ARTICLE VIII – DELEGATES AND REPRESENTATION
Section 1. Chapter Representation
Each affiliated chapter in good standing shall be entitled to representation at the Annual Convention through duly certified delegates.
A chapter is in good standing if it:
(a) Is recognized by BCHI;
(b) Has submitted required reports; and
(c) Has paid required dues.
Newly chartered chapters shall be eligible to appoint delegates upon maintaining continuous recognition as an affiliated chapter in good standing for not less than five (5) consecutive months immediately preceding the opening date of the Annual Convention.
Section 2. Delegate Apportionment
Each chapter shall be entitled to delegates as follows:
(a) eight (8) delegates..
Section 3. Alternate Delegates
Each chapter may designate alternate delegates up to the number of its authorized delegates.
Alternate delegates shall be identified in advance through the credentialing process and may be seated only to replace an absent or unseated delegate.
An alternate delegate shall have full voting rights only while officially seated in place of a delegate.
Section 4. Certification and Credentials
All delegates and alternate delegates must be duly certified prior to being seated and recognized for purposes of quorum and voting.
Certification of delegates shall be conducted in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Directors, including procedures for submission, verification, and reporting
.
A Credentials Committee appointed by the President shall review and verify delegate certifications and shall report the official list of certified and seated delegates to the assembly at the beginning of the convention and as updated during the proceedings.
Section 5. Voting
Each duly certified and seated delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters brought before the Annual Convention or authorized membership meeting.
The voting body of BCHI shall consist exclusively of duly certified delegates.
Members in good standing may attend meetings and may be granted floor privileges in accordance with the Rules of Order but shall not be entitled to vote unless serving as a duly certified delegate.
Section 6. Quorum
Quorum shall be as defined in ARTICLE XX – Quorum
Section 7. Vote Required
Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, action shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the duly certified delegates present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
Section 8. Parliamentary Authority
The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern meetings of BCHI, except where inconsistent with these Bylaws.