ARTICLE 7– ELECTIONS, VACANCIES & REMOVAL 

Article Description

This Article establishes the procedures governing leadership selection, vacancy management, and removal from office. Its purpose is to ensure continuity of operations, organizational stability, accountability in leadership, and a fair process for replacing or removing individuals entrusted with authority. This Article shall be interpreted in a manner that preserves the integrity of CTU’s governance structure while allowing decisive action where leadership changes are necessary.

Section 7.1 – General Authority Over Leadership Selection

CTU shall maintain the authority to select, appoint, certify, replace, or remove leadership in accordance with these Bylaws. Leadership positions may be filled by appointment, election, or succession as specifically provided herein. The Executive Board shall retain supervisory authority over all leadership selection procedures to ensure consistency, fairness, and lawful governance.

Any process used to place an individual into office shall be documented and recorded as an official organizational act. Such documentation shall include the date of appointment or election, the title of the office, the authority by which the appointment or election was made, and the effective date of service.

Section 7.2 – Elections Where Applicable

Where CTU authorizes elections for any office, such elections shall be conducted in a fair, orderly, and transparent manner consistent with these Bylaws and any election procedures adopted by the Executive Board. Election procedures shall be designed to prevent confusion, fraud, duplication, or unauthorized participation and shall protect the legitimacy of the outcome.

Election notices, candidacy rules, voting procedures, and certification processes shall be documented in advance where practicable. The organization may permit paper, electronic, or other verifiable voting methods, provided such methods preserve accuracy and accountability.

Section 7.3 – Appointment Authority and Continuity of Governance

Where an office is designated as appointive rather than elective, the appointing authority identified in these Bylaws shall have full authority to fill the office in order to preserve continuity of governance. Appointment authority is intended to prevent operational paralysis, maintain stability, and ensure that CTU remains able to function even when an office becomes vacant unexpectedly.

Appointments made under this section shall remain effective until superseded, rescinded, or otherwise modified in accordance with these Bylaws.

Section 7.4 – Vacancies

A vacancy shall exist whenever an office becomes unoccupied by reason of resignation, death, incapacity, removal, abandonment of duties, or any other circumstance rendering the office unable to function effectively. A vacancy may also be declared where an officer has materially failed to perform the essential duties of the office over a sustained period of time.

All vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the authority designated under these Bylaws. Such appointment shall take effect immediately unless otherwise specified. The objective of this section is to ensure uninterrupted operations and avoid delay in leadership function.

Section 7.5 – Resignation

Any officer may resign their office by providing written notice to the President, Secretary, or Executive Board, as applicable. Unless otherwise stated in the notice, such resignation shall become effective immediately upon receipt. Resignation from office shall not relieve the individual of any outstanding duty to return organizational property, records, credentials, or funds.

The Secretary shall record all resignations in the official records of CTU and update the appropriate leadership and access logs accordingly.

Section 7.6 – Grounds for Removal

An officer may be removed for cause, including but not limited to: misconduct, abuse of authority, neglect of duties, dishonesty, insubordination, financial impropriety, breach of confidentiality, conduct detrimental to the organization, or violation of these Bylaws or official CTU policies.

Removal may also be justified where continued service in office creates a material risk to the safety, integrity, or operations of CTU. Grounds for removal shall be interpreted broadly enough to protect the organization while remaining subject to due process.

Section 7.7 – Removal Procedure

Removal may occur by:

1. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the applicable authorized voting body; or

2. A written petition signed by at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the applicable membership.

Removal proceedings shall include written notice of the grounds asserted, a reasonable opportunity to respond, and a formal decision. Emergency suspension pending review may be imposed where immediate action is necessary to protect CTU.

Section 7.8 – Effect of Removal

Upon removal, the individual shall immediately cease to exercise the authority of the office and shall surrender all CTU property, records, credentials, and access rights associated with the office. Any actions taken after removal in the name of CTU shall be deemed unauthorized unless specifically ratified by the organization.

SECTION 7.9  – Tenant Council Election Rules & Candidate Conduct Policy (Official Version)

sub section 7.9.1 Purpose:

This policy establishes the rules and standards governing all candidates running for positions within the Tenant Council. Its purpose is to ensure fair, respectful, and non-disruptive elections that protect residents, property, and the integrity of the voting process.

sub section 7.9.2 General Conduct 

 All candidates must conduct themselves in a respectful, lawful, and professional manner at all times.

• No harassment, intimidation, or coercion of any resident

• No threats, retaliation, or aggressive behavior

• No spreading false or misleading information about other candidates

• Candidates must comply with all property rules and applicable laws

sub section 7.9.3. Campaign Materials & Posting Rules: 

To protect property and maintain building standards:

• No painting, marking, or writing on walls, doors, elevators, or common areas

• All campaign materials must be:

  • Removable

  • Non-damaging (no glue, nails, screws, or permanent adhesives)

  • Cleanly installed and removed without leaving residue or damage

• Approved materials may include:

  • Tape-safe flyers

  • Posters using removable adhesive

  • Handouts

• Campaign materials may only be posted in designated areas, if provided by management or the council

• All materials must include:

  • Candidate name

  • Position running for

• All campaign materials must be removed within 48 hours after the electio

sub section 7.9.4. Campaigning Boundaries (Polling Area Restrictions)

To ensure a neutral voting environment:

• Candidates and their representatives must not campaign within 50 yards of any polling place

• No loitering, gathering, or distributing materials within this boundary

• No approaching voters while they are entering, exiting, or inside the polling area

Section  7.10. Election Day Conduct

sub section 7.10.1Strict neutrality must be maintained on Election Day:

• No influencing voters at or near the polling place

• No:

  • Persuasion

  • Pressure

  • Solicitation of votes

  • Campaign discussions inside the polling area

• Candidates may not:

  • Follow voters

  • Observe ballots

  • Interfere with the voting process

Section 7.11. Use of Property & Common Areas

• No blocking hallways, entrances, or exits for campaigning

• No use of loudspeakers, amplified sound, or disruptive behavior

• No damage to property during campaigning

• Candidates are responsible for any damage caused by themselves or their supporters

Section 7.12. Digital & Communication Conduct

• No harassment via:

  • Text messages

  • Social media

  • Email or online platforms

• No sharing of:

  • Personal/private information of residents

  • Unauthorized photos or recordings

• Campaign messaging must remain respectful and truthful

Section 7.13. Candidate Responsibility for Supporters

Candidates are responsible for the actions of individuals campaigning on their behalf.

• Any violations by supporters may result in penalties against the candidate

• Candidates must ensure their campaign team follows all rules

Section 7.14. Enforcement & Violations

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Verbal or written warning

• Removal of campaign materials

• Disqualification from the election

• Suspension of campaign privileges

• Referral to property management or authorities if necessary

Section 7.15. Authority & Oversight

These rules are enforced by:

• Tenant Council Election Committee

• Authorized Council Officers

• Property Management (where applicable)

All decisions regarding violations and enforcement are final.

Section 7.16 Acknowledgment

All candidates must acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy prior to being placed on the ballot.

Sub section 7.16.1 Statement of Agreement

“I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Tenant Council Election Rules and Candidate Conduct Policy and agree to comply fully. I understand that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including disqualification.” This Section 7.9 shall serve as the sole and controlling Election Policy of the California Tenants Union. Any duplicate or prior versions are hereby repealed.

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ARTICLE IX – JUDICIAL COUNCIL (FULL EXPANDED VERSION)

Section 9.10 – Complaints Against Leadership

9.10.1 Authority
The Judicial Council shall have authority to receive, review, and decide complaints against any officer, board member, or council member.

9.10.2 Who May File
(a) Only members in gooncil may accept and preserve a complaint filed by a non-member or member not in good standing if the complaint alleges:

• retaliation

• financial misconduct

• abuse of authority

• conduct threatening organizational integrity

9.10.3 Filing Requirements
Complaints must:

• be in writing

• include facts, dates, and involved parties

• be signed and dated

• be submitted to the official Judicial Council email

9.10.4 Time for Filing
Complaints should be filed within a reasonable time. The Council may accept late filings for good cause.

9.10.5 Initial Review
The Judicial Council shall determine whether the complaint states a valid issue.

9.10.6 Notice and Response
The respondent shall receive notice and an opportunity to respond.

9.10.7 Investigation and Hearing
The Council may conduct an investigation or hearing as necessary.

9.10.8 Decision
All decisions shall be written and include findings and outcomes.

9.10.9 Retaliation Prohibited
No person shall be retaliated against for filing or participating in a complaint.

9.10.10 Appeal
Appeals may be allowed only where authorized under these Bylaws.

“This Section constitutes the exclusive complaint procedure of CTU. Any prior or duplicate complaint procedures are hereby repealed and shall have no force or effect.”

Section 9.10 – Complaints Against Leadership

9.10.1 Authority
The Judicial Council shall have authority to receive, review, and decide complaints against any officer, board member, or council member.

9.10.2 Who May File
(a) Only members in good standing may formally file and pursue a complaint.
(b) However, the Judicial Council may accept and preserve a complaint filed by a non-member or member not in good standing if the complaint alleges:

• retaliation

• financial misconduct

• abuse of authority

• conduct threatening organizational integrity

9.10.3 Filing Requirements
Complaints must:

• be in writing

• include facts, dates, and involved parties

• be signed and dated

• be submitted to the official Judicial Council email

9.10.4 Time for Filing
Complaints should be filed within a reasonable time. The Council may accept late filings for good cause.

9.10.5 Initial Review
The Judicial Council shall determine whether the complaint states a valid issue.

9.10.6 Notice and Response
The respondent shall receive notice and an opportunity to respond.

9.10.7 Investigation and Hearing
The Council may conduct an investigation or hearing as necessary.

9.10.8 Decision
All decisions shall be written and include findings and outcomes.

9.10.9 Retaliation Prohibited
No person shall be retaliated against for filing or participating in a complaint.

9.10.10 Appeal
Appeals may be allowed only where authorized under these Bylaws.

“This Section constitutes the exclusive complaint procedure of CTU. Any prior or duplicate complaint procedures are hereby repealed and shall have no force or effect.”