How are you nominated to become a delegate at a national convention?

Answer 1

Delegates are chosen by state party organizations. The methods vary from state to state, and between the two parties. In primary states, candidates file delegate slates with their petitions of candidacy for the nomination. These delegates are usually people of some reputation in the party, who have declared their support for the candidate. After the primary election is held, some of each candidate's slated delegate picks are named delegates, in some proportion to the votes received by each candidate, either statewide or sometimes in each Congressional district. In caucus states, members of the party meet in each local area, and select delegates to county meetings, which then select delegates to a state meeting, which selects the delegates to the national convention. There are usually rules for sharing the delegates at each level. Each candidate's campaign organization names prospective delegates. Some states have both caucus and primary selection. Since 1984, the Democratic party has seated a number of "superdelegates" to its national convention - these being the party's senior organizational officers and elected officials that are Democrats. As of 2008, this group included all Democrat U.S. Representatives and Senators, Governors, members of the Democratic National Committee, former Presidents and Vice Presidents, and some others. About 20% of all votes at the convention were superdelegates.

Answer 2

Be a Delegate