Things you need to know about Delegates, Credentials & Voting

 We have been focusing on Department credentials, delegates and voting but we also need to discuss District delegates, credentials and voting.

Sec. 303 – District Meetings and Conventions

• Delegates and alternates to Districts shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Auxiliary held not less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the District Convention at which District Officers are to be elected.
• One (1) Delegate and one (1) Alternate for each fifteen (15) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Auxiliary at the time of the election of Delegates.

• Or as respective Department Bylaws may provide. We do not have Bylaws in the Department of Wisconsin.

• The Auxiliary Secretary shall provide the names of the Delegates and Alternates to the District Secretary prior to the District Convention or as the District Standing Rules direct.

• Auxiliaries instituted subsequent to March 30 shall as promptly as possible elect Delegates and Alternates to the District Convention.

• The term of office for which Delegates are elected shall be for one (1) year from the date of election, as described in this Section, until the election of the new Delegates.

Are there any questions regarding District Delegates and Alternates?

Sec. 304-Department Meetings and Convention   

• Delegates and Alternates to the Departments shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Auxiliary held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Department Convention.

• One (1) Delegate and one (1) Alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Auxiliary at the time of the election of Delegates.

• The Auxiliary Secretary shall send the names of the Delegates and Alternates to the Department Secretary prior to the close of the credentials of the Department Convention.

• Auxiliaries instituted during the thirty (30) calendar days prior to convening date of the Department Convention shall at the time of institution, or as soon as possible, elect Delegates and Alternates.

• In the case of a new Auxiliary, within fifteen (15) calendar days following the date of institution.

• The Delegate strength shall be based on the Department Treasurer’s record as of the date election of such Delegates.

• The term of office for which Delegates are elected shall be for one (1) year from date of the election, as described in this Section, until the election of the new Delegates.

Any questions on Department Delegates and Alternates?

Credentials verify a member’s eligibility to vote.  See below for "how it works”.

Ok, now what? 

• First, the member must be in good standing – current dues paid.  No dues, NO voting. 
• Second, the Auxiliary must be in good standing – ALL audits must be on file with the Department Treasurer – audits not current, NO voting. 
• Third, Convention Delegates (and Alternates) must be listed on the Delegate list and the list mailed or emailed to the Department Secretary.  No Delegate list on file with the Secretary, NO voting. 

Now, before you go to Convention, please note that it is the responsibility of each member who expects to vote to make sure that:

1. ALL AUDITS have been sent to Department Treasurer.
2. Member is listed on the DELEGATE LIST.
3. The DELEGATE LIST has been sent to the Department Secretary.
4. CURRENT MEMBERSHIP DUES CARD is in member’s possession.

If all of this is done, the process goes smoothly at Convention Registration!

Here’s how it works:

1. Begin at the Registration Table to get your badge.
2. Proceed to Credentials to have your badge marked.
3. First, we check your membership card to see that it is current.
4. Then, we check your Auxiliary’s Delegate sheet to see if you are listed as a Delegate or Alternate. We also look to see who else from your Auxiliary is expected to attend.
1. If you are President and listed as such, and others are expected, we’ll send you through as President.
2. If no others are expected and you are listed as a Delegate or Alternate, we’ll send you through as Delegate or Alternate so you can vote the full strength of your Auxiliary rather than only the one President’s vote.
3. If you are also a Department Officer, District President, or PDP, we’ll try to make sure your Auxiliary is covered. If so, then you have your choice as to how you wish to vote.
5. Your badge will be marked with the appropriate color, and your sheets will be marked as to your choice.
6. You are now all set to enjoy the Convention and VOTE!

Have questions about this process?  DON’T struggle at your Auxiliary meeting and leave the process undone!