What is a California Democratic Party Delegate?

The California Democratic Party is governed by the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC).

The DSCC has approximately 3000 delegates.

Some delegates are appointed by elected officials and Democratic Party County Committees, while about 1/3 are elected every odd numbered year through elections divided by Assembly District.

Only twelve individuals (6 women, 6 men) from each Assembly District can be elected as delegates to serve a two year term to the DSCC.  

Elections are on either January 10th or January 11th, depending on your Assembly District. 

For information on when and where your Assembly District election will be held, please click here.

What are Delegate Responsibilities?

As one of 3,000 delegates, you will be able to vote on candidate endorsements, help shape the platform of the California Democratic Party, approve the rules by which the CDP functions, vote on resolutions of concern to various communities and choose CDP representatives to the Democratic National Party.

You will also be able to serve on one or more California Democratic Party committees.

You will be repsonsible for attending the annual statewide convention, one in Southern California and one in Northern California.

What Do I Need To Do to Run for a Delegate Position?

To Run to be a delegate: The State Party has a form available on their website, both for download as well as to fill out online. 

To find the delegate application form, go to www.cadem.org/ADdelegate You will receive a confirmation e-mail from the Democratic Party after submitting your online application.   If you do not receive a confirmation, please call the CDP at (916) 442-5707.

The deadline to fill out the form and have it received by the Sacramento CDP office is  12 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2008. 

Per CDP By-Laws, you must file 12 calendar days in advance to be eligible to run for delegate position.

What is the Executive Board?

The Executive Board has all the duties and powers of the CDP when it is not in session (at the Convention). 

If you would like to run for a position on the Executive Board (EBoard) you must be elected as a delegate first.

If you are elected to the EBoard, you are required to attend three quarterly EBoard meetings in California each year, as well as the statewide convention. 

EBoard elections occur at the same day, time and location as the AD Delegate elections.

What is a Progressive Delegate?

Progressive delegates are action oriented individuals that advocate for progressive issues within the Democratic Party.  

To learn more about the Progressive Slate and the guiding principles and beliefs behind it, click here.  

Who gets to Vote for CDP Delegates?

Every Democrat registered in the Assembly District prior to the close of registration for the November 2008 election can vote for delegates in the election.  

The only exceptions are for persons who turned 18 or were naturalized as citizens after the close of registration - those persons can register on-site as Democrats and participate. 

A $5 registration fee will be collected from all voting participants, to help defray meeting costs.  This registration fee will be waived for those participants who claim economic hardship.

Can I still be involved in the California Democratic Party if I am not a Delegate?

Yes.  Everyone, whether a delegate or not, can attend all conventions, EBoard meetings, caucus meetings and committee meetings.  

Every Democrat can become a voting member of a caucus. Caucuses meet at the annual convention and at each EBoard meeting.  

For more information on the California Democratic Party caucuses, click here.