You can be a Delegate to the Republican State Convention! Read on to learn more about the requirements and role of delegates.
What is a Delegate?
Delegates are grassroots Republicans who participate in the shaping of the Republican Party, its role, and its direction regarding public policy. They volunteer and are chosen by their counties to attend the Party's state convention each year as voting members.
Who is eligible to be a Delegate?
To be eligible you must be registered as a Republican by January 31 in the year of the Convention or be a registered Republican who has moved to Orange County within 30 days of the County Convention or turned 18 within 30 days of the County Convention.
The Delegate Election Process
Step 1: Precinct Meetings
Precinct meetings are held each March, usually on a Saturday morning (the County Chair announces these meetings at least 10 days in advance on the county party website). Any eligible registered Republican as described above may attend and participate in these meetings. Attendees vote within their designated precinct for a pre-determined number of delegates and alternates to represent their precinct at the County and State Conventions.
Attendance is required at the precinct meetings in order to be voted in as a delegate. If you are not able to attend your precinct meeting, you may submit an Absentee Letter for approval and still be considered for (but not guaranteed) a delegate slot.
Step 2: County Convention
In Orange County, the County Convention is held immediately following the morning precinct meetings. Delegates who are elected at their precinct meetings are "seated" at the County Convention and allowed to vote on leadership elections, resolutions, and any other measures that may arise.
Those elected as alternates, and anyone else not elected as a delegate, may attend the County Convention as a non-voting guest.
Step 3: District Convention
Our 4th Congressional District Convention is held annually in April. Delegates (as well as alternates and other non-voting guests) are encouraged to attend to help steer the direction of the Party, though it is not required. Measures such as the party platform, plan of organization, and resolutions are voted on by delegates at the district level as well.
Step 4: State Convention
The NCGOP State Convention is held annually in late May or early June. Those who are elected as delegates at their precinct meeting/County Convention are eligible to attend the State Convention as a voting member and fully participate in what is truly the most important "grass roots" event on the political calendar.
The Republican State Convention is where we define our shared beliefs and determine how we will promote them. We do this by creating a platform and by setting rules and electing people to run the party between conventions.
Why become a delegate to the Republican State Convention?
As a delegate, you will have an instrumental role in shaping the beliefs of the Party and determining how to implement public policy in support of those beliefs. Along the way, there are opportunities to get involved at the county and district level on committees that set the rules, craft resolutions, and shape the platform and plan of organization that delegates from across the state will vote on at the state convention.