Meet the Democrats who will represent North Carolina at the 2020 Democratic National Convention

National Convention Delegates will cast their vote to select the next Democratic Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and to adopt the Party’s National Platform at the convention in Milwaukee. North Carolina Democrats are committed to a transparent process that ensures that the delegates we send to the 2020 National Convention in Milwaukee represent the voters of this state. That’s why our Delegate Selection Plan is public and voted on by our State Executive Committee.

Important Dates for Delegates

Official delegate allocation based upon the March 3rd Presidential Primary vote:

DNC Rule 11.C awards at-large delegates, alternates and PLEO delegates to the candidate(s) in the race at the time they are elected. However, the Biden and Sanders Campaigns have agreed that Sanders supporters will fill at-large delegate and alternate and PLEO delegate slots in proportion to the vote Senator Sanders. These Biden delegate positions will be filled by Sanders supporters.

Demographics

The North Carolina delegation to the 2020 Democratic Convention will include Democrats from across the state and represent the demographic diversity of our citizens.

1. 1. • 72 Delegates will be elected to represent all 13 Congressional District

1. 1. • 24 Delegates and 9 Alternates will be elected at-large, equally divided among male and female delegates.
      • 14 Pledged Party Leader and Elected official delegates (PLEO) delegates will be elected, equally divided among male and female delegates. Big city mayors and state-wide elected, state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials, and party leaders are eligible for to run as PLEO delegates.
      • Approximately 12 members of the delegation will be automatic, unpledged members. This includes DNC members, Democratic members of Congress, the Governor, and Distinguished Party Leaders.

In support of the Democratic Party’s commitment to include historically under-represented groups and to encourage full participation by all Democrats in the delegate selection process, the following affirmative action goals have been established:

  In addition, 15% of delegates outside of the “Youth” category should be delegates who have never attended a Democratic National Convention as a delegate, alternate, or standing committee member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a delegate?

Any registered Democratic voter in North Carolina is eligible to file to run to be elected a delegate.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to file a Notice of Candidacy; however delegates to the national convention are responsible for all costs related to their attendance, including airfare, hotel and incidentals. Many meals and ground transportation at the convention will be provided and delegates often choose to share hotel rooms.

How can I become a delegate?

Submit a Notice of Candidacy form through the NCDP website (www.ncdp.org) or download, complete, and mail in the form. Printed forms will also be distributed at Party events and meetings. Once you have filed – and after approval by the Presidential candidate to whom you pledge – 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.) NCDP will be providing more details and information throughout the selection process.

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).

Do I have to support a particular Presidential candidate?

Yes. All elected delegates pledge their support to a candidate when they file a Notice of Candidacy. Because the North Carolina primary ballot will include the option of “uncommitted” or no preference, delegates may opt to run as uncommitted. However, uncommitted must reach the 15% threshold of votes for any delegates to be awarded to that category.

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. 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 receives 100% of the vote in a particular Congressional District, but just 50% of the statewide vote, then all delegates elected in that district and half of the at-large delegates will be pledged to that candidate. Note that a Presidential candidate must receive at least 15% of the vote to earn any delegates. If no candidate reaches the 15% threshold, the threshold shall be half the percentage of the vote received by the front-runner.

What are my duties if I am elected a National Convention Delegate?

1. 1. • Attend a meeting of the North Carolina delegation right after the State Convention adjourns.
      • 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).
      • Represent North Carolina in Milwaukee, attend convention sessions and vote for the Party’s nominee and for the Party’s platform.
      • Return to North Carolina ready to lead the state to victory!