive Board meetings.

B. Be responsible for coordination with outside campaigns

C. Be responsible for the drafting of position papers on issues relevant to college students in Indiana.

Section 5. Duties of the Finance Director

The Finance Director shall:

A. Attend Executive Board meetings.

B. Work with groups and individuals to raise funds for the activities of CDIN.

C. Assess and collect dues when the State Federation Council decrees.

D. Be the primary disbursement source for the activities of CDIN.

E. Keep any and all funds that CDIN accrues in a secure account and provide accounting to the State Federation Council on a quarterly basis.

Section 6. Duties of the Communications Director

The Communication Director shall:

1. Attend Executive Board meetings.

2. Act as the official spokesperson for CDIN to preserve active communication between CDIN's member chapters and the media.

3. Write CDIN’s reoccurring newsletter and manage all social media channels, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linktree, and Medium.

4. Update the website with up-to-date information on organizational events, news, and contact information.

5. Effectively manage CDIN’s official email and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.

6. Collaborate with fellow members of the Executive Board to promote respective announcements and activities.

7. Assist the President, Vice President, and other willing board members with merchandise development and promotion.

Section 7. Duties of the Outreach Director

The Membership Director shall:

A. Attend Executive Board meetings

B. Assist the recruitment and expansion of current chapters of CDIN.

C. Assist and promote in the establishment of chapters in non-member schools

D. Be responsible for the implementation of the membership goals of the CDIN as set by the Executive Board.

Section 8. Duties of the Activism Director

The Activism Director shall:

1. Attend Executive Board meetings.

2. Identify and organize relevant protests, demonstrations, testimonies, letter-writing campaigns, phone campaigns, and other activism in pursuit of the objective of CDIN.

3. Determine the state, local, national issues and controversies most relevant to college students in Indiana.

4. Work with other departments to coordinate activism efforts with Democratic organizations and other partner organizations.

5. Work with the Outreach Director to collaborate with chapters on activism efforts.  

6. Otherwise work in pursuit of advocating for the interest of college students of Indiana under the CDIN objective. 

Section 9. Duties of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director shall:

1. Attend Executive Board meetings

2. Create and maintain a diversity council

   1. Conduct meetings at least once a month

   2. Maintain a council of at least five members of diverse backgrounds

   3. In the event there are not enough members to create the diversity board:

      1. Chapter presidents will serve as a impromptu Diversity Board

      2. At the conclusion of each biweekly chapter/state executive meeting, they will all be asked if there are any concerns related to DEI and will be sent a Google Form to provide a nonverbal/confidential response opportunity

3. Ensure the creation of a diverse and inclusive environment for all

4. Adhere to the principles of egalitarianism and universal design

   1. Ensure digital media has alt-text to assist those who are blind/low-vision

5. Ensure that CDIN better represents its diverse and multidimensional membership base]

Section 10. Term Length

Terms for all elected offices shall last approximately one year. All elected officers shall assume the duties of their office following their election and shall retain their position until the end of their term, resignation, or removal

Section 11. Deputies

Any Executive Board member, except for the President and Vice President, may choose to appoint a deputy at a time of their choosing. The role of a deputy is to assist their executive board member with official duties, and Executive Board members should only appoint a deputy when faced with a heavy workload. Deputies may come to and participate in Executive Board meetings, but do not hold voting power. There may only be one deputy per Executive Board officer. A deputy must be a member of the CDIN.

Section 1. Reason for Impeachment

In the event that Officers of the Executive Board or Advisors of the Advisory Board shall fail to uphold their respective duties, obstruct institutional procedures, or be held in contempt, Articles of Impeachment may be introduced to the State Federation Council.

Section 2. Drafting Articles of Impeachment

Articles of Impeachment must list one officer, by name and position, to be removed from office. Articles must include a list of grievances against the defendant and be submitted by writing to either the Parliamentarian or President.

Section 3. Introducing Articles of Impeachment

1. Articles of Impeachment can be formally introduced at an official meeting of either the State Federation Council or Executive Board.

2. Articles of Impeachment may only be formally introduced to the State Federation Council or Executive Board only if signed by at least three State Federation Council Members or Executive Board members. 

3. When Articles of Impeachment are formally introduced to either the State Federation Council or the Executive Board, the respective body must vote on the consideration of the Articles of Impeachment before the end of the meeting.

   1. Articles of Impeachment will be considered if a simple majority of the State Federation Council or the Executive Board votes to consider the Articles of Impeachment

4. A joint session of the State Federation Council and the Executive Board must occur within two weeks of voting to consider Articles of Impeachment, where the Impeachment Trial will be held.

   1. The Impeachment Trial may occur virtually or physically, and follow the same procedural rules as a meeting of the State Federation Council

Section 3. Impeachment Trial

1. The Impeachment Trial will begin with a roll call vote. To establish a quorum:

   1. Four-fifths of the executive board must be present

   2. Three-fourths of the State Federation Council must be present

2. The Parliamentarian, unless on trial for impeachment, will moderate the Impeachment Trial and act as a non-voting member of the Executive Board

   1. When the Parliamentarian is facing impeachment, the President will moderate the Impeachment Trial and act as a non-voting member of the Executive Board

3. The Parliamentarian or President will read the issued Articles of Impeachment to the Joint Assembly, after which the Body shall introduce the signers of the Articles of Impeachment to present their case

   1. The claimant’s opening arguments, unless waived or extended by a motion supported by a majority of the Joint Assembly, shall not exceed ten minutes in length.  

4. After the claimants have issued their opening arguments, the Parliamentarian shall introduce the defendant, where they will issue their opening arguments. 

   1. The defendant’s opening arguments, unless waived or extended by a motion supported by a majority of the Joint Assembly, shall not exceed ten minutes in length.  

5. After both parties have introduced their opening arguments, the Impeachment Trial will enter a moderated caucus, where members of the Joint Assembly will be able to ask questions to the claimants and the defendant 

   1. Unless extended by a motion supported by a simple majority of the Joint Assembly, the moderated caucus shall not exceed one hour in length. 

6. Members of the Joint Assembly shall have the right to motion closure of debate at any time, and if passed with a simple majority, the Joint Assembly will enter voting procedures. 

7. Once entering voting procedures, if members of the Joint Assembly vote by a two-thirds margin, the defendant will be impeached and removed from office. Otherwise, the defendant will retain their office

   1. If impeached, the defendant shall have an opportunity to issue a closing statement

8. Following the closing statement, the Parliamentarian will motion to end the Impeachment Trial

Section 1. Purpose

The State Federation Council shall address concerns amongst chartered chapters, including but not limited to financial, outreach, and administrative concerns

Section 2. Membership

1. Chartered chapters will assign one member of their designation to be a representative to the State Federation Council, at the discretion of each chartered chapter. 

   1. To maintain order and consistency, the chapter must write their method of designating and removing their member of the State Federation Council into their chapter’s Constitution. 

2. In the event of a vacancy of a representative on the State Federation Council from a chartered chapter, the respective chartered chapter may appoint a new representative at any time.

3. Chartered chapters have the authority to remove and replace their representative at will, and must notify the President of the new representative.

4. An individual may not serve on the State Federation Council and Executive Board Simultaneously. 

5. If a representative of the State Federation Council misses three consecutive meetings unexcused, the President shall have the right to remove the representative from the State Federation Council.

6. If a member of the State Federation Council is failing to uphold their duties, the President may send a non-binding letter to the member’s chapter, signed by at least half of the Executive Board, asking the chapter to replace the member. 

Section 3. Meetings 

1. The State Federation Council shall at least once per month at a time agreed upon by the State Federation Council and President.

2. Each member of the Executive Board is encouraged to attend meetings of the State Federation Council to give updates of their work. If this is not possible, they may assign a proxy representative to read their report. Multiple Executive Board members may choose the same proxy representative. 

3. State Federation Council Representatives may designate a proxy representative from their chapter to be sent to the meeting on their behalf. In this case, the member must notify the President that they will be present by proxy, and include the name of the proxy, at least 24 hours before meeting. 

4. Representatives of the State Federation Council shall be notified of a scheduled State Federation Council meeting at least one week before the meeting takes place; failure to do so will make any absences excused, and members will be excused for missing the meeting.

Section 1. Purpose

The Advisory Council will provide input and guidance to the CDIN on matters to support the organization and will consist of Advisors outside the CDIN.

Section 2. Membership

1. The Advisory Council shall consist of no less than 3 and no more than 8 seats, and all members shall maintain equal rights

2. Members of the Advisory Council must be non-members of the CDIN and older than 18 years of age

3. Nominations are open to anyone regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation

Section 3. Nominations

1. Officers of the CDIN Executive Board shall hold the privilege to nominate an Advisor at any time, given that the nomination is in accordance with Article 5, Section 2 of the CDIN Bylaws. 

2. If not done during an Executive Board meeting, the President must be notified in writing of a nomination. 

3. The State Federation Council shall vote on the confirmation of a nominated Advisor at their next scheduled meeting, and Advisors will be confirmed with a simple majority vote.

Section 4. Term Limits

Terms for all Advisors shall last four years, and they are eligible for no more than two terms

Section 1. Introducing Amendments to the CDIN Constitution 

Amendments to the CDIN Constitution may be formally introduced to the Executive Board or the State Federation Council with a draft resolution that has the signature of at least three members of the Executive Board or State Federation Council.

Section 2. Voting on Amendments 

1. Amendments may be voted on at a CDIN Executive Board meeting or the State Federation Council meeting when they were formally introduced, or the next scheduled meeting of the respective body.

2. The State Federation Council must pass the Amendment by a simple majority and the Executive Board must pass the Amendment with a three-fourths majority to ratify the Amendment

3. All Amendments to the CDIN Constitution must be written, along with their date of passage, into a new copy of the CDIN Constitution. 

Section 3. Introducing Amendments to the CDIN Bylaws

1. Amendments to the CDIN Bylaws may be formally introduced to the Executive Board or the State Federation Council with a draft resolution that has the signature of any member of the Executive Board or State Federation Council.

2. Amendments may be voted on at a CDIN Executive Board meeting or the State Federation Council meeting when they were formally introduced, or the next scheduled meeting of the respective body.

Section 4. Voting on Amendments

1. Amendments must be voted on by both the Executive Board and State Federation Council.

2. The State Federation Council and the Executive Board must pass the Amendment by a simple majority in both respective institutions to ratify the Amendment

   1. If the State Federation Council votes to ratify the Amendment and the Executive Board does not, the State Federation Council can vote by a two-thirds majority to override the Executive Board and pass an amendment to the Bylaws

3. All Amendments to the CDIN Bylaws must be written, along with their date of passage, into a new copy of the CDIN Bylaws.