Amongst wild gesturing and uttered at quick-fire pace, as I am apt to do, I informed friends (and some foes) that I was on the ballot to become a delegate for the Democratic party in California. Almost immediately my ears and inbox were full of questions and suspicions. Some questioned my claim to citizenship - yes, I am BOTH American and English, it is called dual nationality thankyouverymuch - and others questioned why me? HOW me? It seems only kosher to give y'all the rundown.
The Democratic National Convention will be held in Denver August 25th through 28th, and delegates from all fifty fair states will be in attendance. If there are still two candidates in the race at that point, the nomination for the Democratic presidential candidate will be put to the vote; further if you intend to pursue a position of leadership in the California or National Democratic Party, you must first become a delegate for your district. In California, there are 441 delegates (and 62 alternates) that go to the DNC.*
In order to be considered for a (Dem) congressional district delegate you must be 18 years of age, registered as a Democrat in your district, and there are some forms you must return previous to the caucus. It really isn't that difficult, people. Pretty much more important than any of the aforementioned is passion, commitment, and an inclination towards the political process.
I am pretty sure my time as a CDD is yet come, but it was still fun to see my name on the Cal Dem site, and there is something very powerful about feeling invested in the political process. As part of an apolitical, and often apathetic generation, it was refreshing to feel I just might have a place in this government yet. Post-PC non-competitive entry what...
Wanna know more?
California Democratic Party
Democratic National Convention 2008
*N.b. the delegates are split evenly between males and females; yes, the binary notion of gender is prevalent in the political arena.
