Some LPMI members have become convinced they have the authority to do anything at any convention, even if it violates the LPMI Bylaws or Robert’s Rules of Order. However, the Bylaws were passed by members at prior conventions to protect minorities from majorities, and Robert’s Rules of Order are enforced for anything not stated explicitly in the Bylaws. In the case of the March 9^th convention, the Bylaws protect the hundreds of current party members from the mob rule of a mere 50-60 people who took majority at the Special Convention, which is designed to have limited business. Special conventions often have low attendance because many members have come to expect there to be such limited business. Members read the agenda in the call to convention and decide if it is worth their time. To ram unnoticed new motions through at a special convention is to violate the Bylaws, which is to deny the rights of members.

Bylaws are a binding contract between members. The Bylaws grant the Judicial Committee (JC) the authority to resolve procedural disputes within the Party, saying the JC “shall decide cases involving alleged violations of these bylaws or resolutions.” One appeal to the JC has already been ruled on quickly because it was the same situation that had occurred in 2022- an attempt to overturn the elected board without notice. These Bylaws are important to protect members and party business during election years, and if anyone wants to read the JC report which gave the full argument about the 2022 situation they may receive it upon request to our email.

There are more appeals to be reviewed by the JC, including the matter of two District Representatives’ elections to the board, and these have not yet been decided. We will consider all facts, the Bylaws, and Robert’s Rules of Order, and we will vote to decide based on what we view as objective truth and justice. We will put that decision in writing so that everyone can see our reasoning. Any member interested in presenting arguments may do so in writing to the above email. If any member has not received a copy of the appeals currently being reviewed, they can request them the same way.

Bylaws are the difference between a political party and a mere social group. They need to be followed and not simply disregarded when expedient, because they represent the will of members in the past who worked hard to craft them and who voted them in. Keep in mind any member may put forth a motion to amend the Bylaws at any odd-year convention, and if any disagree with a Bylaw, I urge them to do so. They could even take part in the Bylaws Committee next year if they wish. There are processes for everything, and I hope everyone can learn to respect them.

* This article was featured in the May 2024 Michigan Libertarian newsletter.