Endorsement Process

1. Application

Candidates seeking Houston DSA’s endorsement begin the endorsement process by submitting this application form. When an application is received, the Electoral Committee will determine whether to move forward with the process, and will notify candidates of their decision within two weeks of submission.

2. Questionnaire

Candidates who move forward will be provided with a questionnaire and the deadline for completion. Deadline extensions may be requested and will be granted at the discretion of the Electoral Committee. Questionnaire answers will be made available to our membership. The Endorsements Subcommittee will review the submitted questionnaire, determine whether to move forward with the process, and will notify candidates of their decision within two weeks of submission.

3. Screening Interview

Candidates who move forward will be asked to meet with the Endorsements Subcommittee for a screening interview.

4. Endorsement Subcommittee Recommendation

After screening the candidate and completing any appropriate research, the Endorsements Subcommittee will report its findings to the membership; the report will contain a recommendation to either a) endorse with full confidence; b) recommend endorsement, with reservations; c) take no position; or d) decline to support. The Electoral Committee will inform the candidate of its recommendation within one week.

5. Candidate Forum

Candidates falling under categories a) or b) above will be asked to attend a candidate forum where they will be invited to appear in front of Houston DSA members for questions and public deliberation.

6. Membership Vote

Endorsement applications falling under categories a) or b) above will be scheduled for deliberation and vote at the next General Meeting. A two-thirds supermajority is required for endorsement. If multiple candidates in the same race receive a supermajority, the candidate who receives the largest percentage of votes will receive the endorsement.