2018 - 2019 EXECUTIVE BOARD
ELECTION GUIDE
The High School Democrats of Wisconsin has expanded rapidly throughout the past year but it is essential to bring in a new Executive Board to the High School Democrats of Wisconsin for the 2018-2019 term. The most important focuses of Executive Board members are to run the statewide organization to the best of their abilities, and to represent the High School Democrats of Wisconsin whenever and wherever necessary. Every member is important and every role is important, but the foundation of this organization is dependent upon the Executive Board. The success of this organization is dependent on the Executive Board which is why the decision for candidacy should be taken with utmost gravity and should only be made if candidates are passionate about running the statewide organization. Those who seek positions should be well-qualified and experienced within politics and within the High School Democrats of Wisconsin organization. Candidates should be willing to work on the positions weekly with a minimum of five hours per week expected, although most positions will go over the minimum requirement. The opportunity to serve on the Executive Board is incredibly rewarding and can be a path into a lifetime of political advocacy and organizing. This guide will go through the positions available for candidacy, election rules and regulations, and the timeline of which the election will take place. Any questions regarding the electoral process for the 2018-2019 Executive Board should be directed to Maddy Pritzl at mpritzl@hsdems.org prior to the candidacy declaration date.
POSITIONS Chair The leading member of the Executive Board is the State
Chair. The Chair of the High School Democrats of Wisconsin will set the agenda for meetings, preside over all Executive Board meetings, and perform all essential tasks to the running of the organization. The Chair serves as the main voice for the organization and may be asked to represent the organization to outside groups at times. The Chair will also report to the National Committee of the High School Democrats of America on monthly conference calls and in other necessary times.
Vice Chair The Vice Chair of the High School Democrats of
Wisconsin will carry out the duties of the Chair if the Chair is absent or unable to perform said duties. The Vice Chair will also represent the Executive Board and HSDWI to the National Committee on monthly conference calls, assist the Chair in maintaining communication with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, campaigns nominated to the Democratic Party ticket, and elected officials. Additionally, the Vice Chair will complete any other duties at the discretion of the Chair.
Communications Director The Communications
Director serves as the head of public relations and communication development for the High School Democrats of Wisconsin. The primary focus on the Communications Director is the social media presence, website development and upkeep, and appearance of organization, which should be consistent of what the Executive Board has established for the organization’s branding. The Communications Director will carry out day-to-day contact with any non-essential contacts and fulfill any other duties at the discretion of the Chair.
Development Director The Development Director will
focus on contact between themself and HSDWI members, prospective members and chapter leaders, and campaigns, elected officials, or other outside groups. The focus of the Development Director is to expand the organization throughout the state by helping to and aiding in the establishment of new chapters, developing partnerships and programs with campaigns, elected officials, and/or outside groups, and continuing opportunities provided by the statewide organization to the existing chapters. Additionally, the Development Director will communicate with county party leaders and fulfill any additional tasks at the discretion of the Chair.
RULES & REGULATIONS Candidacies
In order to be eligible for candidacy, individuals must meet the following requirements: i. Be a sophomore, junior or senior in high school for the 2018-2019 school year ii. Be a Wisconsin resident currently enrolled at a Wisconsin school iii. Not have exceeded two terms as a prior Executive Board member Candidates must also fill out all of the required forms by the established date and there will be no exceptions to late or incomplete forms. HSDA’s bylaws prohibit write-in candidates, therefore the only candidates that may be voted on are those who have fulfilled these requirements.
Spending
Candidates may spend no more than $30 on their campaign.
Behavior
All candidates are expected to act appropriately and respect fellow candidates. Absolutely no malicious behavior and slander or false information regarding another campaign or candidate is allowed. Any candidate found violating this will be expelled from the race immediately.
Endorsements
Candidates are allowed to receive endorsements from local chapter leaders, members of HSDA, and other officials. Current Executive Board members may not make endorsements.
Campaigning
Candidates may begin campaigning at 12:00 am CDT on April 6, 2018 and all campaigning must cease by 12:00 am CST on May 6, 2018.
Slates
Candidates may not form a slate and must run their campaigns for the individual positions they are running for.
Materials
Candidates will submit their bio and platform to the Declaration of Candidacy form by the deadline. Candidates may also set up additional social media pages or accounts, post videos, or share other information regarding their own campaign. Materials may not be posted publicly outside of the campaigning timeline.
Voting Process
The voting process will be done through an online Google Form that will be posted onto the organization’s social media and emailed to all chapter leaders for distribution. The form will be checked daily and each respondent will be required to submit their email address with the form, therefore not having the ability to edit a vote after submitting the form or vote multiple times. Any person found violating the voting process will have their vote annulled immediately.
TIMELINE April 6
Election Packet and Declaration of Candidacy form is posted to all HSDWI social media platforms and sent out to all chapter leaders for distribution. Candidates may now begin campaigning as outlined in the campaign rules above.
April 20
By 11:59pm CDT all candidates must have filled out the Declaration of Candidacy form. There will be no exceptions to this deadline and failure to fill out the form completely will disqualify any candidates from the election.
April 23
Candidate bios and platforms will be posted in a packet for members to look over and share with fellow chapter members. The candidate packet will be posted on social media and emailed to all chapter leaders as well.
April 30 May 6
Voting opens
Voting closes and all campaigning must cease.
Election results would be posted within a week after voting closed, and the transition process of the Executive Board will take place until June 2018 when the elected Executive Board will officially take over the organization. Any questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to Maddy Pritzl at mpritzl@hsdems.org.