amendments
UPDATE
Joe Giambrone, 2022-2023
NJCL Parliamentarian
Fall 2023 · Torch: U.S. · NATIONAL NEWS
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We recognize the time, effort, and money that goes into making a campaign, and we hope that by removing the possibility of being knocked out so early into the week, more people would want to run in the first place.
The first amendment’s passage was contingent upon the passage of our second amendment, called the “plurality” amendment. This amendment switched the previously needed majority (50% + 1 of votes) for election to a plurality (more votes than any other candidate, even if less than 50%). In the event of more than two candidates, a plurality would be necessary to ensure that there is a winner.
We are advising that in next year’s election, if a plurality of votes are “present,” the office is declared vacant. There will no doubt be some new amendments next year to codify how we consider the “present” vote in a plurality situation.
Thank you to everyone for voting. Both amendments passed, and the constitution has been amended accordingly. I can’t wait to see next year’s election!
Service Updates
Hena Allaqaband, 2022-2023 NJCL Second Vice President
Nolan Heinrich, 2022-2023 NJCL President
It is safe to say this year’s national service project was a huge success. I went into convention with a goal of putting together 100 care packages for the homeless community in Atlanta, and thanks to all of your hard work, we made close to 200 packages! We have been able to distribute packages to shelters in Atlanta, as well as to many individuals in-person at various parks. In addition to that half of the service project, we held a campus clean-up, which had great turnout and results. Emory looked even more beautiful due to your help! I am so grateful that all of you share the same passion I have for giving back to those in need; none of this would have been possible without you. Thank you!
In addition, the NJCL Officers fought for their chosen charities in another year of the convention tradition coin wars. This year, the loser was NJCL President Nolan Heinrich with over -89,000 points. In total, the board raised over $2,200 for the charity Nolan chose, the ACLU Drag Defense Fund. This charity, under the American Civil Liberties Union, fights to protect the rights of drag artists around the country. As Nolan’s punishment for losing the 2023 Coin Wars, he was put into a gigantic sloth costume for the entirety of the final general assembly.
This year, we had two amendments to the NJCL Constitution.
Our first amendment is called the “NomCom” amendment. This amendment will allow more than two candidates for a single office to be on the final ballot, instead of holding runoff elections at Nominations Committee.