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How to Become a Delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Democrats from all across America will come together in Denver, Colorado, August 25-28, 2008 for the 45th Democratic National Convention. This unparalleled event will present to the country our Party’s nominees for president and vice president and highlight the hard work Democrats have done to chart a new direction for America. The 2008 National Convention will put our presidential nominee on the path to victory in the November 2008 general election.

How you become a delegate to the Convention depends on which state you live in. Each state will have their own Delegate Selection Plan that will describe how delegates are chosen in that state. These Plans must comply with rules adopted by the National Party that provide guidelines to ensure a fair and open process. In the summer of 2007, state parties will publish their delegate selection rules and clearly explain how to participate.

If you want to be a delegate, your first step should be to contact your state party to determine what their process is. For information on running for a delegate position, an individual should call or write his or her respective State Democratic Party Headquarters and request a copy of the Delegate Selection Plan (or summary) and filing forms. These documents provide the information candidates need to know in order to run for delegate positions. All states require delegate candidates to file a "declaration of candidacy" in order to run. The deadline for this declaration varies among the states but is specified in each state's plan. In some cases, the declaration must be accompanied with signatures of registered Democratic voters from that area. All filing requirements must be precisely followed.

Finally, whether or not you're becoming a delegate to the 2008 National Convention -- stay informed and involved. Be sure to: (1) stay informed about the presidential campaign; (2) follow the 2008 Convention; (3) support the Party's presidential and vice presidential nominees; and (4) Vote on Election Day!

For more detailed information:

Delegate Selection Timetable
(Download here)

2006
August Delegate Selection Rules adopted by the DNC, August 19, 2006
December - Regulations for the Convention adopted by the Rules and Bylaws Committee, December 2, 2006
- Rules, proposed Call, Regulations, Model Plan and Checklist sent to State and Territorial Parties.
2007
January through May State Parties draft and adopt Delegate Selection Plans – 30-day public comment period on Plans required before adoption.
February Call for the 2008 Convention adopted by the DNC, February 3, 2007.
March State Party Affirmative Action Committees appointed no later than March 1, 2007.
May State Delegate Selection Plans due to Rules and Bylaws Committee by May 1, 2007.
June through September Rules and Bylaws Committee meets to take action on State Plans.
Mid-September - States begin implementing Affirmative Action Plans by September 16, 2007.
- Rules and Bylaws Committee takes action on State Plans by September 16, 2007.
October through December - Presidential candidate filing begins in a number of states.
- Delegate candidate recruitment and slating by presidential campaigns begins for pre-primary and two-part primary states.
2008
January - Pre-Window primaries and caucuses begin -- Iowa and Nevada caucuses, New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries.
- Presidential candidate and delegate candidate filing continues.
February Window opens for all state primaries and caucuses – February 5, 2008.
June Window closes for all state primaries and caucuses – June 10, 2008.
All official Convention participants – delegates, alternates, standing committee members, pages, and delegation chair – selected by June 21, 2008.
June & July Anticipated Convention standing committee meetings – Credentials, Platform, and Rules
August 2008 Democratic National Convention, August 25-28, 2008 Denver, Colorado