Call for Special Election UPDATE

Dear Georgia Democrat,

I would like to thank you for your willingness to work together, as we rebuild the Democratic Party of Georgia.

Eleanor Roosevelt gave context to strength and working as a team when she said we do not have to become heroes overnight. We just need to take a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.

We are doing that together.

As you are aware, I have been in regular contact with our local party leadership as well as national party leaders to help navigate our upcoming special election for party chair. After extensive consultation, I have decided to open this election to any Democrat who chooses to run for the position.

I believe that an open election is more consistent with our fundamental belief of full participation in the political process.

Our state charter and bylaws were created to implement this very process, at a time when women and people of color had been systematically excluded from full participation.  It is that open process that I want to honor.

Our Counsel agrees and has advised me that the provisions of our charter and bylaws that address racial and gender composition of party officers can be interpreted as a goal that is intelligible when all offices are open for election, but do not explicitly apply in a special election for a single position.

I will be directing our Charter and By-Laws Committee to draft appropriate amendments that will clarify the goals of inclusion and establish uniform procedures for filling vacancies in any office at state, county, congressional district, or other level.

Therefore, the Special Election for Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013. The deadline for declarations of candidacy as outlined in the June 20th election notice will be extended until Wednesday, July 31, 2013. This will provide an opportunity for any Democrat to participate fully in our process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I appreciate your commitment to our values, the time and resources you commit to our party and your willingness to work as a team.

Forward!

Nikema Williams

Interim Chairwoman

Democratic Party of Georgia