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Article XI

Amendment

This article establishes the process for amending the constitution.

Proposed Changes

The proposed changes eliminate the requirement of a paper ballot, lowers the number of signatures necessary for a member-initiated constitutional amendment and the number of votes required to constitute a quorum.

Why are these changes are recommended?

The proposed changes bring the constitution up-to-date with current web-based technology to avoid the time consuming and expensive process of a paper ballot. Lowering the number of petitions and votes required to change the constitution has the dual purpose of giving members more power to change the constitution and makes it easier for GEO to adapt to changing circumstances.

Constitutional Language

Current Language

XI. Amendment

Any member or members seeking to amend the constitution shall present in writing a copy of the proposed amendment to the Secretary. The Secretary shall notify the Steering Committee immediately of such proposed amendment and its consideration shall be placed on the agenda for the next membership meeting. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be published and distributed prior to the meeting. If a majority of those members attending and voting at the membership meeting vote in favor of the proposed amendment, or if twenty (20) percent of the membership petition for the proposed amendment, the proposed amendment shall be voted upon by the membership in a paper balloting prepared and supervised by the Secretary within ten days of the membership meeting passing the proposed amendment or receipt of the petition requesting the proposed amendment. A positive vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those voting, provided that fifty (50) percent of the membership votes, shall be required to pass the proposed amendment. Upon such passage, the Secretary shall amend the constitution as required.

Proposed Revision