Everyone knows that the Missouri Primary is Feb 5th, but that is just the start for those wanting to become more involved in the Democratic Party or serve as a Democratic Convention Delegate. Why is this such behind the scenes info? Let’s become the Party!
This process is similar around the State, but may not be identical in some details…check with your local Party chair. (and attend a Central committee or two… you will be glad you did… the party belongs to those who show up!)
Here is the Schedule (as applies to Boone County):
Boone County Legislative Dist. Caucuses: Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Boone County Convention: March 13, 7:30 p.m.
9th Congressional District Convention: Thursday March 27 (Probably in Mexico at the Court House)
State Convention: Saturday May 10
The State Convention will be at Columbia’s Expo center.
…is in actually showing up.
Amen.
105 counties (“…those casting a combined total of less than 30,000 votes for the Democratic nominee for president in the 2000 and 2004 general elections…”) will hold legislative district meetings or a county mass meeting on February 28th at 7:30 p.m.
At that meeting you pledge your presidential preference and elect delegates to the state convention. Individuals elected at the February 28th meetings will go directly to their March 27th Congressional District where they will elect national delegates and alternates (allocated to the district). In the case of my congressional district they will elect two male delegates, three female delegates and one male alternate. Individuals elected at the February 28th meeting will also be delegates to the May 10th state convention where they will elect 16 delegates and 4 alternates to the national convention. The allocation of pledged national delegates is based on a 15% threshold in the February 5th primary vote, and then distribution by the actual vote that the candidates received in the primary.
“At all levels, including the State Convention, a caucus of 15% or more can be formed as unpledged. Such caucuses are independent of any allegience to any candidate. If at the next level there is not 15% to form a similar caucus, the Delegates are free to join another caucus.”
“…any Democrat who wants to attend any mass meeting or convention must vote in the February 5th primary…”
If you don’t vote in the primary, you can’t participate in the delegate selection process.