Who gets to attend a Democratic Convention?

[puerco-bellies]

How does one make the cut?

[GOPisEvil]

1. It depends on the state. But, in general, anyone can be a delegate.

However, they are usually public events, meaning one can get a visitor pass if one is not a delegate. They are here in Texas at the state level.

If you want to be a delegate, you start at the precinct level, then move up to your county convention, state convention and on up.

[puerco-bellies]

2. Thanks GOPisEvil

Would you know how I go about trying to get a visitors pass?

[GOPisEvil]

4. I would contact the DNC.

It's their show.

At our state convention, you just showed up and requested one, but I suspect the national convention will be a bigger "charlie-foxtrot".

[frazzled]

3. Here in Illinois, delegates are on the ballot

That is, you vote for your preferred candidate and then (in my Congressional district) you vote for up to 8 delegates. On my ballot there were 8 Clinton delegates running, 8 Obama delegates, and 3 Richardson delegates. Theoretically, you could vote for a candidate but split your delegate votes (say, 3 for Clinton, 4 for Obama, 1 for Richardson). I know in NY state you also vote for delegates.

Which begs the question--how do you get to be on the ballot? Apparently, you have to get so-and-so many names on a petition. How the process works after that is a mystery to me. Party movers and shakers, I'm sure.

In other states you can get elected at your caucus to go to the county convention, and then from there to the state, and to the national.