National Convention Delegate FAQs
Who can become a delegate?
Any registered Democratic voter in North Carolina is eligible to file to run to be elected a
delegate.
How many delegates does North Carolina have?
North Carolina will have a total of 122 delegates voting at the National Convention. The table
below summarizes delegate types:
Number
Filing
Deadline
Date of
Selection
District-Level
70
4/25/2016
5/21/2016
At-Large Delegates
At-Large Alternates
Pledged Party Leaders
and Elected Officials
(PLEO)
Unpledged Party
Leader and Elected
Official
Total Delegates
23
9
5/23/2016
5/23/2016
6/11/2016
6/11/2016
Congressional District
Conventions
State Convention
State Convention
14
5/23/2016
6/11/2016
State Convention
15
n/a
n/a
Type of Delegate
Selecting Body
Automatic by virtue of
public or Party office
122
How can I become a delegate?
Beginning December 1, 2015, you can submit a Notice of Candidacy form through the NCDP
website (www.ncdp.org); printed forms will also be distributed at Party events and meetings.
Once you have filed, your name will be added to the appropriate ballot for the delegate position
you have filed for. Voting on delegates will take place at Congressional District Conventions (for
district delegates) and at the State Convention (for at-large delegates and alternates and
pledged PLEO delegates.
Note that elected delegate names are submitted for approval by the Presidential candidate to
whom they have pledged.
NCDP will be providing more details and information throughout the selection process and you
are welcome to review the entire Delegate Selection Plan here: http://www.ncdp.org/blog/northcarolina-delegate-selection-plan-2016-democratic-nationalconvention
What “kind” of delegate can I be?
You can file to seek election as one or all three of the types of delegate – district level, at-large
or Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO), if applicable.
Do I have to support a particular Presidential candidate?
Yes. All elected delegate pledge their support to a candidate when they file a Notice of
Candidacy. You do have the option of pledging “uncommitted,” however unless more than 15%
of the votes in the primary are cast as uncommitted, no uncommitted delegates will be
awarded.
What does it cost to be a delegate?
There is no cost to file a Notice of Candidacy; however delegates to the national convention
are responsible for costs related to their attendance, including airfare, hotel and incidentals.
Some meals and ground transportation at the convention will be provided.
Estimate of cost to attend convention: $3500, based on single-occupancy. Many delegates opt
to share hotel rooms (there’s little time for sleep ).
Is financial aid available?
NCDP will make efforts to raise funds to help defray costs however there are no guarantees and
typically the aid provided has been very low. Delegates should plan on funding their
participation.
If I am a delegate, can I bring a guest to the convention?
Certainly, however credentials to attend convention sessions are only guaranteed for official
delegation members. There will be a fee (TBD) for non-delegation members to attend NCDP
events (breakfasts, receptions, etc.)
Why does the primary election matter?
The number of delegates each Presidential candidate receives is determined by the outcome. It
is not winner-take-all.
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For instance, if a Presidential candidate receives 75% of the vote, 75% of the delegates will be
elected from among those who have pledged to that candidate. In addition, the vote allocation
is determined at the district and statewide level so if a Presidential candidate gets 100% of the
vote in a particular Congressional District, but just 50% of the statewide vote, then all delegates
elected in the district and half of the at-large delegates will be pledged to that candidate.
Note that a Presidential candidate must get at least 15% of the vote to earn any delegates.
What are my duties if I am elected a National Convention Delegate?
First, you agree to attend a meeting of the North Carolina delegation right after the State
Convention adjourns. Second, you will try to respond and participate in communication and
planning for the national convention (the DNC will want to know a lot about you and you’ll want
to know a lot about the convention). Finally, you will represent North Carolina in Philadelphia,
attend caucus and convention sessions and join your fellow delegates for informative and fun
events throughout your stay.
Where will delegates stay in Philadelphia?
The DNC will assign the North Carolina delegation a hotel based upon the size of our delegation,
other requirements, and specific requests. The entire delegation will be housed at one hotel and
may share that facility with delegations from other states.
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