FAQ

Who We Are:

 

Delegates Are Democracy is a grassroots organization made up of Democratic activists who have worked for Democrats at the national, state, and local level. We have always believed in the importance of the Democratic Party in moving our nation forward, and know that a strong party and convention process is essential to defeating Donald Trump.

 

Our Position on President Biden:

 

President Biden is an honorable public servant, the leader of our Party, and the Party’s presumptive Presidential nominee. We are not organizing against him or to influence his decision whether or not to continue his campaign, but to clarify the role of the convention and its delegates in the Democratic Party and the democratic process.

 

Our Position on Vice President Harris:

 

Vice President Harris could make a strong candidate for the presidency. She has already received votes from 80+ million Americans. Our effort is not focused on a particular candidate -- we are focused on educating the public and preparing delegates for the important role they may play.

 

What We Are Doing: 

 

Delegates Are Democracy is engaging DNC Convention Delegates across the nation, with an initial focus on key states that can serve as bellwethers for the rest of the country. Our organizing platform is about upholding and defending delegates as essential players in the democratic process.

 

• Direct Outreach to Delegates: We are contacting delegates directly, beginning in a few key states. Our initial efforts are focused on learning more about how delegates are thinking about the process ahead, the potentially vital role they may play in this election, and understanding what they would find most helpful as the Convention approaches.

 

• Education and Information: Early conversations with delegates indicate that even highly informed delegates still lack basic information about the process. We will reach delegates through direct contact, a credible and well-researched website, social media, and earned media.

 

• Public and Media Engagement: Our team is experienced with high-stakes media interaction, and we are preparing to engage with local and national media about our efforts and about the importance of an informed, well-run convention process that results in a strong nominee who can beat Donald Trump.

 

• Pushing Back Against Misinformation and Mischaracterizations: Opponents of the Democratic Party ticket are already seeking to undermine the validity and legitimacy of the convention process. We will counter these narratives by highlighting the essential democratic nature of the convention process and its long track record of nominating strong candidates for national elections.

 

• Filling a Vacuum: Due to an unstable political landscape, the formal institutions - like the DNC and state party organizations - that would nominally be charged with explaining and defending the valid role of delegates are unable to do so. Filling this information vacuum is essential to a healthy process.

 

• Charting a Course Toward Unity: An uncertain next few weeks risk sowing division within a Democratic Party that must emerge from the convention united against Donald Trump. Building awareness with activists and voters about who the delegates are and the legitimate role delegates play in democracy will help promote unity at a crucial time.  

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Presidential Nomination Process FAQ

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Why is it important that delegates have information about the Democratic Convention nominating process?

President Joe Biden has not dropped out and Delegates are Democracy is not advocating for that outcome. The President is the leader of our Party. In the event that the President decides to withdraw from the campaign, it is crucial that delegates have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

 

Can delegates refuse to support President Biden if he decides not to step aside?

Per Democratic Convention rules, delegates will “in good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.” This is not a legally binding commitment, so in theory, they could back an alternative candidate. But the chances of significant numbers of delegates abandoning President Biden are very low -- most delegates that we have spoken with feel committed to the President.

 

Would a new nominee have issues securing ballot access?

No, Republicans are spreading false information. If the President were to withdraw before a roll call vote, a new candidate or candidates could be put forward to be chosen by Convention delegates. If this were to occur, there would be no problem with ballot printing and state laws. If the President were to withdraw after being nominated by the Convention, the Democratic National Committee (DNC)––not Convention Delegates––would choose a new nominee. Depending on the date of this action, there could be issues with ballot access in some states.

 

What happens to campaign funds if President Biden steps aside?

Vice President Harris could continue to use campaign funds in the Biden-Harris joint account if the President chooses to step aside and she becomes the nominee. If another person becomes the nominee, the Biden-Harris campaign funds can be transferred to the DNC, which can use the funds to support the new nominee. In that case, the DNC would only be able to use some of those funds in a coordinated manner with the new nominee’s campaign; the rest would have to be spent without coordinating with the campaign,  similar to how a Super PAC operates. 
 

 

How would new candidates put their names into consideration at the Convention?

According to current Convention rules, prospective candidates would need to submit a petition signed by at least 300 delegates, with no more than 50 delegates coming from any one state. Each delegate would only be able to sign one petition. Candidates would also have to submit a letter approving their name being put forward to contest the Democratic nomination for president. The letter must be submitted personally by the candidate.  

 

What about a “mini-primary” in the event that President Biden steps aside?

 

The DNC Rules Committee and/or the full DNC would have to vote to set up the “mini-primary,” including changing rules to allow for debates and setting the relevant timelines. Any candidates interested in competing for the nomination would have to take certain steps to officially declare themselves.

 

What federal campaign requirements would there be for candidates?

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Any potential candidate would need to form a presidential campaign committee and file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in order to begin fundraising for their bid. Vice President Harris would be the only candidate able to use her existing campaign apparatus.  

 

How does delegate roll call voting at the Convention work?

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To win the Democratic nomination, a candidate needs to win a simple majority of all delegates’ votes. In a contested nomination, only the 3,933 “pledged” delegates may vote on the first ballot. Pledged delegates were selected through state primaries and caucuses and are pledged to support a particular candidate. In this case, the vast majority of 2024 Convention delegates are pledged to vote for President Biden. If no candidate reaches a majority on the first round of voting, there is a second ballot where 739 super delegates—elected officials and party leaders—may also vote, and the pledged delegates are no longer bound to a particular candidate. Voting continues until one candidate wins a majority.

 

Could candidates be “drafted” into the process without having declared for president?

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No. Candidates must establish and register with the FEC a separate, dedicated presidential campaign committee to raise and spend funds on their candidacy. Candidates would not be able to use other political committees, including multi-candidate PACs, leadership PACs, or super PACs, as there are strict laws governing what campaign expenses must be covered by a candidate’s own campaign committee as opposed to other political committees. Also, candidates would be required to sign a letter declaring their candidacy at the convention to be considered for the nomination. 

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Is the DNC holding a virtual roll call to choose the nominee prior to the convention?

DNC leadership has stated a plan to hold a virtual roll call before August 7th, and as soon as late July. The DNC Rules Committee is meeting via telephone on July 19 to decide (1) whether to hold the virtual roll call and (2) if so, to select the date. We believe an in-person roll call at the Convention provides the most transparent and legitimate process for delegates. Delegates that we speak with indicate they have had little or no communication from the DNC or their respective state parties about the process for this roll call or reasons why it needs to take place before the Convention. Any justification should be clearly and comprehensively communicated to delegates. 

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Sources: Interviews with election law, finance, and procedure experts; DNC Convention Call 2024.

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