2018 Massachusetts Democratic Party Nominating Convention June 1 and 2, 2018 Worcester, MA

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1 Dear Delegate, 2018 Massachusetts Democratic Party Nominating Convention June 1 and 2, 2018 Worcester, MA Welcome to Worcester for our 2018 Nominating Convention! As we gather together this weekend to celebrate our progressive values and do the important work of supporting and selecting our nominees, we remain united in our goal to stand up for working families across the Commonwealth. On Friday night we will hear from our Senior Senator Elizabeth Warren, our Attorney General Maura Healey, our Treasurer Deb Goldberg and our Auditor Suzanne Bump. Four strong women who will share their vision to advance the Democratic Principles that we hold dear. On Saturday, we will focus on our contested races. We have two strong candidates for Governor who have travelled the state to earn your support. They understand the importance of having a Democrat in the Corner Office - someone who is willing to make the tough decisions that will move us forward and not be content with the status quo. We will also be voting for our outstanding candidates for Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth. I am confident that the tremendous groundswell of grassroots activity that we have experienced over this past year will serve us well in the coming election cycle. We will remain laser focused on keeping our Constitutional and Congressional delegations Democratic and will return the Governor s office to Democratic stewardship. A heartfelt thanks to all delegates, alternates and electeds who have chosen to participate in our convention. Together, we will win. Sincerely, Gus Bickford Chair, Massachusetts Democratic Party CONVENTION AGENDA FRIDAY, JUNE 1 4:30: Registration and Exhibit Hall Open (Door 2) 6:30: Convention Called to Order (Must have credentials to access floor) 7:15: Nominations of Uncontested Offices: Constitutional Officers Senator Elizabeth Warren Convention Recess SATURDAY, JUNE 2 7:30: Registration, Exhibit Hall and Breakfasts Open (Door 2) 9:00: Convention Called to Order 10:00: Delegate Roll Call 11:00: Registration Closes Speeches Endorsement Votes Adjournment TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. Final Call to Convention and Registration 5. Accessibility 8. Area Map 15. Welcome Events 16. Welcome Letter from Mayor Petty 20. Rules 22. Charter 26. Platform 30. Staff and Special Thank You s Massachusetts Democratic Party 11 Beacon St., Suite 410 Boston, MA IMPORTANT CONVENTION INFORMATION

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3 THE SMART CHOICE TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF OUR ELECTIONS FROM TRUMP AND PUTIN. = HONEST & COMPETENT ELECTIONS For additional convention information visit Paid for and Authorized by The Galvin Committee, 444 Washington Street, Brighton, MA Patrick Galvin, Treasurer 3

4 FINAL CALL TO CONVENTION The Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, in fulfillment of the Charter of the Massachusetts Democratic Party (Article Six) hereby calls a Democratic State Convention for the purpose of endorsing statewide candidates. The Convention shall be held at the DCU Center in Worcester, beginning at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 1, 2018, and continuing on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 9:00 AM. REGISTRATION AND CREDENTIALS A PHOTO ID MAY BE REQUIRED TO VERIFY CREDENTIALS. WE URGE YOU TO ARRIVE EARLY TO HELP AVOID DELAYS. Delegates who have paid before April 20, 2018, will receive their credentials in the mail. If you had not paid prior to the deadline, you may need to register at the DCU Center on Friday, June 1from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM or Saturday, June 2 from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. No credentials will be issued after 11:00 AM on Saturday. Deadline for payment in advance is May 29, If you have not paid in advance of the Convention, registration at the door will be $100 for Delegates and Alternates or $75 for full-time students, senior citizens (65 years and older), and persons with disabilities. All Delegates and Alternates should enter the DCU Center through DOOR #2 on Major Taylor Boulevard. ALL DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES MUST CHECK IN WITH THEIR TELLER BETWEEN 8:00-10:00 AM ON SATURDAY OR BE PRESENT FOR THE 10:00 AM ROLL CALL. ALTERNATES REPLACING DELEGATES FOR VOTING All Delegates can check in with the Senate District Teller one hour prior to the call to the convention and be marked present. When the roll is called on Saturday, June 2 at 10:00 AM, the Senate District Teller will read through the Delegate listing to determine attendance. At the end of the reading or after 15 minutes, which ever comes last, the Senate District Teller will read through the names to which there was no response. Any Delegate who is not marked present shall be replaced by an Alternate of the same gender when possible, from the same town or ward in the order that the Alternates were elected. The Senate District Teller will strike the Delegate s name and write in the name of the Alternate replacing that Delegate. There will be no Alternate switching after the completion of the attendance Roll Call. Please be seated in your Senate District no later than 9:45 AM on Saturday. 4

5 ACCESSIBILITY The Massachusetts Democratic Party will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to all convention attendees. Delegates and Alternates with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the State Party at (617) to discuss their needs prior to the Convention. Should you require assistance upon arriving to the DCU Center, please visit the ADA Assistance table, located directly within Door 2. PARKING All Delegates and Alternates will enter the DCU Center at Door 2 on Major Taylor Boulevard. There will be clearly marked Handicapped Parking areas around the parameter of the DCU Center designated for those persons with disabilities who may require accessible parking. Persons with disabilities must display their RMV handicap tag or placard on or in their vehicle in order to be eligible. The Worcester Police and Transportation Departments will supervise these parking areas. In addition, there is designated handicapped parking in the parking garages surrounding the DCU Center. HEARING DEVICES Hearing enhancement devices will be available free of charge for delegates at the ADA Assistance table, located directly within Door 2. A credit card will be needed to sign out the device. The credit card will only be charged if the device is not returned. WHEELCHAIRS Wheelchairs will be available free of charge to delegates at the ADA Assistance table, located directly within Door 2. A credit card will be needed to sign out the wheelchair. The credit card will only be charged if the wheelchair is not returned. CLOSED CAPTIONING Closed Captions will be displayed on the screens flanking the stage during the Convention. 5

6 Healthcare. Equality.. Massachusetts has pioneered progressive solutions to major barriers and the entire nation has followed our lead. Amid the chaos in Washington, I m committed to building on that model so we can make America better than it s ever been. I m incredibly proud to serve as your representative in Congress, and I m grateful for your support. SETH MOULTON MA-06 PAID FOR BY SETH MOULTON FOR CONGRESS 6

7 Thank you, Mass Dems! Four years ago, I stood before you as a first-time candidate and asked for your support. Five months later, you welcomed me with open arms as your Attorney General. Since then, your unflappable commitment to advancing our shared values has sustained and inspired me. A lot has changed. But our principles abide. We re going to honor them and we re going to fight for them, now more than ever. Let s get to work. Follow Maura s convention experience on social media: Get involved by visiting GREETINGS MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WELCOME TO THE 2018 MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION IN WORCESTER 7

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9 SHUTTLE INFORMATION Shuttles will depart from Union Station to the DCU Friday and Saturday morning and will depart from Door 12 of the DCU to Union Station Friday and Saturday afternoon through the evening. The Commuter Rail schedule will be updated May 22, Be sure to confirm your trip after May 22nd and check massdems.org for shuttle time updates. SECURITY The DCU Center has enacted security measures for your protection. Like other public venues, the center prohibits entrance to the building with any bag larger than a tote bag (i.e. no backpacks, duffle bags). All bags will be subject to a security search. The Democratic Party is working with DCU Center security personnel to ensure that security measures do not impede a swift and efficient registration process. BAGS AND LANYARDS Lanyards will not be sent out with credentials this year. They can be picked up at the DCU Center on Friday, June 1 between 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The traditional tote bags will be available for pick up at the DCU Center Saturday morning. 9

10 We are Democrats. We are education voters. We support leaders in our party who champion public education. Join us for breakfast An hour before the convention The North Ballroom DCU Center, Worcester to kick off the Mass Democratic Party State Convention where we will discuss: How towin in November With an exclusive poll release Learn more at dfermass.org/convention Wormtown Brewery Shrewsbury Street Worcester Art Museum Southwick s Zoo Food Music Culture Fun The Hanover Theatre DiscoverCentralMA.org 10 Indian Ranch

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12 Women of the Year Awards Andrea Campbell Lydia Edwards Yvonne Spicer UNION POWER The Massachusetts Teachers Association is proud to be a leading member of Raise Up Massachusetts. Our coalition of labor unions, faith-based organizations and community groups has been working hard to level the economic playing field. This means winning a $15 minimum wage and paid family and medical leave for workers, as well as passing the Fair Share Amendment to add much-needed funding for our public schools, colleges and transportation. Join us this summer and fall as we work to support the schools our students, educators and communities deserve! YES to fully funded public schools and debt-free, fully staffed public higher education. NO to privatizing public education, austerity budgeting and slashing public services. YES to public schools and colleges that are welcoming to all students regardless of race, religion, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or immigration status. NO to innovation/empowerment zones and other school turnaround efforts that undermine collective bargaining and democratic control of schools. YES to strong collective bargaining rights that provide working men and women with fair salaries and benefits, good working conditions and respect. NO to destructive high-stakes testing. Barbara Madeloni President Erik J. Champy Vice President Ann Clarke Executive Director-Treasurer 12 As a Senior Advisor in President Obama s White House, I fought for American jobs and an economy that works for everyone. As Chief of the Massachusetts Attorney General s Health Care Division, I stood up for patients and worked to increase access to care. As Lieutenant Governor, I will help Massachusetts lead again on the fight for good jobs, civil rights, single payer health care, effective antipoverty programs, and real solutions to the opioid crisis and climate change. Together, we can build a grassroots movement to take back our corner office. I welcome you to the 2018 Convention, and I would be honored to earn your vote. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Quentin Palfrey

13 WELCOME DELEGATES! I look forward to meeting you and hope to earn your vote! Thank you, Massachusetts Democrats! Thank you for your tireless work, your dedicated activism and your commitment to stand up for social, civil and economic justice for everyone, everywhere. Massachusetts has the opportunity and the obligation now more than ever to lead the nation on issues that have real impact on people s lives. The Senate is committed to putting our progressive values first and accomplishing great things this year, yea in this election and beyond. Congratulations Thank you for all you do, every day. Delegates and thank you for your activism! Paid for by the Committee to Elect Josh Zakim Paid for by the Committee to Elect Karen Spilka 13

14 WELCOME TO WORCESTER! THE HEART OF THE COMMONWEALTH A SPECIAL WELCOME TO ALL OF THE CANDIDATES AND DELEGATES FROM Senate President Harriette L. Chandler Welcome to Worcester! Best wishes for a great convention & enjoy your time in the Heart of the Commonwealth! Stay Connected Paid for and authorized by the Re-Elect McGovern Committee 14

15 Friday, June 1 Welcome Events Worcester Democratic City Committee and Host Committee Party: Begins close of Convention Mercantile Center, Front St, Diagonal from DCU Live music and great food! Secretary Galvin s Welcome Event: 8-10 PM Ballot Box, 11 Kelley Square MA Democratic Black Caucus, Baystate Stonewall Democrats, MA Latino Democratic Caucus Celebrate Diversity and Unity: 8-11 PM Hilton Garden Inn Musical Entertainment provided by AirCongo Quentin Palfrey s Welcome Event: 8:30-10:00 PM Mezcal Cantina Jay Gonzalez Convention Party: 9-11 PM Citizen Wine Bar, 1 Exchange St, Worcester Jimmy Tingle s Unconventional Convention Party: 9- Midnight Shangri-La Fine Asian Restaurant & Bar, 50 Front Street, Worcester (.2 miles from DCU) DJ Comedy Chinese food buffet, Remarks by Barney Frank and other funny people RSVP jimmytingle4mass.com / events YDMA Convention Party: 10 PM- 2 AM Ballot Box, 11 Kelley Square 15

16 Veronica Martinez June 1 st, 2018 Welcome Fellow Democrats: As Mayor of the City of Worcester I want to extend to you my warmest welcome on behalf of our fellow citizens, and thank you for choosing our city as the host of your 2018 Democratic State Convention. We are a diverse, strong, and growing city and I encourage all of you to explore all that we have to offer. Worcester is leading the way in a statewide revival of our Gateway Cities. Across our city residential and commercial values are up over a billion dollars. At a cost of almost half a billion dollars, hundreds of market rate rental units have come online alongside the brand new AC Marriot hotel at City Square. Our vibrant restaurant scene is also a growing part of our culture. Over the course of 12 months, over fifty new restaurants are opening in Worcester. Between new restaurants and our Restaurant Row on Shrewsbury Street, you will find everything from Afghani cuisine to award winning farm-to-table fare. We are a city of firsts and innovation. The first Women s Suffrage Convention was held on Main Street at Mechanics Hall. Robert Goddard launched the modern space age here. We are the Heart of the Commonwealth because the Valentine was invented here. But we are not a city that dwells in the past. We have transformed ourselves from a leader in the Industrial Revolution to a leader in the Science, Technology and Medical Revolution. The future of the Commonwealth is the future of Worcester. It is my sincere hope that you enjoy yourself and that you will take some time to be part of the Worcester Renaissance. Sincerely, Joseph M. Petty 16

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18 Welcome, Democrats! Thank you for all you do in support of our democratic values. Together, let's continue to fight for working families and for equal opportunity for MartyForBoston Paid for by The Committee to Elect Martin J. Walsh 18

19 Thank You Mass Dems! The people of Massachusetts are ready for progress. We need a governor ready on January 8, 2019 to make sure that nobody goes a day without healthcare and that our transportation system works today, not 20 years from now. We need leadership that knows how to make real change that is both fair and just. I will bring us together to make bold progressive change so that the Commonwealth works for the people, not the powerful. As governor, I will: 1. Build a 21st Century Transportation System Cut Travel Time from Worcester and Springfield to Boston in Half Build the North South Rail Link Fix the MBTA Now Stop and Reverse Privatization 2. Deliver Support for Families Pass $15 Minimum Wage Fund Universal Early Childhood Education Overturn Anti-union Laws Pass Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund Overhaul of Opioid Programs Deliver on Affordable Housing Needs Protect LGBTQ+ Rights 3. Act on Climate Change Create Thousands of High-paying Renewable Energy Jobs Achieve 100% Renewables Before 2050 Stop all Fossil Fuel Investments 4. Push for Single Payer Healthcare 5. Pass Criminal Justice Reform Ban Semi-automatic Gun Sales Offer Alternatives to Incarceration for Non-violent Offenders Protect Immigrants from ICE Abuses 6. Fight for Economic Justice Advance Women s Equality Combat Institutional Racism Launch Debt-free College Program Join the campaign: Paid for by Friends of Bob Massie 19

20 RULES OF THE 2018 MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC ENDORSING CONVENTION Chairperson The Chairperson of the Democratic State Committee shall call the Convention to order and preside until he/ she appoints a Convention Chair. The Chairperson of the Democratic State Committee shall appoint a Chairperson of the Convention, a Vice-Chairperson of the opposite sex, a Parliamentarian, three (3) Assistant Parliamentarians, a Credentials Committee, a Sergeant-atArms, Assistant Sergeants-at- Arms, a Head Teller, Tellers, Assistant Tellers, Pages, and a Convention Secretary who shall oversee that an official record of the Convention be kept, and additional assistants, as the Chair of the Democratic State Committee may deem necessary, none of whom need be Delegates. I. ORDER OF BUSINESS A. The order of business will include: 1. Call to order/ Declaration of a Quorum by the Chair 2. Invocation 3. National Anthem 4. Party Endorsement 5. Consideration of any Charter Amendments 6. Other Business determined essential by the Chairperson of the Democratic State Committee B. The order of business for the Massachusetts Democratic Convention shall be as provided in these Rules. The Chairperson of the Convention may interrupt the order of business provided for in these Rules for remarks appropriate to the business of the Convention. C. The Chairperson of the Democratic State Committee shall appoint a Charter Amendments Committee. Only those proposed amendments reported favorably by the Charter Amendments Committee shall be presented to the convention, except that proposed amendments, which had been previously submitted to the Charter Amendments Committee and not recommended by the Charter Amendments Committee, but which are accompanied by the signatures of five hundred (500) certified Delegates, identified by name, Senate District, City and Ward or Town, and who are in attendance at the times of consideration of same, and which have previously been submitted to the Sergeant-at-Arms for certification not later than 8:00 PM of the first day of the convention, June 1, No less than one hour prior to any vote on the Charter a determination shall be made by the Rules Committee as to whether the proposal has qualified under the rules of the Convention and make a report to the Chair. All proposed amendments must be divided into numbered paragraphs and must specify on each signature page the section to be amended. The Charter Amendments Committee shall consider all amendments submitted by 5:00 PM, March 3, 2018 to the office of the Democratic State Committee, 11 Beacon St, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, (617) (submission date is 90 days prior to the first day of the 20 convention). A copy of each amendment to be proposed to the Convention by the Charter Amendments Committee shall be sent to the pre-registered Delegates not later than ten (10) days prior to the Convention. The proposer of an amendment by signatures must furnish to the Sergeant-at-Arms, together with the required signatures, a copy of the amendment for each certified Delegate at the same time as the submittal of the amendment. Amendments presented to the Convention may be debated for ten (10) minutes each, equally divided between the proponents and opponents; or in case of a proposal submitted by petition, between proponents and speakers designated by the Charter Amendments Committee. II. ENDORSEMENT PROCEDURE A. For a candidate to be eligible for endorsement he/she must: 1. Be qualified by law to accept the Democratic nomination for the office in question; 2. Be otherwise qualified by law for the office in question; 3. Have filed notice of his/her intention to seek that office in question with the Democratic State Committee by 5:00 PM, January 22, 2018 or have presented to the Democratic State Committee, 11 Beacon Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, a petition for endorsement containing the signatures of five hundred (500) Delegates not later than 5:00 PM, April 17, (Deadlines are respectively 130 and 45 days prior to the convention.) In the event of the withdrawal or death of a candidate for one of the constitutional offices who has filed before the aforesaid intention deadline or an otherwise unanticipated event, the Chairperson of the State Committee, may extend the deadline. Every candidate shall file with the State Committee prior to the convention proof of compliance with the filing requirements of state law and, a statement whether he/she supports each provision of the most recent national and state party platforms and charters, the reasons for any disagreement, and the alternative policy he/she will support instead. The Democratic State Committee will distribute to all pre-registered Delegates before the Convention a list of all candidates. Candidates may distribute at their cost, their statement to Delegates, and the State Committee will use reasonable efforts to make the statements available to Delegates if the candidate makes financial compensation to the committee for same. The name of any candidate who fails to file such a statement and proof of compliance with filing requirements on time shall not be placed in nomination before the Convention. B. In the event of a contested office, the nominating speaker (s) chosen by each candidate may address the Convention for three (3) minutes. There will be no seconding speeches but the Chairperson will announce to the Convention the names of the 3 certified Delegates whose signatures have been furnished by the candidate and who have agreed to second the nomination. The entire presentation (including the candidate s speech if any) by a candidate for contest (including the candidate s speech if any) by a contested office may not exceed fifteen (15) minutes, with three (3) minutes reserved for the candidate s speech, if needed. C. The order of nomination and the conducting of rolling multiple ballots for more than one office shall be determined by the Chair of the Democratic State Committee at least 30 days prior to the convention, as provided in the recommendation of the Convention Reform Commission identified as #1 and #4. III. VOTING A. Secret Ballot and Unit Rule. No secret ballot or unit rule shall be permitted at any stage of the Convention. Unit Rule is prohibited. i.e. every vote shall be cast individually and no delegation may bind its members to vote with the majority. B. Proxy Voting. Delegate votes may not be cast by proxy. C. Roll Call Votes. 1. Consistent with the requirement to establish a quorum in Section I, A.1, a district-by-district roll call may be conducted to determine a quorum. 2. Voting shall be by voice vote or, when prescribed by these Rules, by roll call vote or signed, written or printed ballot. A roll call vote may be had if the Chairperson is in doubt or upon the vote of a majority of the Delegates present and voting. Each Delegate shall cast only one vote on each roll call. The endorsement by the Convention of a candidate for office shall be by roll call except when there is only one candidate, when such endorsement may be by voice vote, and shall require a majority of the Delegates present and voting. Any candidate who does not receive at least fifteen (15) percent on the first ballot shall not be eligible for placement on the primary ballot. If a candidate receives a majority (greater than 50%) on the 1st ballot, there will not be a subsequent ballot. A second ballot for endorsement (if needed) shall include only the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes on the first ballot who are still in contention for the endorsement. Any candidate may withdraw their request for endorsement at any time. Any vote cast other than a vote for a candidate eligible for endorsement under these rules shall be ruled invalid. The number necessary for endorsement by the Convention shall be based upon the number of valid votes. 3. The person receiving the majority of votes is the ENDORSED candidate of the Democratic Party and shall have the first position on the primary ballot and be identified on the same as the ENDORSED CANDIDATE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PAR- TY. (Subject to legislative change) 4. When a roll call vote is ordered, the roll call shall be announced by Senatorial District. The Chairperson of each delegation shall be the most senior Democratic State Committee member from the district at the opening of the Convention or such other member designated by the Chair. The Chairperson of the Democratic State Committee shall appoint a TELLER of votes for each delegation. The TELLER shall report the vote of his or her delegation by sending or transmitting the tally to the Sergeant-at-Arms at the rostrum showing the vote of each member of his or her delegation. The Chairperson will announce the vote as reported. D. Interruption of Vote. When the question has been put,

21 the vote thereon may not be interrupted for any purpose other than a demand for a roll call vote or a point of order directed to the conduct of the vote. E. Challenge of Roll Call Vote. Any challenge to a vote must be made to the Delegation Chairperson and the Sergeant-at-Arms, by a member of the delegation being challenged, and within three minutes after the announcement of the last delegation s vote on the roll call. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall present all such challenges to the Rules Committee. If there is a challenged of a roll call vote, the vote shall be verified within thirty (30) minutes by the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee shall meet for this purpose off the floor of the Convention. F. Determination of Question. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules and the Charter, all questions shall be determined by a majority of the Delegates present and voting. G. Reconsideration. No vote upon the endorsement for nomination of any candidate shall be subject to reconsideration. No other vote shall be reconsidered unless moved by a member of the majority and voted by two thirds (2/3) of the Delegates present and voting. Debate shall be limited to six minutes, three minutes to each side. A vote shall not be subject to reconsideration for a second time after a motion to reconsider has failed on adoption. IV. ALTERNATES REPLACING DELE- GATES FOR VOTING PURPOSES An hour after the opening of the Convention on Saturday, if needed, the Senate District Teller will read through the Delegate listing to determine attendance and take a call of the Roll. All Delegates can check in with their Senate District Teller an hour prior to the call to the convention. At the end of the reading or after 15 minutes, whichever comes last, the Senate District Teller will strike the name (s) to which there was no response. After a second reading, any Delegate who is not marked present shall be replaced by an Alternate of the same gender, when possible. He or she shall be from the same town or ward in the order that the Alternates were elected. The Senate District Teller will note on a line under each Delegate s name the name of the Alternate replacing that Delegate, and initial his or her approval. The Credentials Committee must certify the switch. No alternate switching will take place after the start of the first ballot on Saturday. (The first ballot process begins after the complete of the attendance Roll Call. It is the responsibility of the Delegate to be seated in their delegation at that time.) V. APPEALS The Chair shall decide all points of order subject to an appeal to the Convention by any 50 Delegates, presented in writing to the Sergeant-at-Arms, which may be debated for not more than five (5) minutes, the time to be equally divided between the Delegates appealing the ruling and the Delegates in favor of sustaining the ruling of the Chairperson, provided that an appeal shall not be in order while another appeal is pending; or from decisions on recognition, or during a roll call vote or on a question on which an appeal has just been decided, or upon the determination of the order of balloting and the number of consecutive or multiple ballots. Before the question is put on any appeal, the Chairperson shall be entitled to briefly state the reasons for the ruling being appealed. VI. MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES The Chairperson may entertain a motion to suspend the Rules, in order to allow a matter submitted in writing by at least 50 Delegates by noon on the second day of the convention to the Sergeantat-Arms, to refer an item to the Democratic State Committee or to adopt a resolution relative to a sense of the Convention. A motion to suspend the Rules shall be decided without debate and shall require a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all Delegates voting, a quorum being present. VII. QUORUM Seven hundred and fifty (750) certified Delegates to the convention shall constitute a quorum of the Convention for the purpose of transacting business. Upon a point of order of no quorum being made, the Chairperson shall ascertain the presence or absence of a quorum by visual estimation and shall not proceed until he or she determines that a quorum is present. A standing count shall be ordered upon the request of any 50 Delegates. A certified Delegate is one whose credentials are validated at the Convention Hall. VIII. RULES OF PROCEDURE The Chairperson of the Democratic State Committee shall appoint a Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee will rule regarding any questions of certification of Delegates. No person otherwise not eligible for status as an Ex-Officio Delegate may be provided a credential. The Credential Committee shall provide a permanent form for Delegate and Alternate transfer of credentials. No person assigned to or working the Credential process may wear candidate or issues paraphernalia of any kind, or be part of any candidate s official convention teams. The reconvening of the Convention on Saturday shall be gaveled at 9:00 am. and the Section IV roll call, if needed, shall start at 10:00AM on Saturday. No credentials will be issued after 8:00 PM on the first day of the convention nor after 11:00 AM on the second day of the convention. Challenges to the credentials of any Delegate or Alternate shall have been submitted to the Credentials Committee no later than one week prior to the start of the Convention by written challenge submitted to the headquarters of the Democratic State Committee. All those whose credentials are challenged shall be notified and afforded due process. The decision of the Credentials Committee shall be final and not subject to appeal or further challenge. If the identity of a Delegate, or of the recorded vote of that Delegate is challenged or the tallied vote of the Delegate is challenged such challenge shall be presented in writing to the Sergeantat-Arms within three (3) minutes from the vote and referred to the Credentials Committee for resolution within fifteen minutes. Members of both the Credentials and Rules Committees shall make themselves available upon notice of the Chair; a majority of those responding within five (5) minutes shall decide the issue and report to the Chair, through their respective Chairperson. A. Except as these Rules otherwise provide, the Convention shall be governed by the most recent edition of Robert s Rules of Order, as most recently revised. B. All proceedings of the Convention shall be open to members of the Democratic public and the media. C. As used in these Rules, Chairperson means the Current Chairperson of the Massachusetts Democratic Convention, unless otherwise provided. D. If a Delegate wishes to be recognized by the Chairperson on any matter other than a challenge to a roll call vote, he/she must present his or her request to the Chairperson by registering with the Sergeant-at-Arms at the rostrum. Requests will be honored in order of receipt. When a Delegate wishes to speak on a specific amendment, the Delegate should sign up with the Sergeant-at-Arms, indicating his/ her position on the amendment, so he/she will be called on at the appropriate time. E. No radios, telephones, other communications devices, types of signs, banners, stickers or similar paraphernalia may be displayed, installed or used in the Convention Hall, unless authorized by the Chairperson of Democratic State Committees or his or her designee. Notwithstanding the above, a standard of commercially available cell phone, paging device or other technological devices shall be allowed, unless the Chairperson or his or her designee determines that it interferes with the operation of the Convention Hall. Delegates shall be allowed to bring to the Hall small quantities of food and water unless prohibited by the site management. F. Only Delegates, members of the Convention committees, officials of the Convention, and accredited members of the media shall be admitted to the section of the Hall reserved for Delegates, except by order of the Presiding officer of the Convention, or the Chairperson of the State Committee. G. All security personnel shall be under the jurisdiction of the Sergeant-at-Arms. H. In making decisions relative to granting or withholding credentials, the Credentials Committee shall be guided by the requirements set forth in method of selecting Delegates as most recently published in the Preliminary Call to Convention. I. Matters allowed to be submitted as provided, by signature of Delegates, will not be printed by the Democratic State Committee. However, the proposer of same shall be responsible for printing at his/her expense sufficient copies for each Delegate. The printed petitions shall be presented to the Sergeant-at-Arms by 8:00 PM on the first day of the Convention. 21

22 Charter of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Preamble We, the Democrats of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in common purpose with the National Democratic Charter, are united in seeking for our State, our Nation and all peoples individual and political freedoms and social and economic justice. We affirm that we can best attain these goals through a strong, cohesive party-honest, open and accessible to all, and steadfast in the idea that our people have the ability to govern themselves. Following the National Democratic Charter, we acknowledge that a political party which wishes to lead must listen to those it would lead, a party which asks for the people s trust must prove that it trusts the people and a party which hopes to call forth the best that the Commonwealth can achieve must embody the best of the Commonwealth s heritage and traditions. The Democratic Party demands responsibility and accountability from candidates and officials using its name. It shall be a party within which all social, economic, ethnic and geographic groups can gather to clarify issues, affect public policies and implement systems of equal opportunity regardless of race, national origin, creed, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It shall be receptive to new solutions to social and political problems. It shall promote the election and appointment of Democrats to public office. In office, the Democratic Party shall act as a coordinator and mediator among the various governing agencies of towns, cities, counties and the Commonwealth; out of office, it shall act as a responsible opposition, a channel for legitimate dissent. To these ends, we pledge ourselves to leadership in a democratic society through this Charter of the Democratic Party of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Article One Definitions The following definitions apply to terms used throughout the Charter: Convention is a statewide gathering of Democrats called by the State Committee. Conference is a regional gathering of Democrats called by the State Committee. Caucus is a gathering of enrolled Democrats called by a town, ward, city or the State Committee. Meeting is a gathering of full and associate members of a Party committee, or sub-unit thereof, at any level. Agenda is defined as an outline of topics to be considered and actions to be taken by the Party, such as meetings, programs, rules, etc. Accessible is defined as referring to those conditions which assure openness and provide an equal opportunity for participation, including locations, convenience and public identification among others. Minorities - Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, Native Americans and Cape Verdeans as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Disability/Handicapped, with respect to an individual, means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Youth individuals 18 through 35 years of age. LGBT+ is defined as individuals that identify as a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community. Low and Moderate Income as defined by the Democratic National Committee. Senior those persons 65 years of age or Citizens over. Wards 22 shall include the term municipal districts. Article Two Town, Ward and City Committees SECTION I. Functions of Local Committees Town, ward and city committees are the foundation of Party organization and have the closest contact with the people. The local committees shall conduct, according to duly established and recorded local by-laws, such activities as are suitable for a political organization; among which (without limitation) are: the endorsement of enrolled Democratic candidates in partisan and nonpartisan primaries, preliminaries and elections; financial support of the State Committee and Democratic nominees; the adoption of resolutions and platforms; the raising and disbursing of funds for political purposes; voter registration campaigns; and the calling of caucuses for the purpose of endorsing candidates, adopting resolutions, or conducting other Party business as provided for in the Call. All Local committees are intended to be working committees, dedicated to the cause of winning elections. All members should pledge a minimum of 40 hours in each 2 year election cycle to organizing or soliciting financial or grassroots voter support for Democratic candidates, at least half of which shall be in the general election time period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter, failure to work actively in any election cycle could result in removal from all Democratic Party offices, if voted by said committee after a hearing. State Committee members shall be responsible for ensuring that all members within their State Senate District are given opportunities to comply with this pledge. Town and Ward committee chairs shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the work pledge provision. SECTION II. Number of Members; Election of Ward, Town and City Committees Town and ward committees shall have no fewer than 3 nor more than 35 members, who shall be elected at presidential primaries with filing for the office by individual candidates in conformity with State Election Laws. Ward and Town Committees may increase the number of members of the Committee up to the maximum of 35 at any time by a vote of a majority of the members of the committee, effective upon notification of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Democratic State Committee within 30 days of said vote. City committees shall be composed of all ward committee members within a municipality. Town and ward committees may elect associate members who shall not be limited to a maximum figure. With respect to current numbers of the town committee who served as such for 20 or more years or current members of any ward committee who have served within such city for 20 or more years, said member s elected position on the town or ward committee shall be vacated after the member has served over twenty years and he or she becomes a voting member of the town/ward committee by action of this section. Vacancies in local committees shall be filled by vote of that committee. Associate members, if any, shall be the candidate(s) for filling any committee vacancies. Town and ward committees are authorized to constitute their elected officers plus such members as the committee designates as an executive board. All members of the town, ward and city committees shall be enrolled Democrats. State Committee members shall be ex-officio members of ward, town and city committees. SECTION III. Officers of Local Committees Town, ward and city committees shall elect: a chairperson or, if deemed advisable, two co-chairpersons and a vice-chairperson (not both or all of the same sex), a treasurer, secretary, Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor and other appropriate officers from among their members. Officers shall be elected every two years; except that a committee in its bylaws may provide for a four year term, running with presidential terms; at the local committee s organizational meeting, which shall be held no later than April 15 th in non presidential years and as defined in state law in presidential election years. The local chairperson shall be the principal executive officer of the town, ward or city committee, with primary responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of this Charter and by-laws at the local level and for communications between local committees and the State Committee. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the local committee and at caucuses called by it. Other officers shall have such duties and responsibilities as assigned by the local bylaws, chairperson or committee. SECTION IV. Meetings of Local Committees Town, ward and city committees shall meet at least four times each year, at least once each quarter, at the call of the chairperson. Special meetings may be called by the secretary on receipt of signed petition from no fewer than 20% of the membership of the committee. SECTION V. Removal of Local Members Members and officers pledge themselves by accepting office to perform diligently and honorably their duties or resign. Members of town and ward committees may be removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice and due process and by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting, a quorum being present, for: a. failure to attend at least half of the regularly scheduled committee meetings during any calendar year. b. publicly endorsed or supported any candidate whose announced intention is to oppose the nominee of the Democratic Party which nominee publicly supports the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most recent state and national Democratic conventions. A member for whom a long and deeply held belief would be violated by support of the nominee shall not be removed under this section. c. unauthorized use of the Party name or resources. d. conviction after appeals are exhausted of a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor. A member must be given an opportunity to resign before notice of the hearing on the question of removal is given to the membership of the committee. If a ward, town or city committee refuses to act upon or remove a member duly charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial Council. A member removed under this section shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council, and the vacancy may not be filled in such case until the final decision of the Judicial Council is made. Article Three State Committee SECTION I. Role of the State Committee The Democratic State Committee shall have general responsibility for the affairs of the Democratic Party between State Conventions in the furtherance of this Charter. This responsibility shall include: a. conducting the Party s state campaigns b. filling vacancies in the nomina-

23 tions for state-wide and congressional offices c. formulating and disseminating statements of Party policy d. raising and disbursing monies needed for the successful operation of the State Committee. The State Committee shall publicly support the Party s nominees, except no party resources shall be used to support a Democratic nominee, who as a Democrat publicly endorsed or supported a Republican or other party candidate in any one of the last two most recent biennial elections. The State Committee shall take all other actions necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Charter, including the adoption of by-laws to implement the Charter; maintenance of a file of by-laws of town, ward and city committees that is available for public inspection; and the maintenance of regular communication with and the provision for training, information and other services to town, ward and city committees when finances permit. The State Committee is intended to be working committees, dedicated to the cause of winning elections. All members should pledge a minimum of 40 hours in each 2 year election cycle to organizing or soliciting financial or grassroots voter support for Democratic candidates, at least half of which shall be in the general election time period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter, failure to work actively in any election cycle could result in removal from all Democratic Party offices, if voted by said committee after a hearing. State Committee members shall be responsible for ensuring that all State, Ward and Town Committee members within their State Senate District are given opportunities to comply with this pledge. SECTION II. Number of State Committee Members Members of the Democratic State Committee shall be enrolled Democrats consisting of: a. the two men and the two women elected from each state senatorial district, who each shall serve for a four year term b. members of the Democratic National Committee from Massachusetts c. the State Committee in consultation with the Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee shall elect members for the purposes of affirmative action; the number of which will not exceed 10% of the total State Committee; in determining the affirmative action candidates for election, the Democratic State Committee shall consider the underrepresented target groups and shall endeavor to maintain proper geographic distribution of the State Committee as far as possible d. additional members elected by the State Committee in accordance with its by-laws, and e. four men and four women who are youth, having not reached the age of 36, and two men and two women who are members of the College Democrats of Massachusetts (when possible); these members shall be elected by the Democratic State Committee. Student members shall serve two-year terms. Additionally, One man and one woman who are youth having not reached the age of 36 selected by the Massachusetts Young Democrats [Massachusetts Democratic Future] and one man and one woman who are youth not having reached the age of 36 selected by the College Democrats of Massachusetts. These members so appointed shall have made every practical effort to become members or associate members of their local Ward or Town Committee. Student members shall serve for a term of two years. f. two veterans, one male and one female. g. one man and who are gay and lesbian Democrats. h. one male and one female who are bisexual Democrats. i. one male-identified and one female-identified who are transgender Democrats. The chairperson of the Party shall publicize the availability of these positions (Sections C, D, F, G, H, I). Only those candidates whose letters of intent have been received by the Chair of the State Party or his designee no later then 14 days prior to the scheduled reorganization meeting shall be eligible for any one of these positions. Candidates shall submit letters of intent for only one position. The determination as to whether, when and how long a candidate may speak will be made by the Chair and published prior to the meeting to effect an orderly election. The appropriate number of members shall then be chosen by a plurality of the members present and voting. In cases of a tie vote, there shall be a runoff between those candidates that tied on the preceding ballot. Members chosen under this paragraph, except student seats, shall serve for terms of four years and only during the term of the State Committee which chose them. SECTION III. Election of State Committee Members There shall be one hundred and sixty (160) members of the Democratic State Committee apportioned to the state senatorial districts. Eighty (80) members of the State Committee, one man and one woman from each state senatorial district, shall be elected at the Presidential primary election. Their terms shall begin on the thirtieth (30 th ) day following their election and end four years later on the (30 th ) day following the presidential primary to be held that year. Eighty (80) members shall be elected by the Democratic ward and town committees within the state senatorial district, in a manner prescribed by the Democratic State Committee. The terms of members so selected shall begin the day following their election and end four years later on the day of the conference to select their successors. Within the time period specified by state law for initial organization of the Committee, the incumbent Democratic State Committee chairperson, or someone designated by the Chairperson, shall certify the members elected by state senatorial district conference. Thereafter, the popularly elected, conference-elected, twenty-year and ex officio members of the State Committee shall organize the Committee in accordance with then-applicable state law; however, at its first organized meeting following a Presidential Primary, the Committee shall elect additional members as provided by the Committee s by-laws. All members of the State Committee shall have full and equal voting privileges. In non-presidential years, the incumbent Democratic State Committee Chairperson or someone designated by the Chairperson shall certify the members elected by state senatorial district conferences. Following the certification of these members, the next order of business shall be the election of such additional members as provided by the state committee s by-laws. Members shall serve only so long as they remain enrolled as voters in the Massachusetts Democratic Party and in the case of members who serve by virtue of holding public or party office, only so long as they hold such office. Members appointed for affirmative action purposes shall serve until their successors are selected at the initial organizational meeting of the full committee. Any vacancy in the elected membership shall be filled by state senatorial district conferences as described above. Any vacancy occurring within six (6) months before the next regularly scheduled election shall not be filled. SECTION IV. Sub-committees of the State Committee The Chair of the State Committee shall appoint such sub-committees as it determines necessary or appropriate to enable the State Committee to fulfill the duties and obligations with which it is charged by the Charter. There shall be an Affirmative Action and Outreach Sub-Committee responsible for encouraging and assisting target group individuals at all levels and for overseeing and assisting Party committees at all levels in meeting affirmative action guidelines. SECTION V. Meetings of the State Committee The State Committee shall meet at least four times each year, at least once each quarter, at the call of the State Chairperson. Special meetings shall be called by the Secretary on receipt of signed petition from no fewer than 25 members of the State Committee. Meetings of the full State Committee shall be held regularly on a regional basis. Members of the State Committee elected at the state senatorial district level shall meet at least twice each year with members of town, ward and city committees in their districts. SECTION VI. Report to the Convention The Chair of the State Committee shall provide to the delegates at each State Convention, a report on the activities and finances of the State Party since the preceding State Convention. SECTION VII. Removal of State Committee Members Members and officers pledge themselves by accepting office to perform diligently and honorably their duties or resign. Members of the State Committee may be removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice and due process and by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at a State Committee meeting for: a. failure to attend at least half of the regularly scheduled committee meetings during any calendar year. b. publicly endorsed or supported any candidate whose announced intention is to oppose the nominee of the Democratic Party which nominee publicly supports the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most recent state and national Democratic conventions. A member for whom a long and deeply held belief would be violated by support of the nominee shall not be removed under this section. c. unauthorized use of the Party name or resources d. conviction after appeals are exhausted of a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor. A member must be given an opportunity to resign before notice of the hearing on the question of removal is given to the membership of the committee. If the State Committee refuses to act upon or remove a member duly charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial Council. A member removed under this section shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council, and the vacancy may not be filled in such case until the final decision of the Judicial Council is made. 23

24 Article Four State Committee Officers SECTION I. Officers of the State Committee The State Committee shall elect from among its members a chairperson, a vice-chairpersons of the opposite sex, treasurer, secretary and other appropriate officers. All officers must be members of the State Committee, except that before choosing a treasurer or deputy treasurers, a majority of the members of the State Committee present and voting may suspend this requirement as to the treasurer or deputy treasurers only. SECTION II. Chairperson The chairperson shall be the chief executive officer of the State Committee, presiding at its meetings, speaking for it and directing its organization and activities. The chairperson shall, with the approval of the State Committee, appoint an Executive Director for the State Party and such additional staff as deemed appropriate. The chairperson shall name persons to sub-committees provided for in this Charter or the by-laws of the State Committee, and may name other special sub-committees with the approval of the State Committee. The chairperson shall be an ex-officio, voting member of all sub-committees. The chairperson may authorize the use of the name Democrat or Democratic by any regional, local or special committees or groups with the approval of the State Committee. SECTION III. Vice-Chairperson The vice-chairperson shall assume the powers and duties of the chairperson in the temporary absence or incapacity of the chairperson, and shall have such other responsibilities as are conferred by the State Committee or the chairperson. SECTION IV. Treasurer The treasurer shall be bonded and be responsible for the custody of all monies belonging to the State Committee; shall report annually to the State Committee on receipts, expenditures and the financial status of the Party; and shall comply with financial and reporting requirements of state and federal election laws. SECTION V. Secretary The secretary shall keep minutes and other records of State Committee meetings and actions, and shall have such other responsibilities as are conferred by the State Committee or the chairperson. SECTION VI. Removal of Officers Officers of the State Committee may be removed with adequate notice and due process for failing to perform the duties of the office by a two-thirds vote of the State Committee. Vacancies in any office, for whatever reason, shall be filled by vote of the State Committee at a meeting not less than one (1) month following the formal announcement of the vacancy at a State Committee meeting. Article Five State Judicial Council SECTION I. Number and Term of Membership There shall be a State Judicial Council composed of five members elected by the State Committee for five-year terms, one of whom shall be elected each year. Members shall be enrolled Democrats, but shall not be members of the Democratic State Committee or any of its subcommittees. Affirmative action procedures shall be followed in electing members of the Judicial Council. 24 SECTION II. Chairperson of the Council The State Judicial Council shall elect each year at its organizational meeting following the annual election of its members by the State Committee one of its members as chairperson. The Council chairperson shall call and preside at all meetings of the Council and shall have general administrative responsibilities for the Council. SECTION III. The Judicial Council shall adopt procedural rules which shall be reviewed by legal counsel. The Judicial Council shall meet at least once each year. Any member may call a meeting if the chair fails to do so. SECTION IV. Responsibilities of the Judicial Council The State Judicial Council shall be responsible for compliance of State and local committees with this Charter and by-laws for the adjudication of disputes arising therefrom. The Judicial Council may order any body or officer of the Party to take whatever action necessary to comply with the Charter or bylaws, including affirmative action goals. It shall also have general jurisdiction on appeal over disputes arising between local committees or between Party committees at different levels, in which case its judgment shall be final and binding on the parties. SECTION V. Removal of Council Members The chairperson of the State Judicial Council may be removed at any time for any reason by majority vote of the Council, but shall in such case continue as a member of the Council. Members of the State Judicial Council may be removed at any time for any reason by two-thirds vote of the members of the State Committee. Article Six State Convention SECTION I. Empowerment of the Convention The State Convention shall be the highest authority of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, subject to provisions of this Charter. It shall be empowered to adopt Party Platforms, endorse candidates for state-wide offices, and act upon such other matters of Party business as provided in the Call to the Convention. The Rules of the Convention, providing for all votes by simple majority except for a two-thirds majority required to suspend the rules, shall be recommended to the State Committee by the Rules Committee thereof and shall be adopted by a majority vote of the State Committee. The rules so adopted shall be distributed to the delegates not less than two weeks before the convention and may be amended from the floor of the convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates. SECTION II. Issues Convention There shall be a State Issues Convention in odd numbered years for the purpose of adopting a Party Agenda and/ or Platform by a majority vote of Convention delegates present and voting based upon the recommendation, subject to amendments, of the Party Agenda or Platform Committee. Resolutions may be developed through a process beginning with caucuses of local Democrats. SECTION III. Endorsing Convention There shall be a State Convention in even numbered years for the purpose of endorsing candidates for state-wide offices in those years in which such office is to be filled. Endorsements for state-wide office of enrolled Democrats nominated at the Convention shall be by majority vote of the delegates present and voting, with the provision that any nominee who receives at least 15 percent of the Convention vote on any ballot for a particular office, in accordance with the Rules of that convention, may challenge the Convention endorsement in a State primary election. SECTION IV. Call of the Convention The State Committee shall issue the Call of a State Convention at least four months prior to the date of the convention. In even numbered years, the State Convention shall be not later than the Saturday after the date set by the Commonwealth for the filing of nomination papers with the Secretary of State s office, further it shall be the responsibility of the State Committee by vote to schedule the date of the convention in all years. 1. provide for no fewer than 2,500 delegates; and to ensure adequate representation at the Democratic State Convention, the Democratic State Committee shall survey the delegates elected at the caucuses to determine whether the minority, disabled, and LGBT+ representation reflects the participation of minorities, disabled, and LGBT+ in the Party as defined in Article I of the Charter of the Democratic Party of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If it does not so reflect the minority population of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the Caucus of Minority Democrats at least thirty days prior to said convention, a number of atlarge minority delegates. If it does not so reflect the disabled population of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the Disability Outreach Subcommittee at least thirty days prior to said convention, a number of at-large disabled delegates. If it does not so reflect the LGBT+ population of the Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the LGBT Outreach Subcommittee at least thirty days prior to said convention, a number of at-large LGBT+ delegates. Those seats that are apportioned to cities and towns under part 4 of this section but are left vacant due to the failure of a city or town to hold a caucus by the deadline set forth in the Rules of the Convention shall be made available to young registered Democrats as defined by Article One of this Charter. The Democratic State Committee shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the Youth Services Sub-Committee at least 30 days prior to the convention, a number of young delegates on an at large basis equal to the number of delegate seats left vacant due to the failure of a town or ward to hold a caucus. These seats shall be equally divided between men and women, and preference shall be given to young Democrats residing in towns or wards which failed to hold a caucus 2. Assure all eligible enrolled and pre-enrolled Democrats, full, timely, and equal opportunity to participate through caucuses in towns and cities and include publicity and affirmative action guidelines toward that end 3. Restrict participation to enrolled and pre-enrolled Democrats in accordance with the Rules of that Convention 4. allocate one delegate to each city and town and the remainder on the basis of a formula giving equal weight to most recent Democratic Party registration as recorded by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and to the average vote for Democratic candidates in the last general elections for the offices of Governor and President;

25 a. the members of the Democratic State Committee and the State Judicial Council shall serve as ex-officio delegates to the Convention with full voting privileges b. the Chairperson of each city, ward and town committee (as duly recorded with the offices of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Democratic State Committee) shall serve as an ex-officio Delegate to the Convention with full voting privileges. If he/she cannot serve or is a delegate in another capacity, the next highest ranking officer (vice chairperson, secretary and then treasurer) shall. If the next highest ranking officer cannot, a meeting of the full committee shall be called to elect one (1) to serve in this capacity, provided the Chair held a caucus for the most recent convention. c. the Democratic elected members of the General Court, the Democratic members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the Democratic elected state constitutional officers shall serve as ex-officio delegates to the Convention with full voting privileges. 5. the delegate selection process shall begin within four (4) months prior to the convention. SECTION V. Adherence to Platform by Democratic Officials The most recent Democratic platform and/or agenda is the official position of the Democratic Party. Every Democratic committee member, every Democratic nominee, and every official elected as the Democratic nominee shall adhere to the national, state, and any local platform, in that order of priority, in all official statements and actions. Failure to do so shall not result in any removal or loss of rights within the Party, but may be publicized by resolutions or other appropriate action of any Party convention, conference, committee, or caucus. Article Seven Affirmative Action and Outreach SECTION I. Support of Affirmative Action Programs The Democratic Party of Massachusetts, to encourage full participation by all segments of the population, shall conduct affirmative action and outreach programs in behalf of target groups: Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, Native Americans and Cape Verdeans; and outreach programs on behalf of persons with disabilities, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender, workers, youth, low and moderate income people and senior citizens. Affirmative action procedures shall be shall be followed in constituting all bodies of the Democratic party. SECTION II. Goals The goals of affirmative action and outreach shall be: 1. to institute those at all levels and in all units of the Party which will provide: a. target group members with an understanding of the methods and procedures for participating in all elections and programs of the Democratic Party, and b. an opportunity to participate in all elections and programs of the Democratic Party 2. to elect target group members to all levels and units of the Democratic Party according to parity of enrolled Democrats in a voting area, through a formula compatible with United States Census data 3. this goal shall not be accomplished either directly or indirectly by the state Democratic Party s imposition of mandatory quota at any level of the delegate selection process or in any other Party affairs, as defined in the By-Laws of the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic State Committee. SECTION III. Affirmative Action and Outreach Sub-Committee The majority of the Affirmative Action and Outreach Sub-Committee of the State Committee shall oversee the formulation and implementation of uniform affirmative action plans for each state senatorial district, to include plans for ward and town committees therein, for the election of members to all Party committees and for the selection of delegates to conferences and conventions. All Affirmative Action and Outreach plans shall be submitted for approval to the State Committee, which shall remain responsible for all affirmative action efforts. Challenges to the formulation or implementation of these plans shall be referred to the Judicial Council. SECTION IV. Implementation of Affirmative Action and Outreach With continual outreach and affirmative action as a major priority of the National and Massachusetts Democratic Parties, the goals of affirmative action and outreach shall be achieved by, but not limited to, the following steps: 1. the equal division insofar as possible between men and women at every level of party structure 2. a written affirmative action plan by all levels and units of the Democratic Party, including submittal of population figures relative to the target groups. The Affirmative Action and Outreach Sub-Committee shall help devise, implement and hold accountable individual Affirmative Action and Outreach plans. 3. the establishment of uniform implementation guidelines, data sources and procedures for setting goals 4. the allocation of financial resources by the State Committee to affirmative action and outreach as a priority program 5. the communication of all Party programs and Party elections shall be frequent, public and explicit. All meetings, caucuses, conferences and conventions shall be held in centrally located, accessible and well publicized sites 6. the formulation of all Party rules, regulations and processes written in clear, explicit language 7. the establishment by each ward and town committee of an affirmative action and outreach advisor, who shall serve as an officer of the local committee 8. the State Committee shall hire a full-time staff person to assist the Affirmative Action and Outreach Sub-Committee in the discharge of their duties, if funds are available. SECTION V. Non-Compliance with Affirmative Action and Outreach Delegate and member elections at every level will be monitored by the Affirmative Action Committee. The failure to achieve affirmative action goals will result in an automatic compliance review by the Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee. If a compliance review determines that affirmative action plans were not adequately implemented, then the matter shall be submitted to the Judicial Council which may order that a committee not be recognized or a delegation not be seated unless and until a new and adequate election is held. If a compliance review determines that, although a good faith effort was made to formulate and implement affirmative action goals, the effort failed, in that case, the Judicial Council is empowered to recommend that the unit in question be designated a priority area for special affirmative action efforts by the State Committee. SECTION VI. Challenges Challenges to the formulation, implementation or achievement of affirmative action goals may be brought before the Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee by an enrolled Democrat from the area in question with right of appeal to the Judicial Council. Article Eight General Provisions SECTION I. Ethical Practices The State Committee shall adopt and publish a code of ethical conduct of Party officials and a code of fair campaign practices for all candidates of the Democratic Party. SECTION II. Openness All meetings of all Party committees, except workshop or drafting committees, at all levels shall be open to the public, unless an executive session is authorized by a two-thirds vote, and no vote shall be taken by secret ballot. However, secret ballot is permitted in local caucuses. SECTION III. Proxy Voting Voting by proxy shall not be permitted at a State Convention, a committee or sub-unit thereof at any level of the Party, or the State Judicial Council. Article Nine Amendments, By-Laws and Rules SECTION I. Majority Rule This Charter may be amended by a vote of a majority of all delegates to any State Convention. SECTION II. State Committee By-laws to implement this Charter shall be adopted by majority vote of the State Committee, with the provision that they be consistent with actions of State Conventions. By-laws may be amended by majority vote of the State Committee provided that written notice is given all Committee members at least 30 days in advance of the vote thereon. SECTION III. Local By-Laws Party committees at the local level and/or political organizations permitted to use the word Democratic, shall adopt by-laws consistent with this Charter and subject to the approval of the Chair of the State Committee. The State Committee shall maintain current copies of all such by-laws. SECTION IV Rules of Party In the absence of other provisions, Roberts Rules of Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the conduct of all Democratic Party meetings. 25

26 PLATFORM OF THE MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY MANY VOICES SHARED VALUES Massachusetts Democrats believe that every person has the right to live a full, meaningful life with equal access to opportunity, security, and inclusion. We believe that our government exists to empower people by providing high-quality public education, ensuring universal access to healthcare, protecting our environment, reducing income inequality, and guaranteeing equal rights and opportunity for all. We believe that we are all stronger when our economy works for everyone, and that the extreme level of income and wealth inequality in Massachusetts and the nation makes our communities poorer, poisons our politics, and endangers our future. We believe that when we empower people to organize their local communities, we can change our Commonwealth and our country for the better. As a united Democratic Party, we will fight for our democracy, for the common good, and for the working families of the Commonwealth. We will grow and strengthen our Party through grassroots organizing and elect Democratic candidates up and down the ticket with strong progressive values. We will fight the regressive Republican agenda at home and in Washington, and will pursue a forward- thinking, progressive agenda of our own to demonstrate that Massachusetts is a leading alternative to President Trump s vision of America. grow our economy from the bottom up; Aggressive action to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change and protect our environment; Transparent, ethical government that builds confidence in good government; A single-payer healthcare system that delivers healthcare as a basic human right, and fully-funded addiction prevention and recovery programs to combat the deadly opioid crisis; Affordable, high-quality housing for all; Fair and sensible immigration policies that prevent the exploitation of immigrants and refugees and ensure we remain a welcoming state; Equal justice under the law for all, and an end to discrimination; Living wages, benefits that support working families, and the right to organize and collectively bargain for all workers; Safe and crime-free communities along with comprehensive criminal justice reform to improve public safety and protect civil rights; A progressive tax system that asks the wealthy to pay their fair share; Essential investments in our roads, bridges, ports, and public transportation; Continued support for our veterans, who have made sacrifices on our behalf; FIGHT FOR: Ensuring pay equity for all, regardless of gender or race. Strengthening our focus on innovation, including the clean energy sector and biotech sector. Investing in the long-term industries our economy was built on, including agriculture, fishing, tourism, healthcare, higher education, financial services, and manufacturing. Workforce education programs including investments in vocational technical education and training programs for all individuals interested in entering skilled trades, technical, and other hands-on careers. High-speed broadband access for all citizens including historically underserved rural communities. Investment in sustainable green jobs and 21st Century green technologies. Promoting the arts as a major employer and industry in the Commonwealth and recognizing the important contributions by workers in the creative economy. Creating jobs in a sustainable economy and environment. Programs that help support opportunities in business for women, people of color, and millennials. A tax code that sets different rates according to corporate ownership structure, creating preferences for businesses that generate community growth and participation. Strong oversight regulation of big banks and other financial institutions. Ensuring all have access to jobs that provide them with a living wage. Overcoming problems of economic stagnation, economic insecurity, and loss of confidence in prospects for a prosperous future. A healthy democracy is a precursor to achieving all elements of the Massachusetts Democratic Platform, yet the Executive Branch of our national government is exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. Massachusetts Democrats will resist these tendencies and support and protect our democratic institutions to prevent the erosion of our democracy. This platform is our statement of principles and positions. As Democratic activists, party leaders, and elected officials, we commit ourselves to achieving the goals we set forth in this party platform. WE DEMAND That all people be treated equal, no matter their race, religion, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation; A more equitable economy with broadly shared economic growth; Free, high-quality public education from preschool through college, including vocational education and training programs, for every person, no matter their zip code, ethnicity, or socio-economic background; Equal treatment for women and people of color in the workplace and an increased effort to recruit Democratic women, people of color, and millennial candidates to seek elected office; Good paying jobs, improved transportation systems and infrastructure, and a worldclass public education through investments that 26 Expansion and enforcement of the right to vote, especially among underrepresented communities including rural communities and communities of color; Stand with our immigrant, refugee, and minority communities; Protect journalists from intimidation and resist efforts by the administration to marginalize mainstream media; Protect judges from intimidation and resist efforts by the administration to marginalize the judiciary; and Work with the Democratic Party at the national level to resist the current administration s efforts to erode the fundamental institutions of our democracy. ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND GROWTH I speak not for myself but those without a voice those who have fought for their rights their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated. -Malala Yousafzai Growing our economy through job creation and economic opportunities is one of the most pressing issues facing the middle class and working families in our state. We support strengthening our economy through investments in infrastructure, transportation, and public education; creating a respectful business climate; and promoting public-private partnerships for the betterment of communities in every region of the Commonwealth. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL EDUCATION Education is our only political safety. Outside of this ark all is deluge. -Horace Mann All Massachusetts residents have the right to high-quality public education from early childhood through adulthood. Our teachers deserve the same respect as any other professional and we recognize the role they play in shaping our children, the future of the Commonwealth, and the quality of our democracy. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Free public education is a human right and, therefore, public education from high-quality, universal preschool and full-day kindergarten through higher education and vocational training should be free to residents. Fixing the public education funding formula to fully fund high-quality public education for all students. Ensuring that all students are reading proficiently by the third grade. Closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color, low income students, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students in the Commonwealth s Gateway Cities. Increased Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum in our schools. Ending the state s punitive use of highstakes testing. Providing our public educators with access to relevant and quality professional development programs. Differentiated learning environments, extended learning time, and more learning

27 opportunities beyond the traditional school day and year, including high-quality after-school and summer enrichment programs. Providing students with a well-rounded curriculum that includes civic education, financial literacy education, physical education, the arts and humanities, and health and social emotional learning. Preventing charter schools from taking away funding from traditional public schools and calling for increased oversight of these schools by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Full support for students with disabilities and adequate funding to support their learning, special education programs, and teachers. Supporting strong higher education programs to encourage recruitment and retention of a diverse pool of high-quality teachers. Sustaining public vocational and higher education by increasing state funding commitments, college affordability, and needs-based financial aid for residents. Increasing the number of pathways to college and career readiness in a high skills/high knowledge economy, including at our vocational-technical schools and community colleges. Providing in-state tuition for all resident students admitted to Massachusetts public colleges and universities and exploring debt-free models of higher education. Investing in programs that support Adult Basic Education and services for English Language Learners. Refinancing existing student debt at a lower rate. Strong oversight and regulation of for-profit colleges, which saddle vulnerable students with enormous debt and degrees or credentials of dubious value. Strengthening anti-bullying policies and providing all students and teachers with a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. Opposing any income cap or means test to qualify for free public education, which is a human right, and funding loan forgiveness for all Massachusetts residents and Massachusetts residents who were classified as out-ofstate residents while attending college outside of Massachusetts. The creative and performing arts are integral to a well-rounded education and should be provided to students at all grade levels. ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND RENEWABLE ENERGY This is a wonderful planet, and it is being completely destroyed by people who have too much money and power and no empathy. -Alice Walker Safeguarding the health of our citizens, protecting natural ecosystems, and promoting green economic growth is imperative. To fully protect the environment, we support clean-energy technologies, conservation, and energy efficiency. We recognize the role we play in the climate crisis, which cannot be ignored and needs direct attention and action at all levels of government. To affirm our commitment to climate justice, neither Democratic candidates nor the Massachusetts Democratic Party shall accept contributions from the fossil fuel industry. For purposes of this platform, the fossil fuel industry includes oil, gas, coal, pipeline companies, plus any other energy provider that actively advocates for new fossil fuel infrastructure within Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Taking necessary steps to protect our air, water, natural resources, and expanding our access to open space. Promoting environmental justice for low income residents and communities of color. Providing clean, reliable, and renewable energy, and investing in the development of these technologies. Increasing recycling in all communities and increasing access to recycling and safe disposal facilities for hazardous materials. Achieving the goals of the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act to reduce emissions by at least 25 percent by 2020, at least 45 percent by 2030, and at least 80 percent by Supporting local and sustainable agriculture to help grow rural communities and protect open spaces and the environment. Divesting public pensions, trusts, and other financial instruments from producers of non-renewable energy sources in favor of green and renewable energy producers. Preparing for the anticipated impacts of climate change and communicating with the public about the realities of those impacts. Promoting transportation solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. Reducing fossil fuel consumption, divesting taxpayer funds from programs and policies that subsidize fossil fuel production, and opposing efforts to force ratepayers to fund the construction of new gas pipelines. Putting a fair and effective economy-wide price on carbon pollution, including strengthening the existing cap and trade system in the electricity sector. Investing in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Accelerating weatherization and other programs to help individuals and businesses reduce the net amount of carbon entering the atmosphere. Energy Democracy policies that support working families and marginalized communities to build wealth by owning and controlling clean energy infrastructure. Doubling our commitment to renewable energy by increasing the Massachusetts renewable portfolio standard to at least 50 percent by ETHICS AND TRANSPARENCY In the frank expression of conflicting opinions lies the greatest promise of wisdom in governmental action. -Louis D. Brandeis Public officials must be held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. A good government is open and inclusive. The future of our democracy hinges on preserving the public s trust in government and our elected officials. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Public hearings and other opportunities for citizens to influence the legislative process. Developing accessible technologies to allow citizens to directly interface with government and public services. Public access to all open job positions and hires in the public sector. Public financing of partisan elections to reduce the influence corporate special interests have on candidates and elected officials, and to increase the opportunity for every citizen to run for public office. Getting dark money out of elections by overturning the Citizen s United ruling. Requiring disclosure of tax returns for Presidential candidates to appear on the ballot in Massachusetts. Ensuring the public has convenient and financially reasonable access to all public documents and data at the executive, legislative, judicial, and local levels of government. Investing systematically in rigorous research, including evaluations of new and existing government policies and programs to ensure that policies have their intended impact for their intended population. The Legislature should be an institution that empowers every member of the House of Representatives and the State Senate to have an equal voice in how decisions are made. In both the House of Representatives and the State Senate, the selection of committee members and committee leadership should occur through democratic mechanisms. GENDER AND RACIAL EQUALITY I try to teach through my opinions, through my speeches, how wrong it is to judge people on the basis of what they look like, color of their skin, whether they re men or women. -Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg We support full equality regardless of gender or race and recognize that discrimination against women and communities of color is a pervasive problem in our society. We seek to eliminate all forms of gender and racial discrimination to ensure equal opportunity for all. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Gender and racial pay equity. Protection of a woman s right to choose. Work support programs to increase economic security for women and communities of color. Increased gender and racial balance on corporate boards, non-profit boards, and executive and judicial branches of government. Recruiting and supporting Democratic female candidates and Democratic candidates of color through mentoring and training programs. Refusing to let being a woman be a pre-existing condition by providing full access to comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive healthcare and women s cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. Addressing domestic abuse and sexual assault with strong preventative measures, include age appropriate anti-violence education. Relationship education as an active component of sex education curriculum to promote healthy relationships. Reforming the child support system by ensuring that all dollars collected go to the child rather than to the government and applying reasonable standards to wage garnishment and punitive practices to ensure that parents can continue to work and accrue income. Supporting education and workforce development programs for women and communities of color. Programs that increase Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education and employment targeted towards women and communities of color. Services and training to increase business training and opportunities for women and communities of color. HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN SERVICES and this is the cause of my life, new hope that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American North, South, East, West, young, old will have decent, quality healthcare 27

28 as a fundamental right and not a privilege. -Senator Edward M. Kennedy Every person has a right to high-quality healthcare and services. We support policies that make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Eliminating racial, ethnic, regional, and sex-based health disparities. High-quality, accessible healthcare for all through a single-payer government sponsored program, like Medicare. Protecting women s reproductive rights and a woman s right to choose. Supporting patient safety in Massachusetts hospitals by addressing unnecessary readmission rates and setting a safe limit to the number of patients assigned to a registered nurse at one time without diminishing the staffing of the other members of the healthcare workforce. Providing services to promote individual choice and civil rights for people with disabilities. Investment in community-based mental health services. Investment in proven addiction recovery services and prevention services to combat the state s deadly opioid crisis and offering immediate treatment to all who need it. Using the revenue generated by legalized marijuana to help fund proven opioid prevention and recovery services. Support for medical research to advance preventative medicine and address chronic and debilitating diseases. Increased funding for veterans health services. Ensuring access to wholesome, locally-sourced (when available), properly labeled food, as good nutrition is an essential element of good health and as such, should be available to all in rural, urban, and suburban communities. Support programs that help affirm the rights of all seniors to live with dignity in their own homes and communities. Protecting Medicaid and MassHealth to ensure all residents have access of healthcare, regardless of employment or income. Increased support for the training of primary care physicians. HOUSING We believe that housing is a power platform to spark great opportunities in people s lives and help them achieve the American dream. -Julian Castro Everyone has a right to a decent home and suitable living environment and it is crucial we address the need for more low and moderate income and affordable housing throughout the state. We believe in policies which support all residents, especially the homeless and those who cannot afford to rent or buy suitable housing. Increased investment in public-private partnerships is a necessary step to combat the growing housing challenges and income inequality we face. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Upgrading the existing rental housing supply and efforts at all levels of government to encourage the production of new rental units. Remaining a right to shelter state, which guarantees emergency shelter for everyone in need. Supporting policies and projects focused on transit-oriented development. Supporting policies that create more market-rate housing. 28 Increasing our state s affordable housing stock. Funding for additional rental assistance and low-income housing opportunities statewide, especially those for the disabled and senior populations. Efforts to protect landlords and tenants against bias, discrimination, and unfair practices. Investment in public and private sector partnerships to support workforce housing ownership programs. Programs aimed at fighting the foreclosure crisis in all regions of the Commonwealth. Increased funding for homeless assistance programs. IMMIGRATION We are a nation founded as a rebuke to tyranny. A nation of revolutionaries who refused sovereign reign from afar. Hear me we re a nation that says give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. A nation built on our differences, guided by the belief that we re all created equal. -Michelle Obama Massachusetts must welcome all immigrants and refugees, who are integral parts of our community, social fabric, and economy. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Becoming a sanctuary state, where all immigrants and refugees feel welcome and safe in all communities of the Commonwealth. Eliminating policies that make local and state officials responsible for the enforcement of national immigration laws. A pathway to citizenship for all documented and undocumented immigrants that is fair and timely. Increasing access to linguistic and cultural services and fair policies for immigrants and refugees. Testing and providing drivers licenses to all of-age residents regardless of immigration status. Enforcement of rules that prevent employers from exploiting immigrants. The DREAM Act and extending the same equal access to higher education to all residents. Visa programs that welcome immigrants with needed skills and enable immigrants who come here for their education to stay after graduation. Allowing and supporting the resettlement of refugees within Massachusetts borders. Providing post-settlement support services for refuges to promote self-sufficiency and integration into Massachusetts communities. JUSTICE, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND CIVIL LIBER- TIES I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. -Martin Luther King, Jr. We are committed to fighting for equal justice under the law for all. We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, or disability in our communities. As Democrats, we are committed to protecting our rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, and due process under the law. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Ending racial and religious profiling. Investing in equal opportunities for employment, education, healthcare, and housing for all. Recognizing the role our government plays in protecting individual civil rights and civil liberties. Continuing to vigilantly support marriage equality. Continuing broad-range support for LGBTQ+ rights, including protecting the transgender civil rights law and opposing all forms of so-called conversion therapy. Remaining a death penalty free state. LABOR AND WORKFORCE At times you feel like you re the only voice speaking out to improve the working conditions of people, whether it s to be able to collectively bargain, to get adequate pay, to know that you can come home safe -Hilda Solis All workers regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, race, religion, income, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, immigration or refugee status have the right to a quality, family-sustaining job that provides a living wage. In order to fully support our working families and help rebuild the middle class, we must promote economic equality by encouraging collective bargaining, increased unionization, and shared and employee ownership. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Strong enforcement of laws guaranteeing all workers the right to organize, bargain collectively, and strike. A decent living wage for all workers and a $15 minimum wage that is increased and indexed for inflation. The state s Prevailing Wage Law and Responsible Employer Ordinances. Strong laws to combat wage theft and the misclassification of workers. Protecting the use of Project Labor Agreements to ensure workers on taxpayer funded projects receive a decent wage, healthcare, and retirement benefits. Paid family and medical leave insurance that allows all employees to take job-protected paid leave to recover from a serious illness or injury, to care for a seriously ill or injured family member, or to care for a new child, and prohibits employer retaliation against workers who take time off under these conditions. Protecting and expanding critical safety nets like unemployment insurance and workers compensation, which ensure that no one suffers catastrophic hardships when events out of their control make it impossible for them to earn enough to support themselves and their families. Promotion of a healthy and secure workplace for all workers through the strengthening, enforcement, and creation of Occupational Health and Safety Administration protections and other current and proposed laws and regulations. Fighting for anti-discrimination laws to make sure that employers do not take advantage of workers, employees receive fair compensation for their work, corporations obey the law, and employees are able to be their most productive in a safe work environment free from harassment. Strengthening and enforcing laws prohibiting outsourcing Massachusetts jobs to states, countries, and for-profit companies with lower labor standards, and that ban the use of public funds to pay for the services of union

29 avoidance consultants. Increased assistance for job training, workforce development, and job creation programs. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION Resting a person s ability to achieve success when they leave the prison walls promotes public safety, builds our economy, and most importantly is the right thing to do. -Sally Yates We need evidence-based solutions that promote public safety and reduce crime to help build strong, safe foundations for our communities and protect the civil rights of our residents. We encourage investment in strategies that best support the efforts of law enforcement while also supporting victims, and jail diversion and reentry programs. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Comprehensive criminal justice reform that includes the removal of mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent crimes, giving the judge discretion with the sentencing in these cases. Preventing gun violence through universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Increasing access to mental health, addiction treatment, and rehabilitation services to people who are involved with the courts or are incarcerated. Programs that support community-based policing. Strengthening victims rights and victims advocacy services. Better resources to support law enforcement (including corrections officers), firefighters, and additional first responders. Investing in proven opioid treatment and recovery programs to limit the number of those struggling with addiction from entering the prison system. Strong state laws and enforcement against hate crimes, child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual abuse, and abuse against those with disabilities. Strong intervention and child abuse prevention programs and services for youth and at-risk individuals. Expanding and properly investing in community-based correctional services. Expanding and investing in targeted re-entry programs focused ending the cycle of criminal behavior and lowering the rate of re-incarceration. Investing in high school dropout prevention programs to work towards eliminating the school to prison pipeline. Ensuring adequate resources for our state court systems and public defenders. Reforming the bail system, which disproportionately impacts those who cannot afford bail, to provide low-level offenders and people who are not a risk to flee or further harm society an opportunity to pay bail according to their income. Ending the militarization of police. Funding and expanding programs to combat human trafficking and assist victims. Investment in correctional education programs. Defending an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to aggressively protect consumers from confusing and predatory financial services and practices. Accountability and clear consequences for use of excessive force and unnecessary brutality by enforcement officers and others, especially against targeted ethnic groups. A gradual reallocation of state and local funds from policing and incarceration to logterm safety strategies such as education, local restorative justice services, and employment programs. An end to for-profit prisons. Education of law enforcement officers in implicit bias and de-escalation training as well as clear consequences for violating these principles. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES When there is an income tax, the just man will pay more and the unjust less on the same amount of income. -Plato We believe fiscal responsibility and continued investments in our businesses, services, and communities help us grow and support the Commonwealth for years to come. We believe in progressive taxation and that taxes and fees should be fairly distributed and reasonably assessed. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Fair, equitable corporate and personal taxes and fees, which do not unduly burden low income families. Sustainable and predictable state revenue streams. The Taxpayer Protection Act, which ensures that public dollars are wisely spent by prohibiting reckless privatization of public services. Increased local aid and other forms of assistance to help cities and towns meet their needs. Strategically targeting tax expenditures toward lasting investments and job creation. Amending the Massachusetts Constitution to create an additional tax of four percentage points on annual income above one million dollars, investing the revenue in transportation and public education. Supporting the Community Development Block Grants Program to support sustained funding for all communities. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUC- TURE Everywhere I go, I see incredible examples of communities that have a vision for transportation and how it will impact the quality of life, mobility, economics, and opportunity. -Anthony Foxx The Commonwealth s transportation and infrastructure systems are a public responsibility and common good. Our system of roads, bridges, ports, airports, rail, transit, bike paths, and walkways need drastic upgrades to 21st Century standards. Our economy and society are dependent on transportation and infrastructure systems that are well-maintained, connect workers with jobs, and knit together communities throughout the Commonwealth. We believe that transportation investments should promote the creation of housing and employment opportunities, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our natural and cultural landscapes. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Developing and investing in the 21st Century multi-modal transportation system our residents, communities, and businesses deserve, including affordable public transportation options, bicycles and other person-powered vehicles, and electric vehicles, so that by 2060, 90 percent of the Massachusetts population can travel to their destinations without using personal fossil-fueled vehicles. Building a transportation system and other infrastructure systems that are environmentally conscious, lower our dependence on foreign and environmentally destructive sources of energy, seek to minimize climate change, and are protected against the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. Equitably distributing the infrastructure and costs of building, operating, and maintaining our transportation system. Investing in roads and bridges to address decades of neglect. Investing in the state s Regional Transit Authorities. Supporting programs like the RIDE, which our seniors and those with disabilities rely on. Investment in transportation infrastructure that links communities to each other and to jobs across the Commonwealth, including: increasing the expansion of capacity and reach of the MBTA, including the Green Line Expansion; the construction of the North-South Rail Link to unify north- side and south-side commuter rail systems and to extend the Northeast Corridor; building high speed rail along the East/ West route between Springfield, Worcester, and Boston; and construction of the South Coast Rail Project. VETERANS President Obama has made it his mission that we welcome our troops home with care and concern and the respect they deserve. That is how an exceptional nation says thank you to its most exceptional men and women. -John F. Kerry We are a great Commonwealth and nation because of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families. We stand in lock-step with our veterans and will continue to be a strong voice for them and their families, especially those Gold Star Families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. We remain committed to supporting our military while in service and ensuring that all returning veterans receive the worldclass services they deserve. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Addressing critical issues facing our veterans, including: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Agent Orange, Burn Pits, and other health issues related to exposure to toxins; mental health and suicide risk; Military Sexual Trauma; employment discrimination; and delays in receiving services and benefits. Fighting to eliminate homelessness among the state s veteran population through Housing First and harm-reduction models and investing in programs to create affordable housing options for veterans in all areas of the Commonwealth. Increasing access to improved healthcare services for veterans and their families. Supporting our women veterans by improving gender-sensitive healthcare, employment opportunities and access to services and resources. Ensuring that our Vietnam and Vietnam-Era Veterans are honored for their service and given full support and access to benefits they earned and deserve. Creating better coordination between the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Ser- 29

30 vices, municipal veterans service officers, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Establishing a more comprehensive program to support economic development and access to capital and technology for veteran-owned small businesses. Recruiting and supporting Democratic veteran candidates for political office through mentoring and training programs. Ensuring the state s higher education system is fully supportive and welcoming to student veterans and their families on all campuses and in all classrooms. Supporting the Veterans Preference Status within the Civil Service and State Governmental Hiring Systems. Investing in programs to assist veterans with post-deployment integration. Establishing a veterans treatment court through the Massachusetts court system. Increasing availability to mediation systems to veterans and their families to relieve the burdens of expensive attorney fees. VOTING AND DEMOCRACY The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. -John F. Kennedy Voting is a right. Voter registration should be made as easy as possible, polls should be safe and accessible, the process should be quick and efficient, and no eligible resident should be denied access to the polls. MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WILL FIGHT FOR: Efforts to increase voter participation among underrepresented communities, including rural communities and communities of color. Statewide outreach to register, educate, mobilize, and turnout voters of all ages. Offering same day voter registration and automatic voter registration. Ensuring early voting in all elections. An end to gerrymandering. Transferring authority over redistricting to an independent, fully transparent commission that must follow strict Increasing fairness in the redistricting process and the assignment of poll locations in communities. Ensuring deployed service members and all overseas Massachusetts voters will receive and be capable of casting a valid and effective ballot in any election. Removing barriers for limited English-speaking voters. Refusing to accept efforts to impose unnecessary requirements to voting, such as voter ID laws that especially disenfranchise communities of color, low income, disabled, elderly, and new voters. Voting systems that guarantee every ballot is counted and secure and provide an auditable paper trail. Recruiting and supporting Democratic candidates of color through mentoring and training programs. Declaring Election Day a state holiday to encourage maximum participation. Ranked choice voting, which better reflects the aggregate will of the voting population and ensures that no candidate is elected without a true majority of support from their constituents. The abolition of Massachusetts superdelegates. Ensure that incarceration does not impact an individual s right to vote. Massachusetts Democratic Party Staff Gus Bickford, Chair Veronica Martinez, Executive Director Jean Moulton, Special Assistant to the Chair Jean Doherty, Director of Operations Emily Fitzmaurice, Director of Communications Nigel Simon, Director of Community Affairs and Outreach David Quiroa, Worcester County Organizer David Kaplan, Finance Assistant Lindsay Kenney, Organizing Fellow State Committee Officers Ray Jordan, Chair Emeritus Leon Brathwaite, Vice Chair Debra Kozikowski, Vice Chair Carol Aloisi, Secretary Paul Yorkis, Treasurer James Roosevelt, Jr., Chief Legal Counsel Thank you to the many dedicated volunteers who offered their time and talent to the Party The Chair and staff of the Democratic Party appreciate your commitment. Thank you! David Albright Hilary Braseth John Brissette Candy Carlson Jeremy Comeau Jim DiTullio Bill Eddy Chip Flowers Paul Giorgio Bernard Goulding Martina Jackson Nora Keefe Michael Lanava Roger Lau Claudio Liberti Gerry McDonough Kate Moore Alana Murphy Dennis Newman Steve Owens Jay Rivera Nimit Sawhney Hugh Smith Adrienne Viarengo Teresa Walsh MarDee Xifaras State Committee Members City, Town and Ward Chairs Deschamps Printing Company offers the following printing and graphic services including:

31 The Massachusetts AFL-CIO is proud to support the 2018 Democratic Convention & to welcome the many First Time Delegates Government shouldn t be for sale to the highest bidder, it should work for working people...we believe that unions built America s middle class and unions will rebuild America s middle class - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Working People s Day of Action, February 26, 2018 These are unprecedented times. Right Wing Billionaires and wealthy special interests are trying to rewrite the rules of our democracy for their own gain. Now more than ever, Massachusetts must be the standard bearer for advancing and adhering to progressive, Democratic values. Working people need elected officials who aren t afraid to stand up for what s right. To restore economic opportunity and stability, we need basic standards like a living wage, affordable housing, a secure retirement, and time to be with family. We need a fair tax system, investment in infrastructure and fully-funded public education. Collective bargaining is key to restoring a level playing field for working people. Unions strengthen our communities and our democracy. Elected officials and Democrats should protect and expand the rights of working people to join unions for a better life. Support for unions is rising in America because America needs union jobs now more than ever. PRESIDENT Steven A. MassAFLCIO SECRETARY/TREASURER Louis A. Mandarini, Jr SPEAKER BOB DeLEO AND THE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2018 STATE CONVENTION CREATING JOBS, FIGHTING FOR WORKING FAMILIES, CHAMPIONING DEMOCRATIC VALUES PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE FOR A DEMOCRATIC HOUSE 31

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