Bylaws Update: Limit Proxy Voting

Passed by membership: Oct 29, 2026

Whereas: Large numbers of proxy votes are frequently granted to a few individuals.

Whereas: This functionally consolidates the power of the General Body into the hands of a few.

Whereas: A majority of votes cast at the most recent convention were proxy votes.

Whereas: Direct participation in Gener​​al Body Meetings and Chapter Conventions should be encouraged.

Whereas: Deliberative democracy requires participation in democratic discussion about important chapter decisions.

Whereas:Proxy votes fail to represent the whole of the chapter, instead serving to encourage personality cults and ​sectarianism.

​Be it resolved: The following amendments shall be applied to the bylaws:​

Article VI - Meetings​

  • ​Section A — Frequency and access: Official general body meetings of the Rhode Island DSA shall be held on a monthly basis, and are open to both members and non-members of the organization. Particular non-members may be excluded under exceptional circumstances, to be decided by the membership. Other events and non-decision-making meetings may be held more frequently. Official meetings should be held in locations that are as accessible to all members as possible, including wheelchair access. If a member cannot attend an official meeting in person, they may request to be linked in over the phone or using audio/visual programs. In such cases, the Executive Committee must make good-faith efforts to accommodate the request. In meetings where proposals are up for vote, Eligible Voters may also vote by proxy if they inform the moderator in advance. as described in Section E.

  • Section E — Proxy Voting: In order to vote by proxy, the Eligible Voter should assign a proxy vote to a voter in attendance. This may be done either by directly informing the facilitator of the voting event in writing or by sending an email to the chapter. A proxy vote may only be assigned to an Eligible Voter who has been assigned no more than two proxy votes. If an Eligible Voter attempts to assign a proxy vote to an individual who is not an Eligible Voter or already has two proxy votes assigned, it shall be the responsibility of the facilitators to inform them they must assign a different individual their proxy vote. An individual assigned a proxy vote may vote on behalf of the member who assigned the proxy at the event.

ARTICLE XI — Chapter Convention

  • Once every two years, Rhode Island DSA shall hold a chapter convention to determine or revise the political goals and tactics of the organization.

  • The Executive Committee must ensure a fair and accessible process with broad membership participation. The Executive Committee may also convene a convention committee to perform this function. Duties include scheduling the convention, setting submission deadlines, assembling the agenda, and moderating debate.

  • ​Only Eligible Voters may vote during the convention. Non-members may attend as observers and speak if invited by a member to do so. A resolution (or an amendment to a resolution) shall be added to the convention agenda if it has the signatures of at least five Eligible Voters. Unless a resolution is tabled for a future meeting, all votes on convention resolutions shall occur during the convention itself, which may be attended in person or remotely (through audio/video). Voting by proxy, as described in Article VI Section E, is also permitted. A motion passes if it receives a majority vote, unless it is a bylaws amendment, which requires a two-thirds vote.