Convention FAQs
New to local politics? Never attended a political convention before? Here are some FAQs that you may find helpful.
Q: What is a County Convention?
A: The purpose of a County Convention is to conduct the business of the local Republican Party. We propose and vote on Convention Rules, Resolutions, the Party Platform and our County Plan of Organization. Delegates are also elected.
Q: Resolutions, platforms, delegates...it's all so confusing! What do these terms mean?
A: For a description of terms, go here.
Q: Who can attend?
A: Anyone who is registered as a Republican by January 31 of the current year may participate in the Convention as a voting member. Republicans can bring friends who are registered as Unaffiliated voters as non-voting guests, but they cannot be seated as Delegates.
Q: What's the difference between a Precinct Meeting and the Convention?
A: The Precinct Meetings are held in the morning immediately before the County Convention and are like smaller "neighborhood" meetings. Each precinct will have a designated area at which the Precinct Chair will conduct their meeting. At that meeting, the group will elect the Delegates and Alternates to the County Convention. In odd-numbered years, the Precinct Officers (called the Precinct Committee) will also be elected by the group. Detailed instructions will be given on the day of the meetings. You must attend this meeting to be seated as a Delegate to the District or State Conventions.
The Convention follows immediately afterward and is attended by everyone from all precincts together. There are guest speakers, newly elected Delegates will be seated, Rules and Resolutions will be proposed and adopted, as will the Party Platform and County Plan of Organization. In odd-numbered years, County Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and others) and the County Executive Committee are also elected during the Convention. You must attend the Convention to run for office.
Q: Who may run for office or be seated as a Delegate?
A: To be eligible you must be registered as a Republican by January 31 of the current year or be a registered Republican who has moved to Orange County within 30 days of the Precinct Meeting or turned 18 within 30 days of the Precinct Meeting.
Q: What if I am interested in being a precinct officer or Delegate, but I can't attend the Convention?
A: If you are not able to attend your Precinct Meeting in person, but would still like to be considered for a delegate, precinct officer, or committee position, you must register for the Convention, pay the required registration fee, and submit the required Absentee Letter for consideration. Return of an Absentee Letter does not guarantee election; attendees at the Precinct Meeting take precedence over absentees for purposes of filling positions with a limited number of allotted spots.
Q: If I am seated as a Delegate to the County Convention, am I obligated to attend the District and State Conventions?
A: No, however, it does help us get to the maximum number of Delegates seated for Orange County. Voting at the state level is weighted based on the number of Delegates we seat.
Q: Why should I consider going?
A: The County Convention is a great place to meet candidates, your Precinct Chair and other local GOP neighbors, and to find out how to get more involved with the Party. Besides, it's fun!
Q: Do I have to pre-register to attend?
A: Yes, we require that you register for credentialing and planning purposes. You may register at the event page on our website. We will also be sending out email reminders with the registration link to our OCGOP email list in the weeks leading up to the event. If you are not on our email list, you may sign up on the home page of our website. Registration deadline is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. There will be NO on-site registration the morning of the Convention.
Q: Does it cost money to attend?
A: There is a $10 fee to attend, payable at the time of registration, which helps to offset convention expenses. Note that this fee is waived for students and for those experiencing financial hardship.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: You may call the OCGOP office at 919-245-1777 or contact Larry Smith, OCGOP Chairman, at email.