How does one become a delegate to a National Political Convention?

February 24th, 2010 | by admin |

The Democrats in ’08 in Denver; the Republicans in ’08 in St. Paul. How do you become one of those folks who get to wear funny hats and bad T-shirts, hold up banners, cheer for lousy speeches, and be fodder and backdrop for cable TV coverage? How does one go about becoming a delegate to a National Political Convention?

It begins at the local level. To be a delegate to either national convention, you must first be a delegate to your party’s state convention. At the state convention, national convention delegates are elected by the state convention delegates (generally by precinct or state congressional districts). Most state’s convention delegates are selected at the local level during precinct or district meetings, although some state parties do select their delgates for conventions at the statewide-level (i.e. if you pay your state party dues, you’re elgible to register and attend the state convention). My advice would be to contact your county chairman of your preferred party. They generally have the time and the enthusiasm to explain the process versus your party’s state office.

  1. 4 Responses to “How does one become a delegate to a National Political Convention?”

  2. By RKiller on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply

    Volunteer massive amounts of time to the Dem/Rep campaign and contribute cash.
    References :

  3. By neubianprince317 on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply

    you must go through your state political party. There is an election to choose the delegates, or in some states you are slated by party precinct members.
    References :

  4. By jippy557 on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply

    The rules are rather different so lots depends on which party you like. In general, pick a candidate that you like. You could pick one who you think is going to win, but its much better if you fall in love.

    Then you need to work like crazy and make sure the campaign knows you are working like crazy. In fact, you need to be a little crazy. Some of the delegate slots will go to the money people, but most of them don’t like creases in their trousers–so the insanity of a convention wouldn’t work for them.

    Just get into the campaign, have a great time and, with a little luck, you can get a slot.
    References :

  5. By Britton on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply

    It begins at the local level. To be a delegate to either national convention, you must first be a delegate to your party’s state convention. At the state convention, national convention delegates are elected by the state convention delegates (generally by precinct or state congressional districts). Most state’s convention delegates are selected at the local level during precinct or district meetings, although some state parties do select their delgates for conventions at the statewide-level (i.e. if you pay your state party dues, you’re elgible to register and attend the state convention). My advice would be to contact your county chairman of your preferred party. They generally have the time and the enthusiasm to explain the process versus your party’s state office.
    References :
    You can also read your state party’s by-laws on their website. You can find the state websites by going to the national party websites: http://www.gop.org or http://www.dnc.org.

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