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I want to become a convention delegate
What is the formal process
How many delegates will be selected
Is my name placed on the ballot
What are my chances
Should I campaign and ask people to vote for me
Are there any other delegates
The Unpledged Party Leaders
Are there any delegates added to the list
The 9 Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials
At-large delegate to the Convention
Cannot serve due to a family emergency
A slate with other Presidential candidates
Affirmative Action Outreach Plan
Cost to attend
Will someone help to defray the costs
Will MCDCC pay
May I use my precinct funds or my precinct newsletter ?
Important Dates
How do I find out if I'm still registered to vote,and where?
Who are my elected representatives in the state legislature and Congress?
I want to learn about campaign financing in Maryland. Who gives what to whom?
Who is the county's executive?
When are the members of the Maryland General Assembly Elected?
I am trying to find information on the Nov 07 elections in Montgomery County (I know 06 will be really important, but Iam guessing that something is happening this time).Sorry if you h
Where is the Montgomery County Central Committee located? How do I find the office?
What is the Montgomery County population? How many Democrats are there?
I want to volunteer for the Democratic Party. How do I go about it?
What is the goal of the party?
What does the Montgomery County Democratic Party represent?
Where does the Maryland General Assembly meet?
When does the Maryland General Assembly convene?
How does a Council bill become law?
I'll be out of town on Election Day. How will I vote?
How may I register voters?
Where can I register to vote?
When is the Primary Election
When is the General Election

Convention Delegates

I want to become a convention delegate

1. Question: I want to become a convention delegate and I am supporting a particular presidential candidate. Should I contact the Presidential campaign and express my interest in serving as a delegate at the convention?

Answer: Yes, contact the Presidential Campaign that you are involved in and express your interest. Go to www.mcdcc.org and click candidate contacts.   back to top

What is the formal process

2. Question: What is the formal process for becoming a Presidential delegate? Where do I file to become a delegate?

Answer: An individual can qualify as a candidate for a 2008 Democratic National Convention delegate or alternate position and run in Democratic Primary by:

a) filing a statement of candidacy,
b) designating your presidential preference and
c) signing a pledge of support for the Presidential candidate.

These materials must be filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections by December 3, 2007.
151 West Street, Suite 200
Annapolis, MD 21401
Office hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
#800/222-8683
Info@Elections.State.MD.US   back to top

How many delegates will be selected

Question: How many delegates will be selected in the primary?

Answer:

If you live in Congressional 4 -- 4 males and 3 females will be selected (plus 1 female alternate will be selected).

If you live in Congressional 6 – 2 males and 2 females will be selected (plus 1 male alternate).

If you live in Congressional 8 -- 3 males and 4 females will be selected (plus 1 male alternate will be selected).   back to top

Is my name placed on the ballot

4. Question: Once I file, what happens next? Is my name placed on the ballot to be voted on during the February 12, 2008 primary?

Answer: The State Party Chair shares the list of filed delegate candidates with the Presidential campaigns on December 4, 2007. The Presidential campaigns may approve a number of names that is the same as – or greater than -- the number of delegate positions. So, if you want to be on this approved list, again, you should contact the Presidential campaign of your choice.

The top vote getters for the Presidential candidates who are entitled to delegates (if the Presidential candidate garners more than 15%) get the delegate seats. So, if Presidential candidate A is entitled to 2 delegates and candidate B is entitled to 1 delegate, the top 2 vote getters for candidate A win and the top 1 voter getter for candidate B wins, even if the top vote getter for candidate B has less votes than the third vote getter for Candidate A.

To review the Presidential selection ballot in the March 2004, primary, go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/eletmpl.asp?url=/Content/Elections/electionresults2004/congressional.asp.

To review the names of the individuals that were selected in 2004, go to: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/40party/html/demc.html.   back to top

What are my chances

5. Question: If I run in the primary, what are my chances of being selected?

Answer: Each Presidential candidate will be given delegates based upon the percentage of votes that the Presidential candidate garners.

Convention delegates and alternates will be given to Presidential candidates that receive at least 15% of the primary vote.   back to top

Should I campaign and ask people to vote for me

6. Question: Should I campaign and ask people to vote for me? Do I have to report my expenditures to the Federal Government?

Answer: Yes, you should engage in an active campaign to secure voters and feel free to contact neighbors and friends, etc. to ask them to vote for you.

You can raise money for this effort (campaigning, travel to the convention), but the money must come from federally-permissible donors (individuals); you may not receive funds from unions, corporations or non-citizens of the United States. You do not have to file a report with the Federal Election Commission unless you are part of a slate. For more information about delegate compliance, please go to http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/delegate.shtml.   back to top

Are there any other delegates

7. Question: Other than the delegates that run in the primary – are there any other delegates?

Answer: Yes, please see the chart below for the breakdown of Maryland delegates to the Democratic Convention.



Summary of Maryland Delegate Selection

The Unpledged Party Leaders

8. Question: Who are the unpledged party leaders and elected official delegates?

Answer: They are members of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House and members of the Democratic National Committee.   back to top

Are there any delegates added to the list

9. Question: What are the unpledged add on delegates?

Answer: Maryland has an additional 2 unpledged delegates. The State Party Chairman nominates two individuals for each of the 2 seats and the State Central Committee will choose them on May 1, 2008.   back to top

The 9 Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials

10. Question: Who are the 9 pledged party leader and elected official (PLEO) delegates?

Answer: Individuals are eligible for the pledged party leader and elected official delegate positions according to the following priority: big city mayors (which shall include county executives) and state-wide elected officials (to be given equal consideration); state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and party leaders. The Presidential campaigns must approve these individuals (again, the respective campaign must have garnered more than 15% in the primary vote). To file, they must file a declaration of candidacy with the State Party at 188 Main Street, Suite 1 Annapolis, MD 21401, between April 1 and April 18, 2008.   back to top

At-large delegate to the Convention

11. Question: If my name is not placed on the primary ballot, is there another opportunity for me to be a delegate? Can I serve as an at-large delegate to the Convention?

Answer: Maryland has 15 at-large delegates and 7 alternates. If you do not run in the primary, another method of serving as a delegate is being appointed – as one of the at-large delegates. Candidates for these positions should file a statement of candidacy – designating their Presidential or uncommitted preference along with a signed pledge of support for a Presidential candidate -- with the Maryland Democratic Party by April 18, 2008 at 5:00 pm. The State Party Chair conveys this list to the Presidential candidates and the Presidential candidates file a list of people they have approved to the State Party Chair.

These positions are allocated among Presidential preferences according to the amount of primary vote received by the Presidential candidate. Again, this is for candidates that receive over 15% of the primary vote   back to top

Cannot serve due to a family emergency

12. Question: If I win a delegate seat in the primary, because my Presidential candidate garners more than 15% of the vote, but cannot serve due to a family emergency, will someone take my place?

An alternate will replace you. However, unpledged delegates are not entitled to be replaced.   back to top

A slate with other Presidential candidates

13. Question: Can I run on a slate with other Presidential candidates?

Answer: Yes. Any group of Democrats may sponsor or endorse a slate of candidates for convention delegates, but the slate cannot receive preferential placement on the primary ballot.   back to top

Affirmative Action Outreach Plan

14. Question: What is the Affirmative Action Outreach Plan?

Answer: In order to encourage full participation by all Democrats in the delegate selection process, the Maryland Democratic Party encourages participation in the delegate selection process by African Americans, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Americans, women and youth. Educational outreach workshops will be held to further this objective – starting in September of 2007.   back to top

Cost to attend

15. Question: What is the cost to attend the convention?

Answer: Your costs will be airfare to Denver, food, hotel and other incidental expenses.

Will someone help to defray the costs

16. Question: Will someone help to defray the costs of my travel, food etc. at the Denver Convention?

Answer: All expenses related to the convention are the responsibility of the delegate.   back to top

Will MCDCC pay

17. Question: Does the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) pay for any of the delegates to attend?

Answer: No. This is the responsibility of the delegate   back to top

May I use my precinct funds or my precinct newsletter ?

18. Question: I am a precinct official; may I use my precinct funds or my precinct newsletter to promote a particular candidate for delegate (or presidential candidate)?

Answer: No, this is a primary; you may not use precinct funds or any other party resources to promote a candidate in a primary.   back to top

Important Dates

Important Dates

December 3, 2007
Deadline for Convention Delegates to File a Statement of Candidacy with the State Board of Elections

December 4, 2007
The State Party gives a list of those candidates that have applied to the Presidential campaigns

December 6, 2007
Presidential campaign provides a list of approved delegates to the State Party

February 12, 2008
Primary Election April 18, 2008 At-large delegate candidate deadline for filing the statement of candidacy and pledge of support forms with the State Party

To read the entire Maryland Delegate Selection Plan, go to www.mddems.org and click 2008 Maryland Delegate Selection Plan.

Elected Officials

How do I find out if I'm still registered to vote,and where?

Please go to the county election web site.

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/elections/EnterStreet.cfm

Who are my elected representatives in the state legislature and Congress?

A. Do a search on your address at the state archives web site.

I want to learn about campaign financing in Maryland. Who gives what to whom?

A. The web site, Open Secrets.org, sponsored by the Center for Responsive Politics, maintains an online database of campaign financing in Maryland. You can even find out who in your zip code gave how much to each Federal candidate or Political Action Committee.

Who is the county's executive?

A. The county is led by Democratic County Executive Ike Leggett and a County Council with all Democrat councilmembers.

When are the members of the Maryland General Assembly Elected?

A. Representatives to both houses are elected in each gubernatorial election year for four-year terms. Candidates for the House of Delegates must be at least twenty-one years of age and those for the Senate at least twenty-five. The House of Delegates consists of 141 members, while the Senate has 47 members.

General

I am trying to find information on the Nov 07 elections in Montgomery County (I know 06 will be really important, but Iam guessing that something is happening this time).Sorry if you h

The 2006 election is an important one.  This the election year where local officials run. This includes everyone from the Governor to the State Assembly to the County Council. While the Presidential election year receives a great deal of media attention often it is said all politics is local. This election year is the local year and is an important one.

Please check back often with us to see how you might participate.

Where is the Montgomery County Central Committee located? How do I find the office?

A. The address is 3720 Farragut Ave. # 303, Kensington, MD 20895. For very specific directions from your location, type in your address and our address into Mapquest.

What is the Montgomery County population? How many Democrats are there?

A. With a population of approximately 873,000, Montgomery County is Maryland's largest jurisdiction. Montgomery County also contains more registered Democrats (approximately 246,000) than any other jurisdiction in the state.

I want to volunteer for the Democratic Party. How do I go about it?

A. We have numerous opportunities and are always in need of people to volunteer in our office. We are also in need of precinct officials to bring the message of Democratic values to your community! Our various democratic candidates often need volunteers as well.  There are many ways to volunteer

• Go to the volunteer form on this site located at http://www.mcdcc.org/index.php?display=Join/volunteer/Y/pid/333834
• Call our office at 301-946-1000 to request a volunteer packet with more information or
• Email montgomerydems@msn.com.

What is the goal of the party?

A. Our party strives to ensure the election of Democrats to public office, while encouraging the participation of precinct officials, activists, volunteers and contributors.

What does the Montgomery County Democratic Party represent?

A. The Montgomery County Democratic Party represents the progressive traditions that have long characterized the people and the politics of Montgomery County, Maryland. Our county is known for its open and honest government, compassionate and conscientious public servants, first-rate educational system and fiscally responsible management.

Legislation

Where does the Maryland General Assembly meet?

A. The Maryland General Assembly meets in Annapolis each year for 90 days to act on more than 2300 bills including the State's annual budget.

When does the Maryland General Assembly convene?

A. The Maryland General Assembly convenes annually on the second Wednesday in January for a 90-day session.

How does a Council bill become law?

The Montgomery County Council enacts local public laws for the "peace, good government, health, and welfare of the county." Since State laws take precedence over local laws, the Council must not enact any law that is contrary to State law; in case of a conflict, State laws are preeminent. Most criminal laws that we are familiar with are State laws.

The Montgomery County Charter requires that the County Council hold a public hearing on every proposed law, and a majority of 5 votes is required to enact a law. Emergency legislation, which is declared necessary for the immediate protection of public health or safety, requires 6 votes for enactment. If the County Executive vetoes a law enacted by the Council, the Council within 60 days may, by the vote of 6 members, override the veto.

Voting

I'll be out of town on Election Day. How will I vote?

A. You may vote by Absentee Ballot. Download an Application.
B.  You may vote early for the primary.

How may I register voters?

In order to register others, you need to attend a class and be certified by the Board of Elections as a Voter Registration Volunteer. This allows you to register voters in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland.

Training sessions for Voter Registration Volunteers are given at the Board of Elections office, 751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville. Classes are given each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. You do not need an appointment to attend the class. Evening classes can be arranged for groups of 5 or more; call (240) 777-8500 and speak to Ms. Lucey about scheduling an evening training session.

Where can I register to vote?

When is the Primary Election

The Primary Election is February 12, 2008 which will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees for each office.   The polls will be open from 7:00AM to 8:00PM. 

When is the General Election

The General Election will be held on November 4, 2008.   The polls will be open from 7:00AM to 8:00PM.   back to top

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