Democratic National Convention
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the 2024 Democratic National Convention be held?
The convention will be held August 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. The nightly convention sessions will be at United Center and daily caucus meetings and other activities will be at McCormick Place West. A security perimeter will be established surrounding the convention venues and a convention credential is required for entry.
What happens at the Democratic National Convention?
The main business of the convention is to select the Democratic Party’s nominees for President and Vice President, but during its four days and nights, there is a lot of activity for delegates. If you have watched primetime television coverage of past conventions, you have seen and heard lots of political speeches. There are typically many more speeches and presentations than are televised and there is other party business conducted, as well. Before the convention calls to order each day around 5:00 p.m., there are a variety of meetings and events that might interest you. Some events are for specific members, but others are open to all convention delegates.
Who actually elects National Delegates?
At each CD convention and the DFL State Convention, CD/State Delegates who share the same presidential preference elected candidates from their group to be National Delegates: supporters of “Candidate A” will elect “Candidate A” National Delegates, supporters of “Candidate B” elected “Candidate B” National Delegates, and so on.
Who can run for National Delegate?
It is not necessary to be a delegate to your CD Convention or the State Convention to run for National Delegate. A candidate must be at least 18 years old by November 5, 2024, and eligible to vote in the general election on that date. Candidates may run for election as a district-level National Delegate only within the CD where they are eligible to vote.
Who can run as a Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate?
The Minnesota DFL Party defines PLEOs as anyone who holds a public elected office in Minnesota, a DFL party office or is actively involved in DFL activities at any level.
How do I run for National Delegate?
More information and resources on the National Delegate selection process will be available in the coming weeks.
Do I need to choose a Presidential Candidate to support?
Yes. All candidates for National Delegate must declare a single presidential preference (or uncommitted status). Presidential campaigns may use their right to refuse individual candidates. Delegates are allocated according to the results of the Presidential Primary held on March 5, 2024. Each DFL Congressional District (CD) Convention elects a pre-determined number of National Delegates.
At-large delegates and alternates, as well as Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials (PLEOs) are elected at the DFL State Convention. The number of Delegates and other positions allotted to each presidential candidate will be available soon.
Where do delegates stay during the convention?
Each state delegation is assigned rooms in a specific hotel assigned by the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC). Some Minnesota delegation activities are held at the hotel, including a morning breakfast meeting where delegates will get information updates and pick up their credentials for the day. Booking rooms at the delegation hotel during the Convention is handled by DFL staff and delegates are responsible for payment.
How do I get to Chicago?
Delegates are responsible for arranging their own travel to Chicago. Some delegates decide to travel together and share expenses, but the DNCC does not arrange for any transportation to the convention city.
How do I get around while in Chicago?
Transportation is provided between the delegation hotel and the convention venues. Due to security concerns, this is usually the only way to get to convention activities. Delegates should allow extra time to travel from place to place, as they may need to wait for transportation.
How much does this cost? Who covers expenses?
Attending the convention is costly, and delegates need to cover their own expenses for travel, hotel (five-night minimum), and meals. Delegates can expect to pay $2500-4000. A small number of grants may be offered by the DFL Party, but those are usually only a few hundred dollars and a delegate must demonstrate financial need to qualify. Delegates have also raised funds with the help of their local party units, friends and family, or even by starting a GoFundMe campaign. Delegates are encouraged to reduce expenses by sharing a room with other delegates and carpooling to Chicago.
What should I expect to do at the convention?
Delegates can choose from a wide variety of meetings and special activities each day, before the convention session convenes in the late afternoon (around 5:00 p.m.). There are also various parties and receptions held after the convention recesses – some may require tickets or invitations. However, delegates are required to get up early each morning for a delegation breakfast meeting at the hotel where they must pick up their convention credential for that day. Delegates are expected to be in their seats at United Center when the convention calls to order. Convention sessions can run late – often till midnight or after, so be prepared for long days. The National Convention can be very enjoyable, but it can be exhausting, as well!