2016 National Convention Delegate Selection Press Kit

North Carolina Democratic Party 220 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27603

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kimberly Reynolds, Executive Director 919-821-2777 September 2015 NC Democratic National Delegate Selection Process Announced Raleigh, NC – With the adoption of its selection plan, the North Carolina Democratic Party has begun the process of determining who will represent the state at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. 122 North Carolinians will participate in nominating the next Democratic Presidential candidate at the convention in Philadelphia, July 26-27, 2016. All but 15 of the delegates will be pledged to a candidate and the number allocated to each candidate is based upon the results of the March 15, 2016, Presidential Primary Election. The Democratic Primary is not winner-take-all. 70 delegates representing each congressional district will be elected at District Conventions on May 21, 2016; the remaining pledged delegates and nine alternates will be elected at the State Convention on June 11, 2016. North Carolina also has approximately* 15 unpledged delegates (sometimes referred to as “super delegates”), including DNC members, Democratic members of Congress and Distinguished Party Leaders. The Party selection process seeks to build a delegation that reflects the citizens of our state with an equal number of men and women and representation goals for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, LGBT Americans, people with disabilities, young people (under 35) and seniors (over 65). Any registered Democrat is eligible to file to seek election as a delegate. Filing opens December 1, 2015.

The complete North Carolina Delegate Selection Plan is available here: * The exact number is subject to change due to possible deaths, resignations, elections or special elections. ####

North Carolina Delegation Demographics The North Carolina delegation to the 2016 Democratic Convention will include Democrats from across the state and represent the demographic diversity of our citizens. 70 Delegates will be elected to represent all 13 Congressional Districts Female Male Delegates Delegates 1 4 4 2 2 2 3 2 2 4 4 4 5 3 2 6 2 3 7 2 2 8 2 2 9 2 3 10 3 2 11 2 2 12 4 4 13 3 3 TOTAL 35 35

District

Total 8 4 4 8 5 5 4 4 5 5 4 8 6 70

23 Delegates and 9 Alternates will be elected at-large, equally divided among male and female delegates. 15 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 15 members of the delegation will be automatic, unpledged members. This includes DNC members, Democratic members of Congress 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 Democratic Electorate Goal for Representation

African Americans

Hispanic Americans

Native Americans

Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders

LGBT Americans

44.00%

7.00%

1.60%

1.60%

8.20%

57

9

2

2

10

People with Disabilities

Youth (65)

7.00% 9

How to Become a Delegate 2016 Democratic National Convention 1) Register to vote. Only registered Democrats are eligible. 2) Submit a Notice of Candidacy. 3) Engage with the Party. Attend your local precinct meeting, county convention, district and state convention and actively seek support for your candidacy.

Countdown to the National Convention December 1, 2015

Notice of Candidacy filing begins. You can file to run at the district level, at-large (statewide) or, if appropriate, as a Party Leader/Elected Official.

February 27, 2016

Statewide precinct meetings. Delegates to county and state conventions elected.

March 15, 2015

North Carolina Presidential Primary Election! The election outcome determines how many delegates each candidate will have.

April 25, 2016

DEADLINE to file Notice of Candidacy for election as district level delegate.

May 21, 2016

Congressional District Conventions. District level national convention delegates elected.

May 23, 2016

DEADLINE to file Notice of Candidacy for election as at-large delegate, alternate, or pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO).

June 11, 2016

State Convention Convenes. At-large delegates, alternates and pledged PLEO delegates elected.

July 25-28, 2016

Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia, PA

National Convention Delegate FAQs 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 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 (there’s little time for sleep ). How can I become a delegate? Beginning December 1, 2015, you can submit a Notice of Candidacy form through the NCDP website (www.ncdp.org); printed forms will also be distributed at Party events and meetings. Once you have filed, 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. Note that elected delegate names are submitted for approval by the Presidential candidate to whom they have pledged. NCDP will be providing more details and information throughout the selection process and you are welcome to review the entire Delegate Selection Plan here: 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 delegate pledge their support to a candidate when they file a Notice of Candidacy.

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 gets 100% of the vote in a particular Congressional District, but just 50% of the statewide vote, then all delegates elected in the district and half of the at-large delegates will be pledged to that candidate. Note that a Presidential candidate must get at least 15% of the vote to earn any delegates. What are my duties if I am elected a National Convention Delegate? First, you agree to attend a meeting of the North Carolina delegation right after the State Convention adjourns. Second, you will try to 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). Finally, you will represent North Carolina in Philadelphia, attend convention sessions and join your fellow delegates for informative and fun events throughout your stay.

NOTICE OF CANDIDACY Election as Delegate or Alternate 2016 Democratic National Convention  Philadelphia  July 25-28 Demographic Information (please print) Name: ____________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ City/Zip: ___________________________________________________

County: _______________________________ Congressional District: _______________________________

Home Phone: _______________________________________________

Precinct: _______________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________________________ Office Phone: _______________________________  Male  Female E-Mail: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Please check any that apply for affirmative action purposes:  African-American  Hispanic/Latino  Asian American Pacific Islander  35 years or younger  Native American (tribal affiliation ________________)  Member of LGBT community  Persons with disabilities  Other: ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________  Other:  65 years or older

Presidential Preference I am pledged to support the following presidential candidate: _______________________________________________  Uncommitted  In the event my candidacy is not approved by the presidential candidate of my choice, I wish to run in the uncommitted category

Please check all options which apply to you:  I wish to run for delegate at the district level (deadline to submit: April 25, 2016)  I wish to run for an at-large delegate/alternate at the state convention (deadline to submit: May 23, 2016)  I wish to run for delegate at a Party Leader/Elected Official (deadline to submit: May 23, 2016). The party/elected office(s) I currently hold is/are: __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ I pledge, if elected as a delegate or alternate, to attend the mandatory meeting of the North Carolina Delegation to be held immediately following the adjournment of the State Convention on June 2016. I affirm that I am a Democrat registered in the precinct, county, and congressional district indicated. Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: __________________________________

NOTICE OF CANDIDACY must be received by the following dates: April 25, 2016 for congressional district level May 23, 2016 for At-Large Delegate/Alternate, or Party Leader Elected Official Please mail or fax your Notice of Candidacy form to: Delegate Selection Office North Carolina Democratic Party 220 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603 FAX: (919) 821-4778 Phone: (919) 821-2777 www.ncdp.org