Political Dictionary
A delegate is a person selected to represent voters or party members at a political convention.
Definition
A delegate is an individual chosen to participate in a party convention or other representative body. In presidential nominations, delegates usually support a candidate based on primary or caucus results. Delegate-selection rules differ by party, state, and election cycle.
Why It Matters
Delegates formally determine a party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominees and may vote on platform rules, credentials, and other convention business.
How It Works
Delegates are allocated or elected according to party rules. Some are pledged to a candidate for one or more convention ballots, while others may have greater discretion. A candidate typically needs a majority of convention delegates to secure the nomination.
History
Political conventions and delegates became central to American party nominations in the nineteenth century. Modern reforms shifted much of the power from party leaders to voters through binding primaries and caucuses.
Example
A candidate who wins a state primary may receive all or a proportional share of that state’s pledged delegates.
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