Libertarian Party of Ohio
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Constitution and Bylaw Proposals

Note: The text for proposals 2008-C1 and 2008-B1 are presented on separate pages due to their length and complexity.


Some proposals may be moot with the passage of earlier proposals. In this event, the sponsor(s) will be asked to rescind their proposals. Proposals have been generally ordered with the most substantial changes to be voted upon early in the session.

In sone instances, a proposal calls for a change in both the Constitution and the Bylaws. These have been noted and paired together to be considered as a single proposal.

To join the discussion on 2008-C1 and 2008-B1 and other changes, please go to www.LPOLeaders.com and register for a free account.

If you wish to cosponsor a proposal, please personally email such to webeditor@lpo.org by April 1st, listing the proposal(s) you wish to cosponsor. Proposals will require two supporters present at the Convention to be voted upon.


Proposal 2008-C1

This Constitution would restructure the LPO for increased effectiveness and growth.

Proposal 2008-C1 is sponsored by Jeremiah Arn, Michael Johnston, Kevin Knedler, Tom Moore, and Paul Copenhefer.

This proposal will be considered together with Proposal 2008-B1.



Proposal 2008-B1

These Bylaws would restructure the LPO for increased effectiveness and growth.

Proposal 2008-B1 is sponsored by Jeremiah Arn, Michael Johnston, Kevin Knedler, Tom Moore, and Paul Copenhefer.

This proposal will be considered together with Proposal 2008-C1.



Proposal 2008-C2

This amendment would replace the current Executive Committee with a Central Committee.

This proposal is sponsored by Ann Leech .

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

This proposal will be considered together with Proposal 2008-B2.

Article III - Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee of the Party (hereinafter referred to as "the Executive Committee") shall consist of:

A. the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Party, and

B. the Immediate Past Chair, and

C. two Representatives, one being a chairman and the other being a first representative. If the chairman or first representative can not attend a state LPO meeting, and alternate representative is permitted, as long as they were approved through an election process.

D. One Representative from each county chapter.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall have control of, and responsibility for, all business affairs of the Party, and may create such committees as it deems necessary.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall meet once in each three-month period.

A. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or upon petition of one-third of its members.

B. Save in an emergency, all members of the Executive Committee shall be given not less than one nor more than three weeks notice of each meeting and its business.

C. A standard quorum of the Executive Committee shall be deemed as over fifty percent of eligible voting members.  For example, if 15 member are eligible to vote, a minimum of eight attending members shall be a standard quorum.  If a standard quorum is not present at a regularly scheduled meeting, official business may still be conducted under a special quorum, with the following two restrictions: (1) for every recorded vote, a number of NO votes equal to the whole number difference between a standard quorum and the number of member actually present shall be entered in addition to the votes of the members present; (2) at least two-thirds of the standard quorum shall be required to establish a special quorum.  For example, if 15 members are required for a standard quorum and only 13 members are present, two additional NO votes are required for a standard quorum and only 13 members are present, two additional NO votes shall be entered for every recorded vote.  Special quorum rules only apply to regularly scheduled meetings; if a standard quorum is not present at a special meeting, no official business my be conducted.

Article IV - Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Party shall be a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, all of whom shall:

A. be, and remain throughout their term of office, members of the Party;

B. be elected at the Annual Convention, and serve (unless removed) until close of the next Annual Convention;

C. not hold more than one voting position on the Executive Committee at any one time;

D. be prepared (at the end of each term of office) to turn over all equipment and records of the Party to their successor; and

E. be removed from office in the same manner as a member is expelled (Article I, Section 4) except that there is no appeal to a convention.

Section 2. The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Party, shall chair Conventions and Executive Committee meetings, and may (subject to direction by the Executive Committee) direct all other officers.

Section 3. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair in the performance of his duties, at the Chair's discretion. The Vice-Chair shall assume the office of Chair in the absence or vacancy of that office.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall receive, expend, and account for all funds of the Party; and shall maintain the official roster of members of the Party."

A. Within two weeks of succeeding a previous Treasurer, the LPO Treasurer shall file the proper forms to all appropriate governmental agencies designating himself or herself as Treasurer for the purpose of filing financial disclosure reports. The Treasurer is responsible to ensure to the best of his or her ability that the financial reports are accurate. the Treasurer may appoint a Deputy Treasurer with the approval of the LPO Executive Committee.

Section 5. The Secretary shall be recording officer of the Party and have responsibility of implementing all official communications of and within the Party.

A. The Secretary shall keep a book of standing rules which shall serve as a record of the policies of the Libertarian Party of Ohio.

B. Standing rules may be created, altered, or abolished by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

C. All standing rules shall have a term of no more than two years. After the term has expired, the standing rule shall be automatically repealed unless the Executive Committee votes to reapprove the rule for an additional term.

Section 6. A vacancy in the office of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by secret ballot of the Executive Committee. A vacancy in any other office shall be filled in the same manner as the original choice.

A. The resignation of the Chair shall not displace the position of Immediate Past Chair. The resigning Chair shall lose voting status and the Immediate Past Chair shall retain title and voting status.

Section 7. An officer may appoint such assistants as the officer deems necessary. Such assistants shall be responsible to, and serve at the pleasure of, the appointer.

Section 8. All individuals appointed by the Executive Committee shall serve a one-year term. At the end of that term the appointee shall provide a report to the Committee that shall include a review of activities and accomplishments since the last report and a plan for further progress in their position. The Executive Committee shall review the report with their appointee present to answer any questions the committee may have. At the conclusion of this review, the Executive Committee shall vote to appoint the individual of their choice.

Section 9. The Executive Committee may hire a State Director after each Annual Convention to serve at the pleasure of the Executive Committee. The duties of the State Director may include lobbying, managing petition drives, and assisting the Executive Committee in such administrative duties as it may choose.

Section 10. Region Chairs and Representatives shall maintain communication with the Executive Committee and their regional members. Regional officers' duties shall include support and development of county chapters within their regions.


Article IV - Central Committee

Section 1. The controlling Committee of the Party shall be called the State Central Committee of the Party (hereafter referred to as the Central Committee).

A. The Central Committee shall be elected in accordance with the Party Bylaws.


Section 2. The Central Committee shall meet at the time and place determined by the Chair of the Central Committee.

Section 3. The Central Committee shall retain the following powers:

A. Creation of an Audit Committee, with oversight by the Committee treasurer.

B. Establish all compensation to staff and officers of the Party.


Proposal 2008-B2

This proposal will define the members of the state Central Committee

This proposal is sponsored by Ann Leech.

This proposal will be considered together with Proposal 2008-C2.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw A - Regions

Section 1. The Party shall be divided into no less than four and no more than eight regions, as set forth in the Bylaws.

A. No county shall be divided between regions.

B. No member of the Executive Committee shall lose his vote thereon because of an amendment in the regional boundaries.

Section 2. The Party shall be divided into the following eight regions:

Central Region:  Counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union.

East Central Region:  Counties of Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas.

North Central Region:  Counties of Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Hardin, Huron, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wayne and Wyandot.

Northeast Region:  Counties of Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Trumbull.

Northwest Region:  Counties of Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams and Wood.

Southeast Region:  Counties of Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.

Southwest Region:  Counties of Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland and Warren.

West Central Region:  Counties of Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby.


Bylaw B - Central Committee

Section 1. One representative shall be elected from each U.S. Congressional district in the state to serve on the Central Committee for a term of one year.

A. Only members of the Party may be elected to the Central Committee from the district in which they reside.


Proposal 2008-C3

This proposal would formalize the decision-making duties of the officers of the Executive Committee.

This proposal is sponsored by Ann Leech.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1 or 2008-C2 & 2008-B2, this would be a moot issue.

Article III - Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee of the Party (hereinafter referred to as "the Executive Committee") shall consist of:

A. the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Party, and

B. the Immediate Past Chair, and

C. two Representatives, one being a chairman and the other being a first representative. If the chairman or first representative can not attend a state LPO meeting, and alternate representative is permitted, as long as they were approved through an election process.

D. One Representative from each county chapter.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall have control of, and responsibility for, all business affairs of the Party, and may create such committees as it deems necessary.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall meet once in each three-month period.

A. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or upon petition of one-third of its members.

B. Save in an emergency, all members of the Executive Committee shall be given not less than one nor more than three weeks notice of each meeting and its business.

C. A standard quorum of the Executive Committee shall be deemed as over fifty percent of eligible voting members.  For example, if 15 member are eligible to vote, a minimum of eight attending members shall be a standard quorum.  If a standard quorum is not present at a regularly scheduled meeting, official business may still be conducted under a special quorum, with the following two restrictions: (1) for every recorded vote, a number of NO votes equal to the whole number difference between a standard quorum and the number of member actually present shall be entered in addition to the votes of the members present; (2) at least two-thirds of the standard quorum shall be required to establish a special quorum.  For example, if 15 members are required for a standard quorum and only 13 members are present, two additional NO votes are required for a standard quorum and only 13 members are present, two additional NO votes shall be entered for every recorded vote.  Special quorum rules only apply to regularly scheduled meetings; if a standard quorum is not present at a special meeting, no official business my be conducted.A quorum shall consist of three officers of the Executive Committee.

Article IV - Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Party shall be a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, all of whom shall:

A. be, and remain throughout their term of office, members of the Party;

B. be elected at the Annual Convention, and serve (unless removed) until close of the next Annual Convention;

C. not hold more than one voting position on the Executive Committee at any one time;

D. be prepared (at the end of each term of office) to turn over all equipment and records of the Party to their successor; and

E. be removed from office in the same manner as a member is expelled (Article I, Section 4) except that there is no appeal to a convention.

Section 2. The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Party, shall chair Conventions,Central Committee and Executive Committee meetings, and may (subject to direction by the ExecutiveCentral Committee) direct all other officers.

Section 3. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair in the performance of his duties, at the Chair's discretion. The Vice-Chair shall assume the office of Chair in the absence or vacancy of that office.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall receive, expend, and account for all funds of the Party; and shall maintain the official roster of members of the Party."

A. Within two weeks of succeeding a previous Treasurer, the LPO Treasurer shall file the proper forms to all appropriate governmental agencies designating himself or herself as Treasurer for the purpose of filing financial disclosure reports. The Treasurer is responsible to ensure to the best of his or her ability that the financial reports are accurate. the Treasurer may appoint a Deputy Treasurer with the approval of the LPO Executive Committee.

Section 5. The Secretary shall be recording officer of the Party and have responsibility of implementing all official communications of and within the Party.

A. The Secretary shall keep a book of standing rules which shall serve as a record of the policies of the Libertarian Party of Ohio.

B. Standing rules may be created, altered, or abolished by a majority vote of the ExecutiveCentral Committee.

C. All standing rules shall have a term of no more than two years. After the term has expired, the standing rule shall be automatically repealed unless the ExecutiveCentral Committee votes to reapprove the rule for an additional term.

Section 6. A vacancy in the office of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by secret ballot of the ExecutiveCentral Committee. A vacancy in any other office shall be filled in the same manner as the original choice.

A. The resignation of the Chair shall not displace the position of Immediate Past Chair. The resigning Chair shall lose voting status and the Immediate Past Chair shall retain title and voting status.

Section 7. An officer may appoint such assistants as the officer deems necessary. Such assistants shall be responsible to, and serve at the pleasure of, the appointer.

Section 8. All individuals appointed by the Executive Committee shall serve a one-year term. At the end of that term the appointee shall provide a report to the Committee that shall include a review of activities and accomplishments since the last report and a plan for further progress in their position. The Executive Committee shall review the report with their appointee present to answer any questions the committee may have. At the conclusion of this review, the Executive Committee shall vote to appoint the individual of their choice.

Section 98. The ExecutiveCentral Committee may hire a State Director after each Annual Convention to serve at the pleasure of the ExecutiveCentral Committee. The duties of the State Director may include lobbying, managing petition drives, and assisting the Executive Committee in such administrative duties as it may choose.

Section 10. Region Chairs and Representatives shall maintain communication with the Executive Committee and their regional members. Regional officers' duties shall include support and development of county chapters within their regions.


Proposal 2008-C4

This proposal would eliminate the current region structure and give additional incentive for the development of counties.

This proposal is sponsored by Kevin Knedler, Jeremiah Arn, and Michael Johnston.

This proposal will be considered together with Proposal 2008-B3

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, 2008-C2 & 2008-B2, or 2008-C3 this would be a moot issue.

Article III - Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee of the Party (hereinafter referred to as "the Executive Committee") shall consist of:

A. the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Party, and

B. the Immediate Past Chair, and

C. two Representatives, one being a chairman and the other being a first representative. If the chairman or first representative can not attend a state LPO meeting, and alternate representative is permitted, as long as they were approved through an election process.

DC. One Representative from each county chapter.

Sections 2 through 5 would not change from this proposal.


Article IV - Officers

Section 10. Region Chairs and Representatives shall maintain communication with the Executive Committee and their regional members. Regional officers' duties shall include support and development of county chapters within their regions.

Sections 1 through 9 would not change from this proposal


Article V - Local Organizations

Section 1. Each region shall:

A. elect a Chair and Regional Representative each year prior to the annual state convention.

Those regional officers shall have the responsibility of calling for elections once a year for Region Chair and Region Representative within their regions. Each member shall receive at least thirty days notice of the election, and secret ballots shall be used in those elections.

B. maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of officers (each of whom must be, and remain, a member of the Party) with the Secretary of the Party; and

C. set up such organization as it deems necessary.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall charter one County Committee in each county of Ohio, provided that:

A. such charter shall be petitioned as provided in the Bylaws;

B. no charter shall be granted to fewer than ten members of the Party.

C. a Chartered County Committee shall have such powers and duties as are set forth in the Bylaws; and

D. the procedures for removing a Charter shall be set forth in the Bylaws, provided that the removal may be appealed to the next convention.

Section 3. Failure to call and hold elections at least once per year will result in the regional officers' seats being declared vacant. The state Executive Committee shall then issue a call for elections in that region as described in this Article and shall monitor, or designate another Libertarian Party of Ohio member to monitor the outcome.

Section 4. A county chair, region chair, or region representative (referred to as local leaders) may be removed from their position by a ¾ vote of the Executive Committee. Three (3) members of the Executive Committee must state the reasons and recommend in writing or in electronic form for a removal of a local leader. The local leader shall be notified in writing or electronic form at least 2 weeks in advance that the action by the Executive Committee is being contemplated, of the reasons for it, and be given a reasonable opportunity to appear and produce evidence and witnesses in their own behalf before any vote on removal and suspension is taken. The Executive Committee may prohibit that member from holding an office which entitles a seat on the Executive Committee for up to five years or for an indefinite period of time. The suspension may be altered or reversed by a simple majority vote of the convention or a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Committee. Upon removal of an officer, the Executive Committee shall then issue a call for elections in that region or county and shall monitor, or designate another Libertarian Party of Ohio member to monitor the outcome.

Section 5. The Libertarian Party of Ohio may charter a County Development Group in counties which do not currently have an established Chartered County Committee, for the purposes of creating an organized group which will work towards developing into a Chartered County Committee. The County Development Group:

A. shall consist of one or more Libertarian Party of Ohio members in good standing who reside in the county represented, and maintain a leader of the group, to be called a County Coordinator;

B. shall have all the powers and duties as set forth by the Executive Committee;

C. shall have their Charter removed under procedures and conditions as set by the Executive Committee;

D. shall not be entitled to any revenue sharing, nor have a voting representative on the Executive Committee, nor endorse any candidate without the prior approval of the Libertarian Party of Ohio or the Libertarian Party of the USA.


Proposal 2008-B3

This proposal would eliminate the current region structure and give additional incentive for the development of counties.

This proposal is sponsored by Kevin Knedler, Jeremiah Arn, and Michael Johnston.

This proposal will be considered together with Proposal 2008-C4.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, 2008-C2 & 2008-B2, or 2008-C3 this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw A - Regions

Section 1. The Party shall be divided into no less than four and no more than eight regions, as set forth in the Bylaws.

A. No county shall be divided between regions.

B. No member of the Executive Committee shall lose his vote thereon because of an amendment in the regional boundaries.

Section 2. The Party shall be divided into the following eight regions:

Central Region:  Counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union.

East Central Region:  Counties of Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas.

North Central Region:  Counties of Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Hardin, Huron, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wayne and Wyandot.

Northeast Region:  Counties of Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Trumbull.

Northwest Region:  Counties of Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams and Wood.

Southeast Region:  Counties of Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.

Southwest Region:  Counties of Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland and Warren.

West Central Region:  Counties of Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby.


Bylaw B - County Committees

3. Each chartered County Committee shall have the right to:

a. Choose its own officers and adopt its own rules, with one exception, the County Committee must submit as a rule its agreement to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Party.

b. Form agreements with other County Committees or its regions.

c. Be given notice of all Executive Committee meetings.

d. Endorse or support local candidates for public office or ballot issues within its county.

e. Establish local organizations within its county.

Sections 1, 2, and 4 through 8 of Bylaw B would not change from this proposal.


Proposal 2008-C5

This amendment would remove the position of Past Chair from the Executive Committee.

This proposal is sponsored by Kevin Knedler, Jeremiah Arn, and Michael Johnston.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1 or 2008-C2 & 2008-B2, this would be a moot issue.

Article III - Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee of the Party (hereinafter referred to as "the Executive Committee") shall consist of:

A. the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Party, and

B. the Immediate Past Chair, and

CB. two Representatives, one being a chairman and the other being a first representative. If the chairman or first representative can not attend a state LPO meeting, and alternate representative is permitted, as long as they were approved through an election process.

DC. One Representative from each county chapter.

Sections 2 and 3 would not change from this proposal.


Article IV - Officers

Section 6. A vacancy in the office of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by secret ballot of the Executive Committee. A vacancy in any other office shall be filled in the same manner as the original choice.

A. The resignation of the Chair shall not displace the position of Immediate Past Chair. The resigning Chair shall lose voting status and the Immediate Past Chair shall retain title and voting status.

Sections 1 through 5 and 7 through 10 would not change from this proposal.


Proposal 2008-C6

This proposal would correct an error made at the 2007 Convention when the Region structure was updated.

This proposal is sponsored by Kevin Knedler, Jeremiah Arn, and Michael Johnston.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, 2008-C2 & 2008-B2, 2008-C3, or 2008-C4, this would be a moot issue.

Article III - Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee of the Party (hereinafter referred to as "the Executive Committee") shall consist of:

A. the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Party, and

B. the Immediate Past Chair, and

C. two Representatives, from each Region - one being a chairman and the other being a first representative. If the chairman or first representative can not attend a state LPO meeting, an alternate representative is permitted, as long as they were approved through an election processthe Executive Committee is notified at least 10 days in advance of an Executive Committee meeting.

D. One Representative from each county chapter.

Sections 2 through 5 would not change from this proposal.


Proposal 2008-C7

This proposal would redefine membership for the LPO.

This proposal is sponsored by Ann Leech.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Article I - Membership

Section 1. Membership dues and applications may be set at any time by a majority vote of the Executive Committee except that no increase shall be made retroactive and that no dues shall be refunded for any reason whatsoever (unless membership has been denied under Section 3).

Section 2. Membership shall be accepted from any person either residing in Ohio or active in any state, regional or county organization of the Libertarian Party of Ohio who certifies, "I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals" and pays the proper dues.

Section 3. Membership may be denied by a majority vote of the Executive Committee for cause, which shall be so stated to the applicant in writing. Such a denial shall be maintained even if the applicant is a member of the National Libertarian Party.

A. Any denial of membership may be appealed to the next Convention by the introduction of an appropriate motion by any two delegates.

B. A two-thirds vote of the Convention is required to overrule the decision of the Executive Committee.

Section 4. A member of the Party may be expelled by a three-fourths vote of the Executive Committee. The member shall be notified in writing that the action by the Executive Committee is being contemplated, of the reasons for it, and be given a reasonable opportunity to appear and produce evidence and witnesses in his own behalf before any vote on expulsion is taken. Once expelled, membership in the LPO cannot be regained through membership in the National Libertarian Party.

A. If the Executive Committee expels a member, that person and a representative of the Executive Committee shall be given an opportunity to address the next Convention. Either speaker shall have the right to call for a vote upon the expulsion.

B. If a majority of the delegates vote to overturn the expulsion then that person shall immediately regain membership.

Section 1. No person may be denied membership in the Party unless that individual cannot affirm the following pledge “I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals.”

Section 2. When ballot status has been achieved and a primary election has been held, membership in the Party shall consist of registered voters who voted a Libertarian ballot in that primary election.

Section 3. When ballot status has been achieved but a primary election has not yet been held, or when ballot status has not been achieved, membership in the party shall consist of those who have affirmed the pledge as “I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals” and who have given a positive indication of interest in associating with the Party. Positive indication of interest could include completing a form to join the party, response to an email or an oral expression of interest to any officer of the Party.


Proposal 2008-C8

This proposal would strike the sections of the Constitution that allow for the Party to reject membership.

This proposal is sponsored by Michael Johnston.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1 or 2008-C7, this would be a moot issue.

Article I - Membership

Section 1. Membership dues and applications may be set at any time by a majority vote of the Executive Committee except that no increase shall be made retroactive and that no dues shall be refunded for any reason whatsoever (unless membership has been denied under Section 3).

Section 2. Membership shall be accepted from any person either residing in Ohio or active in any state, regional or county organization of the Libertarian Party of Ohio who certifies, "I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals" and pays the proper dues.

Section 3. Membership may be denied by a majority vote of the Executive Committee for cause, which shall be so stated to the applicant in writing. Such a denial shall be maintained even if the applicant is a member of the National Libertarian Party.

A. Any denial of membership may be appealed to the next Convention by the introduction of an appropriate motion by any two delegates.

B. A two-thirds vote of the Convention is required to overrule the decision of the Executive Committee.

Section 4. A member of the Party may be expelled by a three-fourths vote of the Executive Committee. The member shall be notified in writing that the action by the Executive Committee is being contemplated, of the reasons for it, and be given a reasonable opportunity to appear and produce evidence and witnesses in his own behalf before any vote on expulsion is taken. Once expelled, membership in the LPO cannot be regained through membership in the National Libertarian Party.

A. If the Executive Committee expels a member, that person and a representative of the Executive Committee shall be given an opportunity to address the next Convention. Either speaker shall have the right to call for a vote upon the expulsion.

B. If a majority of the delegates vote to overturn the expulsion then that person shall immediately regain membership.

Article IV - Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Party shall be a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, all of whom shall:

A. be, and remain throughout their term of office, members of the Party;

B. be elected at the Annual Convention, and serve (unless removed) until close of the next Annual Convention;

C. not hold more than one voting position on the Executive Committee at any one time;

D. be prepared (at the end of each term of office) to turn over all equipment and records of the Party to their successor; and

E. be removed from office in the same manner as a member is expelled (Article I, Section 4) except that there is no appeal to a conventionby a 3/4 vote of the Executive Committee. Three (3) members of the Executive Committee must state the reasons and recommend in writing or in electronic form. The officer shall be notified in writing or electronic form at least 2 weeks in advance that the action by the Executive Committee is being contemplated, of the reasons for it, and be given a reasonable opportunity to appear and produce evidence and witnesses in their own behalf before any vote on removal and suspension is taken. The Executive Committee may prohibit that member from holding an office which entitles a seat on the Executive Committee for up to five years or for an indefinite period of time.


Proposal 2008-C9

This proposal would remove accountability of officers making decisions, leaving no method to remove an officer from the Executive Committee.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Article V - Local Organizations

Section 4. A county chair, region chair, or region representative (referred to as local leaders) may be removed from their position by a ¾ vote of the Executive Committee. Three (3) members of the Executive Committee must state the reasons and recommend in writing or in electronic form for a removal of a local leader. The local leader shall be notified in writing or electronic form at least 2 weeks in advance that the action by the Executive Committee is being contemplated, of the reasons for it, and be given a reasonable opportunity to appear and produce evidence and witnesses in their own behalf before any vote on removal and suspension is taken. The Executive Committee may prohibit that member from holding an office which entitles a seat on the Executive Committee for up to five years or for an indefinite period of time. The suspension may be altered or reversed by a simple majority vote of the convention or a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Committee. Upon removal of an officer, the Executive Committee shall then issue a call for elections in that region or county and shall monitor, or designate another Libertarian Party of Ohio member to monitor the outcome.

Sections 1 through 3 and 5 would not change from this proposal save to renumber Section 5.


Proposal 2008-C10

This proposal would clarify the chain of succession in the event of a vacany in the position of Chair by removing a duplicate method of succession.

This proposal is sponsored by Michael Johnston and Michael Smitley.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Article IV - Officers

Section 3. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair in the performance of his duties, at the Chair's discretion. The Vice-Chair shall assume the office of Chair in the absence or vacancy of that office.

Sections 1, 2, and 4 through 10 would not be affected by this proposal.


Proposal 2008-C11

This proposal would increase to three the number of delegates required at Convention to sponsor a change to the Constitution.

This proposal is sponsored by Kevin Knedler and Michael Johnston.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Article VII - Amendments

Section 2. Any twothree delegates to any Convention may propose an amendment to this Constitution in writing. Any amendment for consideration shall be communicated to the Party membership by reasonable and common methods no later than 30 days prior to Convention.


Proposal 2008-C12

This amendment would remove maintenance of the membership list from the Treasurer.

This proposal is sponsored by Michael Johnston and Jeremiah Arn.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1 or 2008-C2 & 2008-B2 , this would be a moot issue.

Article IV - Officers

Section 4. The Treasurer shall receive, expend, and account for all funds of the Party; and shall maintain the official roster of members of the Party.

A. Within two weeks of succeeding a previous Treasurer, the LPO Treasurer shall file the proper forms to all appropriate governmental agencies designating himself or herself as Treasurer for the purpose of filing financial disclosure reports. The Treasurer is responsible to ensure to the best of his or her ability that the financial reports are accurate. The Treasurer may appoint a Deputy Treasurer with the approval of the LPO Executive Committee.


Proposal 2008-B4

This proposal would remove the limit on the number of regions in the Party structure and would allow for counties to be divided between regions.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1 or with the passage of 2008-C3, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw A - Regions

Section 1. The Party shall be divided into no less than four and no more than eight regions, as set forth in the Bylaws.

A. No county shall be divided between regions.

B. No member of the Executive Committee shall lose his vote thereon because of an amendment in the regional boundaries.

Section 2 of Bylaw A would not change from this proposal.


Proposal 2008-B5

This proposal would alter the current region structure and change who sets the regional boundaries.

This proposal is sponsored by Kevin Knedler.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw A - Regions

Section 1. The Party shall be divided into no less than four and no more than eightten regions, as set forth in the Bylaws.

A. No county shall be divided between regions.

B. No member of the Executive Committee shall lose his vote thereon because of an amendment in the regional boundaries.

Section 2. The Party shall be divided into the following eight regions:

Central Region:  Counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union.

East Central Region:  Counties of Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas.

North Central Region:  Counties of Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Hardin, Huron, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wayne and Wyandot.

Northeast Region:  Counties of Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Trumbull.

Northwest Region:  Counties of Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams and Wood.

Southeast Region:  Counties of Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.

Southwest Region:  Counties of Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland and Warren.

West Central Region:  Counties of Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby.

Section 3. The LPO Chair and Executive Committee officers can set the number of LPO Regions and the counties involved, up to the limits as communicated in these bylaws.

A. Notice of any changes in the structure or number of LPO Regions must be communicated to the membership of the LPO 30 days prior to the effective date of the change.


Proposal 2008-B6

This proposal would allow Chairs of different genders to select a title other than Chair for the purpose of opposing political correctness.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

Bylaw I - Gender-based Officer Title Selection

Section 1. Any male State, Region, County, or other Chair may designate himself either Chair or Chairman. Any female State, Region, County, or other Chair may designate herself Chair, Chairwoman, or Chairlady.


Proposal 2008-B7

This proposal would drastically limit internal communication, cooperation, and effective party management by asserting independent and unaccountable regional governance. Additionally, member communication for planning between regions would require region leader permission and approval. This proposal would also lower the vote threshold needed to remove a non-regional officer from their elected position.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw J - U.N-Style Regional Governance

Section 1. No State officer shall enter any Region, County, or other division or otherwise communicate with any member to influence an election without notifying the officers of the affected Region, County, or other division. No other member shall enter any Region, County, or other division or otherwise communicate with any member of another jurisdiction than his own without notifying the officers of the affected Region, County, or other division. Violation of this Bylaw may result in expulsion from office if a two-thirds majority of the Executive Committee so votes.


Proposal 2008-B8

This proposal would limit debate on the Party image to no more than 10 minutes per county before allowing unaccountable, unilateral decisions to be made.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

Bylaw E - State Logo and Brand

Section 1. If the Executive Committee is unable to reach a decision regarding a logo within ten minutes of deliberation, the Chair of the jurisdiction for which the logo is being chosen will have complete authority to choose a logo, except he shall not use a hammer and sickle, a clenched fist, the Nordic, American Indian, and Buddhist good luck sign which fell into disfavor during the 1930s, satanic symbols, or the Star of David.

The current sections of Bylaw E would be renumbered to account for this insertion.


Proposal 2008-B9

This proposal would remove the requirement that proposals for Constitution and Bylaw changes be posted online one month prior to a Convention. It would encourage, but not require, that the delegates be provided with copies of the proposals one hour prior to the start of the Convention.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw H - Changes to Bylaws

Any proposed change to these Bylaws and/or the LPO Constitution shall be posted on the LPO website no later than one month prior to any convention.

Section 1. A diligent effort will be made by proponents of a change and/or the State officers so that all delegates to any State Convention will receive copies of proposed amendments at least one hour before the Convention to consider proposals before they vote. A two-thirds vote of delegates shall be necessary to pass any Bylaw change for which they have not been provided exact copies.


Proposal 2008-B10

This proposal would eliminate the ability of the Party to effectively govern itself and protect its' public interests. Additionally, this proposal would reverse recent decisions that were taken to project a more professional image to the public.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

With the passage of 2008-C1 and 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw K - Removal of Behavior Accountability for Executive Committee Members

Section 1. No member of the Executive Committee shall be deprived of his use of his Region email list, the Leaders Discussion list, or the Executive Committee list or have his email address or telephone number removed from any website or other State records without his consent or limited or restricted in any ways unless he shall have been found guilty of violation of libertarian principles by at least three-quarters of the entire Executive Committee and shall have had the right to confront all of his accusers.


Proposal 2008-B11

This proposal would eliminate the ability of the Chair to determine participants of the Leaders List, an internal communications list whose members generally consist of the Executive Committee and active LPO members who help run the Party. The list of participants is currently managed by the Chair. This Bylaw would also create an additional penalty clause.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

Bylaw L - Removal of Internal Discussion Moderation from Chair

Section 1. All present and former State, Region, County and other LPO officers and all current or past public office holders and candidates for public office who are members of the Libertarian Party of Ohio in good standing shall be members of the Leaders Discussion list, unless they voluntarily withdraw or are removed by a vote of at least 3/4 of the State Executive Committee for nonlibertarian activities, beliefs, or comments. All persons so charged shall have the right to defend themselves against their accusers at a meeting of the State Executive Committee. Any former member of the Leaders Discussion group may join the group again, except for those who have been expelled as above. Expellees will require a vote of 3/4 of the State Executive Committee for reinstatement.


Proposal 2008-B12

This proposal would reduce the number of members needed to form a County Committee and would ignore state laws on this topic.

This proposal is sponsored by David Macko.

With the passage of 2008-C1 & 2008-B1, this would be a moot issue.

Bylaw B - County Committees

Section 1. The Secretary of the Party shall prepare a standard form for chartering a county committee, and shall give it to any person requesting it. The form shall include:

a. Space for tenfive signatures and for the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the officers.

b. A statement that the undersigned wish to be chartered by the Party, and agree to abide by the Statement of Principles (Platform), Constitution, and Bylaws of the Party.

c. Notice that all the signers and officers must be members of the Party, that the officers' names, addresses, and phone numbers must be included, and that a copy of the rules of the County Committee must be attached.

d. Notification of and space for other requirements as specified in this bylaw.

Section 2. Upon receipt of any completed charter form the Secretary of the Party shall include a copy of the form with other business in the next notice of an Executive Committee meeting. (Any county committee charter requests that have been submitted to the LPO Secretary by the time these amendments are adopted shall be acted upon under the previous version of Bylaw B).The Executive Committee shall acknowledge the charter unless the charter request includes a county that is chartered in an existing committee or it fails to meet the conditions of Bylaw B, Section 2f.

a. Notice of this Executive Committee meeting shall also be sent to the officers listed on the form.

b. The Executive Committee must vote on the charter request at that meeting, and shall grant the charter by a simple majority of those voting unless the charter request includes a county that is chartered in an existing committee.

c. The Secretary of the Party shall notify the office