Code of Conduct

As members of the Democratic Party, we believe individual freedom and the exercise of the democratic process depend on the good will and responsible behavior of individuals who agree to treat each other with tolerance and respect.  This Code of Conduct applies equally to elected Central Committee members, appointed members, alternate members, and ex-officio members.  The Secretary shall be responsible for informing members of this Code. 

1. Members shall devote time, thought, and study to their duties as a member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Orange County, including the requirements of the Code of Conduct.  Members shall regularly attend and actively participate in Central Committee meetings and committee assignments.


2. During meetings, members are expected to adhere to the agenda and be respectful of others’ time.  While members shall vote according to their individual convictions, they may respectfully challenge the opinions of others when necessary. Members shall attempt to cooperate with majority decisions of the Central Committee. 


3. Members shall not incur expenses, make financial obligations, nor act as spokespersons on behalf of the Central Committee unless authorized to do so.


4. Members shall not endorse, allow their names to be used to endorse, nor encourage others to vote for any candidate for partisan office who is not a registered Democrat, except in an election in which no Democrat has qualified as a regular or write-in candidate.


5. Members shall use their best judgment in protecting information gained through service to the Party that they believe is confidential.

Procedure for Responding to Breaches of the Code of Conduct

1. Should evidence or allegations of violations of the Code of Conduct by a member come to the attention of the Central Committee Chair, which after further review by the Chair appears to constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct, the Chair or their designee shall discuss the matter with the member to obtain additional facts and perspective and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.


2. Should the Code continue to be violated by the member after discussion with the Chair or their designee, the Chair, after appropriate consultation, shall place the matter on the Executive Board agenda. The Executive Board may then by majority vote recommend censure for the member.  The Central Committee shall consider this recommendation at the following meeting.


3. Should the Central Committee by majority vote censure the member, the Secretary of the Democratic Party of Orange County will make formally notify the California Democratic Party and any separate Democratic clubs or committees with which the member is involved. When an alternate member has been censured, the Secretary will formally notify the member for whom the individual is an alternate.