Registration is now closed for all delegate positions. Thank you.

Delegate Selection Plan

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How to Become a Delegate or Alternate (abridged)
2008 Democratic National Convention

Delegates and alternates are selected either at a Congressional District Caucus held in each CD on January 3, 2008 or by the State Executive Committee on May 10, 2008. There are also 18 delegates who are ex-officio (members of Congress or the DNC).

District Delegates & Alternates (Now closed)

There are 92 district delegates and 16 district alternates. The distribution is indicated on the enclosed chart. To become a delegate or alternate you must file a “Declaration of Candidacy” form with the Ohio Democratic Party by 5:00 PM on January 1, 2008. These forms are now available at the links above.  We will accept faxes. You have to pledge your support to a presidential candidate in order to run as a district delegate or alternate. The presidential candidate may limit the number of candidates running in each district. You must be registered to vote (18 before November 4, 2008) in the district in which you are running.

All caucuses are held on January 3, 2008. There will be individual caucuses for each Presidential Caucus. These may be held in the same building. Locations of all caucuses will be announced no later than December 23, 2007.  Voters who sign a statement of support indicating their presidential preference may vote, but only at one caucus. There will be separate votes for male and female delegates. A separate election will be held for alternates. Voting will be by signed ballot. This is not a secret ballot, ballots will be open to inspection. Caucus chairs will announce the name of each candidate and may allow each to speak for a limited time. The chair will indicate the importance of meeting the affirmative action goals of the delegation.

Ranking of delegates will be based on this vote and the outcome of the March Primary.

Statewide Delegates and Alternates (Now closed)

Statewide delegates will be selected by the State Executive Committee on May 10, 2008. To become a delegate or alternate you must file a “Declaration of Candidacy” form with the Ohio Democratic Party by 5:00 PM on May 3, 2008. These forms are currently available. We will accept faxes. You have to pledge your support to a presidential candidate in order to run as a delegate or alternate. The presidential candidate may limit the number of candidates running (only if over 2 times the number to be selected file).

The State Executive Committee will first select the “Party Leader and Elected Official Delegates” (PLEO’s). Preference is given to big city mayors, statewide elected officials, legislative leadership, and members of the legislature for these positions. After this election, “At-Large” Delegates and Alternates will be selected. Preference will be given to delegates and alternates in order to achieve the equal division of men and women and to reach our affirmative action goals.

Presidential candidates will receive delegates and alternates based on the vote at the March 4, 2008 Primary.