What is the process for becoming a delegate to the Democratic National Convention?

February 28th, 2010 | by admin |

I’m a politically active high school senior who will be able to vote for the first time in 2008, and I would love to follow that up by attending the convention afterwards. I tried to look up the rules for getting nominated/elected as a delegate, but they seem fairly byzantine. I live in California – whom should I contact, and when should I begin that process? Any details or advice you might have would be extremely appreciated. Failing that, any other ways you can think that I could get to the convention would also be helpful (I plan to be on my college’s paper – maybe I can cover it?)

Thanks in advance. I’ll be sure to pick a best answer.

P.S: I hate to have to say this, but it seems to be de rigeur on here to attack the questioner, so…any answers talking about how corrupt and horrible politics in general or Democrats in particular are will be laughed at and then roundly ignored. Your cynicism is touching, but not particularly relevant.

Your county board of elections will have the exact procedure. However I know from experience you could also contact the office of the Democratic party as well.

While there is nothing to prevent you being a candidate , & I applaud your intentions & enthusiasm you will have an uphill challenge. Although your youth serves you too in that the party is always seeking potential leaders among young folks.

The folks on the ballot are predominantly local "party faithful" seeking a trip to the national convention as a sort of perk for years of party dedication & work. Still this only means you would be up against folks who are relatively well known. They still have to poll the most votes jusy like you will.

The other alternative is also very viable, but get to work now on receiving press credentials. I was editor of my college paper in 84 when the Republicans held their convention in Dallas, so it was very convenient to be there for various events. You are unlikely to get unlimited access, as there is limited space for some functions, but GO FOR IT !! You’ll learn a lot . Drop me an email if I can help w any questions.

  1. 7 Responses to “What is the process for becoming a delegate to the Democratic National Convention?”

  2. By SantaBud on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Your county board of elections will have the exact procedure. However I know from experience you could also contact the office of the Democratic party as well.

    While there is nothing to prevent you being a candidate , & I applaud your intentions & enthusiasm you will have an uphill challenge. Although your youth serves you too in that the party is always seeking potential leaders among young folks.

    The folks on the ballot are predominantly local "party faithful" seeking a trip to the national convention as a sort of perk for years of party dedication & work. Still this only means you would be up against folks who are relatively well known. They still have to poll the most votes jusy like you will.

    The other alternative is also very viable, but get to work now on receiving press credentials. I was editor of my college paper in 84 when the Republicans held their convention in Dallas, so it was very convenient to be there for various events. You are unlikely to get unlimited access, as there is limited space for some functions, but GO FOR IT !! You’ll learn a lot . Drop me an email if I can help w any questions.
    References :
    Political activist & campaign worker 20+years.

  3. By yupchagee on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Give a ton of money to a candidate. This will enable you to get on his/her delegate slate. If your candidate wins your state, you’re in. If you don’t have a ton of money, you are out of luck.
    References :

  4. By rabidliberal on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Call your local Democratic Party. If you cannot be a delegate, you can become an alternate delegat. A good way to start, though, is to run for precinct commityman. It is a possition that is usually not very competative, but is the base from which all parties exist and make policy.
    References :

  5. By John S on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    It is certainly Byzantine, the very word used at this site which explains it, sort of.

    http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2007/03/the_democratic.html

    Basically, after the primary there are county caucuses for EACH candidate who got 15% or more of the primary vote. As I understand it, any Democrat can run for delegate in the caucus, and any Democrat can vote in the caucus, and the number of delegates the caucus can elect is determined by the percentage of the primary vote received by that candidate. A total of 370 delegates are elected this way. Others are automatically delegates (like members of congress, etc.), and another 129 are elected by the delegates who were elected in the caucuses.

    So, the most likely way of becoming a delegate is by being elected at the caucus. I would think your best chance of becoming known and having a chance of being a delegate is by becoming active in your local Democratic Club or Young Democrats. You should contact your county Central Committee for further information.

    Good luck.
    References :

  6. By jdkilp on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    First, try becoming a delegate at our state convention. This is usually pretty easy. Contact your County Precinct Committeeman for details.
    References :

  7. By allen w on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    First of all this is kinda a money thing.
    But contact your Democratic party office and get involved. Then campaign to become a delegate to the national convention.
    References :

  8. By Answerman on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Got money, don’t take much more then that. .
    References :

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