"Government is not the giver of rights; only God confers these to the people. People create government, giving it certain and limited powers. Only eternal vigilance by the people will confine government to its proper role."
~ Joe Vogler, 1982 gubernatorial statement

Alaskan Independence Party

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The Bylaws of the

Alaskan Independence Party


Revised and adopted in the Statewide Convention at Kenai, Alaska, April 25, 2010 (Replaces all previous versions)


These bylaws are downloadable as:
Contents
Article
I
Name and Symbol
Article
II
Membership
Article
III
Purpose
Article
IV
Organization
Article
V
State Convention
Article
VI
Party Headquarters
Article
VII
State Committee
Article
VIII
Severability
Article
IX
Primary Elections
Article
X
Ethics
Article
XI
Miscellaneous

Article I. NAME AND SYMBOL

The name and symbol defined of our party is defined.

1.01 Name

The name of this organization shall be the ALASKAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY.

v 1.02 Symbol

The symbol of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be a polar bear depicted with the Big Dipper and North Star in the background. The party symbol incorporating these elements may be used on clothing, on pins, signs and other means for advertising and raising party funds.

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Article II. MEMBERSHIP

Membership in this organization shall be limited to all residents of Alaska who have registered to vote with the State Department of Elections and selected the Alaskan Independence Party as their political affiliation of preference.

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Article III. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to function as an organized political party in promoting people for elected public office who support the Alaskan Independence Party platform.

3.01 Affiliation

The Alaskan Independence Party shall be affiliated with the ALASKANS FOR INDEPENDENCE in recognition and gratitude for their efforts and support that made this political party a reality.

3.02 Goal

The Alaskan Independence Party's primary goal is to let the people of Alaska vote on the question they were entitled to vote on but were denied in 1956.

3.03 Economics

To promote the economic independence of the people and State of Alaska; to strive for the equal treatment and protection under the law for all Alaskans; to work to ensure the Statehood Compact is honored by the federal government; to work to promote the diversification of Alaska's economic potential to insure a viable economic base to ensure the greatest opportunity for all Alaskans and to provide continuing opportunity for future generations of Alaskans.

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Article IV. ORGANIZATION

Organization of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be by Alaskan Senate District boundaries as designated and defined by the State Department of Elections in accordance with these BYLAWS, and by Alaskan Independence Party Northern and Southern regional boundaries.

4.01 Senate District Elections

The newly elected Senate District Committee shall caucus and elect, from among the members in the Senate District, a Senate District Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. The old Senate District Chair and Secretary shall preside over the meeting or caucus until the elections of the new Senate District Officers are concluded.


4.02 Senate District Minutes

The newly elected Senate District Chair shall, within thirty (30) days after these Senate District elections are concluded, file with the region or State Chair the names and the addresses of all Senate District Officers, and certification that these BYLAWS were complied with in every respect. Proper certification shall consist of a list of locations where notices were posted, or a copy of the newspaper notice, and a copy of the minutes as taken and signed by the Senate District Secretary that record the actual votes and manner in which the elections were held.

4.03 Powers of Senate District Chairs

For the purpose of initial organization, the Senate District Chair is empowered to appoint Senate District Officers. However, all appointed Senate District Officers shall reside in the Senate District represented and shall be members of the Alaskan Independence Party. This power to appoint is for organizational purposes only and shall not be used to circumvent the intent of these BYLAWS requiring a proper election by the members of each Senate District.

4.04 Senate District Quorum Defined

The QUORUM required for a meeting of a Senate District Committee shall consist of the acting chairman and at least one other member of the Senate District in accordance with these BYLAWS. Meetings of all Senate District Committees shall be conducted under Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, and the rules shall not be suspended. The minutes shall be duly recorded and maintained by the Senate District Secretary. All Senate District Meeting minutes shall be forwarded to the State Secretary within 30 days.

4.05 Senate District Meetings

The Senate District Chair shall schedule and conduct meetings of the Senate District Committee for the purposes of fund raising, organization and voter registration of new party members, supporting party candidates for elected public offices, maintaining Senate District files and voter information, assisting the regional and State Committees in all activities, and such in their endeavors as would best serve the interest of the Alaskan Independence Party and the Alaskan People.

4.06 Senate District Meeting Attendance

For the convenience of the members in large Senate Districts, district meetings and votes may be authorized by the Senate District Chair by telephone, letter, or such other communications as would best serve the Senate District Committee conducting committee business.

4.07 Senate District Officer Elections

The election of all Senate District Officers shall require a majority vote of the Senate District Committee present or voting with a QUORUM required.

4.08 Duties of Senate District Vice Chair

The Senate District Vice Chair shall assume the duties of the Senate District Chair in the event of absence of the Senate District Chair at a meeting of the Senate District Committee. If a vacancy should occur in the office of Senate District Chair, the Senate District Vice Chair shall automatically become Chair and the Senate District Committee shall elect a new Vice Chair. The Vice Chair shall assist the Senate District Chair and Senate District Committee as directed.

4.09 Senate District Treasury Accounts

The State Treasurer may maintain a bank account in the name of the Senate District Committee and shall give a Senate District Treasurer's Report at the request of the Senate District Chair. The State Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all funds received and of all authorized disbursements. The Senate District Committee shall authorize disbursements. The State Treasurer shall be the permanent Chair of the Senate District Finance Committee and shall be responsible for submitting all financial reports required by law in a timely manner as prescribed by law. The Senate District Committee shall establish such other duties and requirements for the Senate District Treasurer as may be necessary.

4.10 Voting Members of the Senate District

Alaskan Independence Party registered members of the Senate District shall be voting members of the Senate District Committee and shall elect, from their Senate District, the Senate District Officers.

4.11 Senate District Chairs are voting members of the State Committee

All Senate District Chairs shall serve as voting members of the State Committee. Senate District Chairs and Senate District Vice Chairs may serve as State Officers or Chair of a Standing Committee if elected by the State Convention or the State Committee in accordance with these BYLAWS.

4.12 Duties of Senate District Secretary

The Senate District Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings of the Senate District Committee and perform such other duties as may be required by these BYLAWS and by resolution of the Senate District Committee.

4.13 Temporary Appointments of Senate District Chairs

The State Chair, subject to confirmation by the executive committee is empowered to appoint temporary Senate District Chairs for the purpose of organizing a Senate District. The Senate District Chairs so appointed shall work separately and with the Organization and Registration Committee to organize the Senate District they represent in accordance with these BYLAWS. All appointed temporary Senate District Chair shall have the full powers accorded under these BYLAWS for a Senate District Committee Chair and shall serve for six (6) months only in accordance with these BYLAWS.

4.14 Duties of Temporary Senate District Chairs

All temporary Senate District Chairs appointed by the State Chair shall reside in the Senate District they represent and shall be members of the Alaskan Independence Party. The first duty of a temporary Senate District Committee Chair shall be to organize the Senate District and then to hold Senate District Committee elections for Senate District Officers.

4.15 Executive Committee

The Alaskan Independence Party shall have an Executive Committee whose voting members shall include: State Chair, Two (2) State Co-Vice-Chairs, State Secretary, State Treasurer, Two (2) Regional Representatives from each of five (5) regions, and the State Parliamentarian. The State Council is a non-voting member of the Executive Committee. Each region shall consist of four (4) contiguous Senate Districts. The Regional Representatives will be elected from and serve at the pleasure of the regions' Senate District Chairs. A simple majority of the members of the Executive Committee is required to conduct Alaskan Independence Party business. In the event there are less than five (5) organized Senate Districts, the Executive Board may act as the State Committee provided the Senate District Chairman and Vice-Chairman are notified and at least 20% attend.

4.16 Regional Composition defined

Regional composition and organization shall be determined by the Senate Districts in that region.

4.17 Executive Committee Duties

The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to conduct party business when the State Committee is not in session.

4.18 Candidates for Public Office

All persons filing for election to Alaskan public office as a candidate of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be registered members of the Alaskan Independence Party at the time of filing. The Alaskan Independence Party reserves the right to endorse, and or support eligible candidates, or decline same, including financial support, to be determined after said candidate reviews the party platform and states his or her position on the individual planks. However, party funds or resources shall not be used in a primary election campaign to support one candidate of the Alaskan Independence Party over another. Neutrality of the party officials shall not prohibit party members from serving as staff or volunteer campaign workers for the candidate of individual preference.

4.19 Support of Candidates

In order to receive Party support, a candidate for public office must be registered as a member of the Alaskan Independence Party for a minimum of 30 (thirty) days prior to filing for public office as a candidate of the Alaskan Independence Party, unless approved by the Executive Committee.

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Article V. STATE CONVENTION

State Conventions of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be called in the even years by the State Chair. The date, time, and location shall be fixed by a vote of the State Committee. Special Conventions may be called by the State Committee in accordance with these BYLAWS.

5.01 Purpose of State Convention

The purpose of the State Convention shall include, but not be limited to:

A.
  To review, amend or revise the political platform of the Alaskan Independence Party.
B.
  The election of State Party Officers.
C.
  Revision or amendments to these BYLAWS. All revisions or amendments shall require a two thirds (2/3) vote of the convention delegates.
D.
  To formulate plans for campaign financing and fund raising.
E.
  To hold campaign planning sessions and strategy discussions. To conduct political campaign seminars for Senate District Committees, volunteer campaign workers, and candidates. The recruitment, encouragement and training of candidates for elected office in Alaska.
F.
  To enhance and promote better communications, understanding, organizational and general information, and discussions on topics of interest to party members and all Alaskans. To formulate plans to better organize the Alaskan Independence Party and encourage more Alaskans to become members.
G.
  To nominate the party's candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor.

5.02 State Convention Delegates

Delegates to a State Convention shall be the following:

A.
  All Senate District Chairs and Vice Chairs.
B.
  All persons holding elected public office and registered as Alaskan Independence Party.
C.
  All State Officers of the Alaskan Independence Party and the Chair of any Standing State Committee.
D.
  The State Committee may appoint 10 honorary delegates. However, honorary delegates shall not be accorded voting status unless registered as Alaskan Independence Party.

5.03 Qualifications of Delegates

All delegates to a State Convention shall be required to appear before the Credentials and Registration Committee prior to being seated. All delegates to be accorded voting status at a State Convention shall be registered members of the Alaskan Independence Party. Any challenge to a delegate's legality or status may be appealed to the State Committee in writing. The State Committee shall respond with a written decision. The Credentials and Registration Committee shall present to the State Chair the roll of registered delegates having voting status.
5.04 Chair of Conventions

The Chair of the Conventions, Special Events and Awards Committee shall appoint such special committees as are deemed necessary to plan, hold and conduct a State Convention. Such special committees shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A.
  Conventions and Agenda
B.
  Hospitality and Convention Arrangements
C.
  Publicity and Convention Information

5.05 Sergeant-at Arms

The State Chair shall appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Convention and shall also have the authority to grant special privileges of the floor when deemed necessary.

5.06 Meeting of State Committee Before Convention

The State Committee shall meet prior to the opening of the State Convention for the following purposes:

A.
  To review any proposed changes in these BYLAWS that are recommended by the Rules and Bylaws Committee.
B.
  To resolve all delegate challenges and address such other disputes that effect the State Convention.
C.
  Approval of the final State Convention Agenda.
D.
  Review of special reports from Standing Committees for presentation to the State Convention. All special reports shall be submitted to the State Chair ten (10) days prior to the date set for a State Convention.
E.
  Such other business as may be required for the State Convention.

5.07 Special State Convention

The State Committee may call for a Special State Convention at any time provided that thirty (30) days notice is given to all Senate District Committees. A call for a Special State Convention shall require a two thirds (2/3) vote of the State Committee with a QUORUM voting. All Special State Conventions shall have a limited agenda and specific purpose stated in the call for a Special State Convention.

5.08 Use of Roberts Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, shall be the rules of all State Conventions, except where superseded by these BYLAWS. Parliamentary authority on the interpretation of these BYLAWS and Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, shall be vested in the State Party Parliamentarian of the Alaskan Independence Party.

5.09 2/3 Majority Required

Adoption of these BYLAWS shall be by a two thirds (2/3) vote of a State Convention and shall supersede all other rules as the governing BYLAWS of the Alaskan Independence Party. Any revision or amendments to these BYLAWS shall require a two thirds (2/3) vote of a State Convention.

5.10 Election of State Party Officers

Election of State Party Officers shall occur toward the close of the State Convention. The current State Party Officers shall preside over the State Convention until the election of the new State Party Officers has been concluded. The State Chair, State Co-Vice Chairs, State Treasurer, State Secretary, and the State Party Parliamentarian shall be the State Officers of the Alaskan Independence Party. The terms of office for each shall be two (2) years or until their successor has been elected in an even numbered year. Election of a State Party Officer shall require a majority vote of all delegates registered and voting. Nominations shall be made and seconded from the floor. All nominees shall be accorded equal time to address the State Convention after nominations are closed

5.11 State Chair's Duty at Convention

The State Chair shall call to order the State Convention, request the roll call of the delegates, state the agenda, and may appoint a temporary Convention Chair. The State Chair may assume the State Convention Chair at any time.

5.12 Role of State Committee

Except when in State Convention, the State Committee shall be the governing body of the Alaskan Independence Party. However, the State Committee shall not undertake any action against the instructions of a State Convention or in violation of these BYLAWS. The State Committee shall appoint the Convention Credentials and Registration Committee.

5.13 Candidates at Convention

Alaskan Independence Party candidates seeking state wide elected public office shall be accorded time to address the State Convention in person, telephonically, or by electronic means at the discretion of the Chair.

5.14 Preeminence of Alaska's Flag

The Flag of Alaska shall not be relegated to any secondary position or status at a State Convention or other official gathering of the Alaskan Independence Party. The opening of a State Convention shall include the playing of the Alaska Anthem as adopted by the Alaskan Independence Party.

5.15 Nomination of Candidates

In any election for public office where the Alaskan Independence Party is authorized by law to nominate a candidate, the State Committee shall be empowered to present a nominee in the name of the Alaskan Independence Party, or to reject any candidate not in compliance with these bylaws. Only those candidates endorsed by the Alaskan Independence Party may run as Alaskan Independence Party's candidates in the primary or general elections in the State of Alaska.

5.15.01 Nomination and Selection of the Party's Gubernatorial and Lt. Gubernatorial Candidates

The state committee shall present to the body of the biannual state convention any declared candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor. The body will nominate candidates for the offices of Governor and Lt. Governor of the State of Alaska.

5.15.02 Duties of the Candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor

Any party member who desires to represent the Alaskan Independence Party as a candidate for Governor or Lt. Governor may be presented as a nominee before the State Convention if they

A.
  Declare their candidacy with the State of Alaska 10 days prior to the convention.
B.
  Attend and present themselves to the body of the convention for approval by the body of the convention.
C.
  Agree to the Alaskan Independence Party Platform by signature.

5.16 Meeting of State Committee After Convention

The State Committee shall meet during or immediately after a regularly called State Convention to carry out the instructions of the State Convention, and requirements of these Bylaws.

5.17 Convention Fee

The State Committee shall set the registration fee for delegates to a State Convention.

5.18 Credentials and Badging of Delegates

The Credentials and Registration Committee shall issue badges to all delegates having voting status. Such badges shall be worn by the delegates when voting on the convention floor. Badges shall denote delegate's name and status that qualifies for delegate seating.

5.19 State Convention Quorum

The QUORUM for a State Convention shall be two thirds (2/3) of the delegates allowed under these BYLAWS from all organized District Committees. A District shall be determined organized when in compliance with Article 7.08 of these BYLAWS.

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Article VI. PARTY HEADQUARTERS

The location of the State Party Headquarters of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be at the discretion of the Party Chair. Regional offices of the Alaskan Independence Party may be approved by that region.

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Article VII. STATE COMMITTEE

The voting members of the State Committee of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be the following:

A.
  All Senate District Chairs.
B.
  The State Party Officers. (State Chair, State Co-Vice Chair, State Secretary, State Treasurer, and the State Parliamentarian.)
C.
  The Chairs of all Standing Committees of the State Committee. (DEFINED SEC. 7.16)
D.
  Any individual holding elected public office and registered as a member of the Alaskan Independence Party.

7.01 Scheduling of State Committee Meetings

The State Chair shall schedule and call meetings of the State Committee as often as is deemed necessary to properly conduct the affairs of the Alaskan Independence Party. The State Chair shall be the permanent Chair of the State Committee but may designate a State Vice Chair to conduct a meeting of the State Committee, or another meeting as designated.

7.02 Regional Meetings

For the convenience of the members of the State Committee, the State Chair may authorize regional meetings of the State Committee and voting by telephone, letter, or such other communications as would best serve the State Committee and the Alaskan Independence Party.

7.03 Call of State Committee by Petition

For the convenience of the members of the State Committee, the State Chair may authorize regional meetings of the State Committee and voting by telephone, letter, or such other communications as would best serve the State Committee and the Alaskan Independence Party. State Chair shall convene the requested meeting within thirty (30) days.

7.04 Preparation of Agenda for State Committee Meetings

The State Vice Chair and the State Secretary shall assist the State Chair in preparing the agenda for all State Committee meetings. The State Secretary shall give five (5) days minimum notice to all members of the State Committee. Notice shall state the date, time, location, and purpose of the meeting.

7.05 Quorum for State Committee

A QUORUM for a meeting of the State Committee of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be a majority of the members of the State Committee present or voting.

7.06 Minutes of State Committee Meetings

The State Secretary shall forward a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the State Committee to all Senate District Chairs within ten (10) days after such meeting upon request of the District Chairs.

7.07 Roberts Rules of Order

Meetings of the State Committee shall be conducted under Robert's Rule of Order, newly revised, and in accordance with these BYLAWS. The BYLAWS of the Alaskan Independence Party shall take precedence when in conflict with Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, or any other rules, motions, or resolutions. The BYLAWS of the Alaskan Independence Party and/or Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, may not be suspended at any meeting of the State or Senate District Committee.

7.08 Top Priority for Organization of Senate Districts

The State Chair and the State Committee shall maintain as a top priority the organization of any unorganized Senate District.

7.09 One Vote per Person

No member shall be accorded more than one vote by virtue of holding a dual office or committee Chairmanship.

7.10 Special Committees

The State Chair, or the State Committee, shall be empowered to appoint such special committees as may be deemed necessary to best serve the Alaskan Independence Party and the people of Alaska.

7.11 Service of Special Committees

Chairs of all special committees shall serve at the pleasure of the State Chair.

7.12 Members of the Special Committee

Members of a special committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Chair of the special committee.

7.13 Appointing of Chairs and Confirmation

The State Chair shall fill, with the confirmation from the State Committee, any vacancy in a State Party Office if the vacancy occurs between State Conventions. The new State Party Officer so appointed shall serve until a successor has been elected in an even numbered year.

7.14 Chairs of State Committees

The State Committee shall elect by majority vote all Chairs of State Party Standing Committees during or immediately after a regularly called State Convention in an even numbered year. The term of office for a Chair of a State Party Standing Committee shall be two (2) years or until the next State Committee elections for Chairs of State Party Standing Committees are held following a regularly called State Convention.

7.15 Filling of Standing Committee Chair

The State Committee shall fill any vacancy for Chair of any State Party Standing Committee if the vacancy occurs between State Conventions. A majority vote of the State Committee shall be required to elect and the new Chair of a State Party Standing Committee shall serve until the next elections for Standing Committee Chairs are held in accordance with these BYLAWS.

7.16 State Standing Committees

Standing Committees of the Alaskan Independence Party shall be as follows:

A.
  Organization and Registration Committee
B.
  Rules and Bylaws Committee
C.
  Finance Committee
D.
  Public Relations Committee
E.
  Conventions, Special Events and Award Committee
F.
  Legislative and Legal Research Committee
G.
  Alaskan Independence Party Historical Committee
H.
  Alaska Economic Development Committee
I.
  Webmaster


7.17 Frequency of Meeting
Standing Committees of the Alaskan Independence Party shall meet as often as is deemed necessary to properly conduct the affairs and business of the Standing Committee. Except as otherwise provided in these BYLAWS, the Chair of a Standing Committee shall appoint members to the Standing Committee and such members shall serve at the pleasure of the Chair of the Standing Committee.

7.18 Reports of Standing Committee

The Chair of any Standing Committee shall give reports on the affairs and business of the Standing Committee to the State Chair upon request.

7.19 Quorum for State Standing Committee Meetings

The QUORUM for a meeting of a Standing Committee shall be the Chair of the Standing Committee and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee. Standing Committees may meet informally in work sessions as may be deemed necessary by the Standing Committee Chair and without any QUORUM required. A QUORUM for a meeting of a Standing Committee shall only be required when the Standing Committee is to vote upon a recommendation to the State Committee.

7.20 Removal of Standing Committee Chair

The removal of a Chair of a State Party Standing Committee shall be by majority vote of the entire State Committee and only after the Chair facing removal has been accorded the opportunity of addressing the State Committee concerning the charges or reason for removal.

7.21 Filling of Vacancy

Removal of a Chair of a State Party Standing Committee shall cause the State Committee to fill the vacancy in accordance with these BYLAWS.

7.22 Duties of State Party Standing Committee

The duties of a State Party Standing Committee shall be fixed by the State Committee and all Standing Committee Chairs shall work at the direction of the State Chair.

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Article VIII. SEVERABILITY

The various rules of the Alaskan Independence Party, including those relating to the primary elections, are severable. Any invalidity or enforceability of any rule or part thereof shall not affect the remainder of these Bylaws in any way.

8.01 Temporary Adoption of Rules

Between conventions of the Alaskan Independence Party, the State Committee may adopt temporary rules or clarifications that are necessary to insure that the bylaws and actions of the Alaskan Independence Party are consistent with state and federal law.

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Article IX. PRIMARY ELECTIONS

The Alaskan Independence Party believing in the principle of voting for the individual, does establish an open primary election which lists all parties' candidates for office.

9.01 Primary Election Electors

Any registered voter who has not voted another primary ballot may vote in the Alaskan Independence Party primary.

9.02 Non-Disqualification of Electors

The fact that a voter has voted in the Alaskan Independence Party Primary Election shall not disqualify that voter from voting in the primary election of any other political party or parties, where that voter's participation in the primary election of the Alaskan Independence Party is authorized or permitted by the rules of the other party, or by the statutes of the United States or the State of Alaska.

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Article X. ETHICS

The Alaskan Independence Party believes in a high standard of ethics

10.01 Conflict of Interest

Serving elected party members shall not engage in conduct which can be a conflict of interest with their elected office

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Article XI. MISCELLANEOUS

Terms implying or denoting gender in these bylaws or in any other official correspondence of the Alaskan Independence Party, such as Chair, Vice Chair, his, him, himself, and he, are used solely for brevity and ease of reference and are not to be construed as referring to any particular gender, masculine or feminine.

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