The Green Papers
Democratic Delegate Allocation - 2008


On 5 October 2007, the DNC determined that the date of Florida's 29 January 2008 primary violates party rules and has decided to strip the state of its entire delegation.

On 1 December 2007, the DNC determined that the date of Michigan's 15 January 2008 primary violates party rules and has decided to strip the state of its entire delegation.

On Saturday 31 May 2008, the Democratic Rules and Bylaws Committee decided to seat the entire Florida and Michigan delegations. However, each delegate (pledged and unpledged) will cast only ½ delegate vote.

On the day before the National Convention, 24 August 2008, the Democratic National Convention's Credentials Committee had, at the request of Senator Barack Obama, voted to restore full voting strength to the delegates from Michigan and Florida, bringing the primary dispute to closure. The panel approved the full seating of Michigan and Florida with no debate or opposing votes.


Primary Calendar

Delegate selection primaries, caucuses, and conventions will begin on the first Tuesday in February (5 February 2008) and end on the second Tuesday in June (10 June 2008). States are required to complete their process by the third Saturday in June (21 June 2008). However,

  • Iowa can schedule its first tier caucuses 22 days before the window (Monday 14 January 2008),
  • Nevada can schedule its first tier caucuses 17 days before the window (Saturday 19 January 2008),
  • New Hampshire can hold its primary 14 days before the window (Tuesday 22 January 2008), and
  • South Carolina can hold its primary 7 days before the window (Tuesday 29 January 2008).

Delegate Allocation Overview

The pledged delegate "base" allocation is determined by the jurisdiction's Presidential vote in 1996, 2000, and 2004; and the jurisdiction's electoral vote allocation. Jurisdictions beginning their process later in the cycle receive bonus delegates.

The unpledged PLEO Democratic Delegates consist of Democratic Governors, House members, Senators; DNC members; distinguished party leaders (former Democratic Presidents, Governors, Representatives, and Senators); and Add-on delegates (as voted by the DNC). Elections, appointments, and deaths from now until the 2008 convention will change these numbers.

Click here to skip to the current allocation.


Computation of (intermediate) Base Votes
for Jurisdictions with Electoral Votes

The rules of the Democratic National Convention call for the following formula to be used in determining the allocation of delegate votes to each jurisdiction sending a delegation to the Convention.

Each jurisdiction with electoral votes is assigned a number of Base (delegate) votes based on an "Allocation Factor" multiplied by 3,000 arrived at through a calculation involving the following factors:

  1. State's Democratic Vote (SDV): The jurisdiction's popular vote for the Democratic candidate for President in the last three Presidential Elections (1996, 2000, and 2004).
  2. Total Democratic Vote (TDV): The total popular vote for the Democratic candidate for President in the last three Presidential Elections (1996, 2000, and 2004).
  3. The state's Electoral Vote (SEV).
  4. The total Electoral Vote of all jurisdictions (538).

The formula for determining a jurisdiction's Allocation Factor is:

Allocation Factor = ½ × ( ( SDV ÷ TDV ) + ( SEV ÷ 538 ) )

The number of Base votes assigned to a state is Allocation Factor × 3000 (Fractions 0.5 and above are rounded to the next highest integer).

To summarize, half of a jurisdiction's base vote is determined by the number of Presidential Electors assigned to that state and half are computed by the number of people who voted for the Democratic candidate in the last three elections.


Assignments of (intermediate) Base Votes
for Jurisdictions without Electoral Votes

Jurisdictions without Electoral votes receive the following:

  • American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are each assigned 3 Base Votes.
  • Democrats Abroad are assigned 6 Base Votes.
  • Puerto Rico is assigned 44 Base Votes.

Computation of Bonus Base Votes

The number of Bonus Base votes for 5%, 10%, 15%, and 30% awards is the number of Base votes × 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.30 respectively (fractions 0.5 and above are rounded to the next highest integer).

 

Computation of Allocation Factor and (Intermediate) Base Votes

State1996
SDV
2000
SDV
2004
SDV
1996 +
2000 +
2004 SDV
SDV÷TDV2008
State
Electoral
Vote
SEV÷538Allocation
Factor
Base
Votes
5%
Bonus
Base
10%
Bonus
Base
15%
Bonus
Base
30%
Bonus
Base
Alaska80,38079,004111,025270,4090.00171830.0055760.003647111123
Alabama662,165692,611693,9332,048,7090.01301390.0167290.0148714525714
Arkansas475,171422,768469,9531,367,8920.00868960.0111520.009921302359
Arizona653,288685,341893,5242,232,1530.014179100.0185870.0163834925715
California5,119,8355,861,2036,745,48517,726,5230.112599550.1022300.10741532216324897
Colorado671,152738,2271,001,7322,411,1110.01531590.0167290.0160224825714
Connecticut735,740816,015857,4882,409,2430.01530470.0130110.0141574224613
District of Columbia158,220171,923202,970533,1130.00338630.0055760.004481131124
Delaware140,355180,068200,152520,5750.00330730.0055760.004441131124
Florida2,546,8702,912,2533,583,5449,042,6670.057439270.0501860.0538131618162448
Georgia1,053,8491,116,2301,366,1493,536,2280.022462150.0278810.02517276481123
Hawaii205,012205,286231,708642,0060.00407840.0074350.005756171235
Iowa620,258638,517741,8982,000,6730.01270870.0130110.0128603924612
Idaho165,443138,637181,098485,1780.00308240.0074350.005258161225
Illinois2,341,7442,589,0262,891,5507,822,3200.049687210.0390330.0443601337132040
Indiana887,424901,980969,0112,758,4150.017521110.0204460.0189845736917
Kansas387,659399,276434,9931,221,9280.00776260.0111520.009457281348
Kentucky636,614638,898712,7331,988,2450.01262980.0148700.0137504124612
Louisiana927,837792,344820,2992,540,4800.01613790.0167290.0164334925715
Massachusetts1,571,7631,616,4871,803,8004,992,0500.031710120.0223050.02700781481224
Maryland966,2071,145,7821,334,4933,446,4820.021892100.0185870.0202406136918
Maine312,788319,951396,8421,029,5810.00654040.0074350.006987211236
Michigan1,989,6532,170,4182,479,1836,639,2540.042173170.0315990.0368861116111733
Minnesota1,120,4381,168,2661,445,0143,733,7180.023717100.0185870.0211526336919
Missouri1,025,9351,111,1381,259,1713,396,2440.021573110.0204460.0210106336919
Mississippi394,022404,614457,7661,256,4020.00798160.0111520.009567291349
Montana167,922137,126173,710478,7580.00304130.0055760.004309131124
North Carolina1,107,8491,257,6921,525,8493,891,3900.024718150.0278810.02630079481224
North Dakota106,90595,284111,052313,2410.00199030.0055760.003783111123
Nebraska236,761231,780254,328722,8690.00459250.0092940.006943211236
New Hampshire246,214266,348340,511853,0730.00541940.0074350.006427191236
New Jersey1,652,3291,788,8501,911,4305,352,6090.034000150.0278810.03094093591428
New Mexico273,495286,783370,942931,2200.00591550.0092940.007604231237
Nevada203,974279,978397,190881,1420.00559750.0092940.007445221237
New York3,756,1774,107,6974,314,28012,178,1540.077356310.0576210.06748820210203061
Ohio2,148,2222,186,1902,741,1657,075,5770.044944200.0371750.0410591236121837
Oklahoma488,105474,276503,9661,466,3470.00931470.0130110.0111633323510
Oregon649,641720,342943,1632,313,1460.01469370.0130110.0138524224613
Pennsylvania2,215,8192,485,9672,938,0957,639,8810.048529210.0390330.0437811317132039
Rhode Island233,050249,508259,760742,3180.00471540.0074350.006075181235
South Carolina506,283565,561661,6991,733,5430.01101180.0148700.0129413924612
South Dakota139,333118,804149,244407,3810.00258830.0055760.004082121124
Tennessee909,146981,7201,036,4772,927,3430.018595110.0204460.0195205936918
Texas2,459,6832,433,7462,832,7047,726,1330.049077340.0631970.0561371688172550
Utah221,633203,053241,199665,8850.00423050.0092940.006762201236
Virginia1,091,0601,217,2901,454,7423,763,0920.023903130.0241640.02403372471122
Vermont137,894149,022184,067470,9830.00299230.0055760.004284131124
Washington1,123,3231,247,6521,510,2013,881,1760.024653110.0204460.02255068371020
Wisconsin1,071,9711,242,9871,489,5043,804,4620.024166100.0185870.02137764361019
West Virginia327,812295,497326,541949,8500.00603350.0092940.007664231237
Wyoming77,93460,48170,776209,1910.00132930.0055760.003452101123
Electoral Vote
Sub Total
47,402,35750,999,89759,028,109157,430,3631.0000005381.0000002.0000002,997152297448901
 
Jurisdiction1996
SDV
2000
SDV
2004
SDV
1996 +
2000 +
2004 SDV
SDV÷TDV2008
State
Electoral
Vote
SEV÷538Allocation
Factor
Base
Votes
5%
Bonus
Base
10%
Bonus
Base
15%
Bonus
Base
30%
Bonus
Base
American Samoa        31111
Democrats Abroad        61112
Guam        31111
Puerto Rico        4424713
Unassigned        00000
Virgin Islands        31111
Non Electoral Vote
Sub Total
        59681118
 
Grand Total        3,056158305459919
 

Bonus Allocation

Bonus delegates are awarded to states holding their First Determining Step (start their delegate allocation process) later in the cycle. The bonus is awarded as a percentage of the base allocation of pledged delegates and applies to the district and at-large delegates. The bonus does NOT apply to the Pledged PLEO and Unpledged delegates.

The Presidential nomination cycle is divided into 3 Stages: Stage I for January, February, or March; Stage II for April; and Stage III for May or June.

If a state began their 2004 process in January, February, or March and begins their 2008 process in

  • April: 15% bonus (Base × 0.15) [Stage I to Stage II]
  • May or June: 30% bonus (Base × 0.3) [Stage I to Stage III]

If a state began their 2004 process in April and begins their 2008 process in

  • April: 5% bonus (Base × 0.05) [Stage II]
  • May or June: 30% bonus (Base × 0.3) [Stage II to Stage III]

If a state began their 2004 process in May or June and begins their 2008 process in

  • May or June: 10% bonus (Base × 0.1) [Stage III]

Bonus votes are allocated to jurisdictions as district and at-large delegates.

  • Bonus At-Large Delegate Votes = [5%, 10%, 15%, 30%] Bonus Base × 0.25. (Fractions 0.5 and above are rounded to the next highest integer. Should the rounding result in 0 Bonus Delegate Votes, the round the Bonus up to 1.)
  • Bonus District Delegate Votes = [5%, 10%, 15%, 30%] Bonus Base - Bonus At-Large Delegate Votes. (The number of Bonus District delegates plus the number of Bonus At-Large delegates must equal the Bonus Base. Hence, the rounding favors the statewide At-Large allocation.)
  • There is one exception to the above rule: South Dakota's bonus delegate is awarded as a District rather than an At-Large delegate.

Rule 20.C.1. - Sanctions

If a jurisdiction begins their delegate selection process before the "window", that jurisdiction's pledged delegate allocation is reduced by 50% and their unpledged delegates are not allowed to vote at the National Convention.

If a candidate campaigns in violation of the "window" that candidate may receive neither pledged delegates nor delegate votes from the state where the violation occurred.

Text of Rule 20.C.1.

  • a. Violation of timing: In the event the Delegate Selection Plan of a state party provides or permits a meeting, caucus, convention or primary which constitutes the first determining stage in the presidential nominating process to be held prior to or after the dates for the state as provided in Rule 11 of these rules, or in the event a state holds such a meeting, caucus, convention or primary prior to or after such dates, the number of pledged delegates elected in each category allocated to the state pursuant to the Call for the National Convention shall be reduced by fifty (50%) percent, and the number of alternates shall also be reduced by fifty (50%) percent. In addition, none of the members of the Democratic National Committee and no other unpledged delegate allocated pursuant to Rule 8.A. from that state shall be permitted to vote as members of the state's delegation. In determining the actual number of delegates or alternates by which the state's delegation is to be reduced, any fraction below .5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and any fraction of .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next nearest whole number.
  • b. A presidential candidate who campaigns in a state where the state party is in violation of the timing provisions of these rules, or where a primary or caucus is set by a state's government on a date that violates the timing provisions of these rules, may not receive pledged delegates or delegate votes from that state. Candidates may, however, campaign in such a state after the primary or caucus that violates these rules. "Campaigning" for purposes of this section includes, but is not limited to, purchasing print, internet, or electronic advertising that reaches a significant percentage of the voters in the aforementioned state; hiring campaign workers; opening an office; making public appearances; holding news conferences; coordinating volunteer activities; sending mail, other than fundraising requests that are also sent to potential donors in other states; using paid or volunteer phoners or automated calls to contact voters; sending emails or establishing a website specific to that state; holding events to which Democratic voters are invited; attending events sponsored by state or local Democratic organizations; or paying for campaign materials to be used in such a state. The Rules and Bylaws Committee will determine whether candidate activities are covered by this section.

The table below shows the dates of each jurisdiction's 2004 and 2008 First Determining Step and the corresponding stage (I, II, or III).

The Bonus Delegate Detail shows the number of delegates each jurisdiction would receive with a 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 30% bonus. The current bonus is shown in black with other options in gray.

 

Bonus Delegate Detail (assuming no sanctions)

Bonus Delegate Votes Total Pledged Delegate Votes Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
Total
Delegate
Votes
Percent
Increase
in
Delegation
Size
Number
Of
Additional
Delegate
Votes
% District At-Large District At-Large PLEO Total
Alabama
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 1 June 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  34117528600.00%0
5%1135127548623.33%+2
10%4138127578658.33%+5
15%52391375986711.67%+7
30%104441576687423.33%+14
Alaska
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 20 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  832135180.00%0
5% 1842145195.56%+1
10% 1842145195.56%+1
15%119421552011.11%+2
30%2110421652116.67%+3
American Samoa
First Determining Step in 2004: Monday 8 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%   3 3690.00%0
5%   3 3690.00%0
10%   3 3690.00%0
15%   3 3690.00%0
30% 1 4 461011.11%+1
Arizona
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  371275611670.00%0
5%11381375811692.99%+2
10%41411376111727.46%+5
15%524214763117410.45%+7
30%1144816771118222.39%+15
Arkansas
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 18 May 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  22853512470.00%0
5%1123953712494.26%+2
10%2124953812506.38%+3
15%41269540125210.64%+5
30%722910544125619.15%+9
California
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  2418148370714410.00%0
5%1242538548386714573.63%+16
10%2482658948402714737.26%+32
15%361227793484187148910.88%+48
30%7324314105484677153822.00%+97
Colorado
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 13 April 2004 - Stage II (April)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  361275515700.00%0
5%11371375715722.86%+2
10%41401376015757.14%+5
15%524114762157710.00%+7
30%1044616769158420.00%+14
Connecticut
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  311164812600.00%0
5%11321265012623.33%+2
10%31341265212646.67%+4
15%423513654126610.00%+6
30%1034114661127321.67%+13
Delaware
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1032158230.00%0
5% 11042168244.35%+1
10% 11042168244.35%+1
15%111142178258.70%+2
30%3113421982717.39%+4
Democrats Abroad
First Determining Step in 2004: Friday 6 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%   6174110.00%0
5%   6174110.00%0
10% 1 7184129.09%+1
15% 1 7184129.09%+1
30% 2 81941318.18%+2
District of Columbia
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 14 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 12 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  10321525400.00%0
5% 110421625412.50%+1
10% 110421625412.50%+1
15%1111421725425.00%+2
30%31134219254410.00%+4
Florida
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 9 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 29 January 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1214024185262110.00%0
5%621274224193262193.79%+8
10%1241334424201262277.58%+16
15%18613946242092623511.37%+24
30%361215752242332625922.75%+48
Georgia
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  57191187151020.00%0
5%3160201191151063.92%+4
10%6263211195151107.84%+8
15%83652211981511310.78%+11
30%1767425111101512522.55%+23
Guam
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 24 April 2004 - Stage II (April)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 3 May 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
30% Bonus - 2004 Stage I or II to 2008 Stage III
0%   3 3580.00%0
5%   3 3580.00%0
10%   3 3580.00%0
15%   3 3580.00%0
30% 1 4 45912.50%+1
Hawaii
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 24 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 19 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1343209290.00%0
5% 11353219303.45%+1
10%111453229316.90%+2
15%2115532393210.34%+3
30%4117532593417.24%+5
Idaho
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 24 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1242185230.00%0
5% 11252195244.35%+1
10%111352205258.70%+2
15%111352205258.70%+2
30%4116522352821.74%+5
Illinois
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 16 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1003320153321850.00%0
5%521053520160321923.78%+7
10%1031103620166321987.03%+13
15%15511538201733220510.81%+20
30%301013043201933222521.62%+40
Indiana
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 4 May 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 6 May 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  431496613790.00%0
5%21451596913823.80%+3
10%42471697213857.59%+6
15%725016975138811.39%+9
30%1345618983139621.52%+17
Iowa
First Determining Step in 2004: Monday 19 January 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Thursday 3 January 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  291064512570.00%0
5%11301164712593.51%+2
10%31321164912617.02%+4
15%423312651126310.53%+6
30%933813657126921.05%+12
Kansas
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 13 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  2174329410.00%0
5% 12184339422.44%+1
10%212384359447.32%+3
15%312484369459.76%+4
30%6227944094919.51%+8
Kentucky
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 18 May 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 20 May 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  31106479560.00%0
5%1132116499583.57%+2
10%3134116519607.14%+4
15%42351265396210.71%+6
30%93401365996821.43%+12
Louisiana
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 9 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 9 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  371275611670.00%0
5%11381375811692.99%+2
10%41411376111727.46%+5
15%524214763117410.45%+7
30%1144816771118222.39%+15
Maine
First Determining Step in 2004: Sunday 8 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Sunday 10 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1653248320.00%0
5% 11663258333.13%+1
10%111763268346.25%+2
15%211863278359.38%+3
30%4220733083818.75%+6
Maryland
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 12 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  4615970301000.00%0
5%214816973301033.00%+3
10%425017976301066.00%+6
15%725317979301099.00%+9
30%13559209883011818.00%+18
Massachusetts
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  61201293281210.00%0
5%3164211297281253.31%+4
10%62672212101281296.61%+8
15%93702312105281339.92%+12
30%1867926121172814519.83%+24
Michigan
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 7 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 15 January 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  832817128291570.00%0
5%42873017134291633.82%+6
10%83913117139291687.01%+11
15%1349632171452917410.83%+17
30%25810836171612919021.02%+33
Minnesota
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  471697216880.00%0
5%21491797516913.41%+3
10%42511897816946.82%+6
15%725418981169710.23%+9
30%14561219911610721.59%+19
Mississippi
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 9 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 11 March 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  2274338410.00%0
5% 12284348422.44%+1
10%212484368447.32%+3
15%312584378459.76%+4
30%7229944285021.95%+9
Missouri
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  471697216880.00%0
5%21491797516913.41%+3
10%42511897816946.82%+6
15%725418981169710.23%+9
30%14561219911610721.59%+19
Montana
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 8 June 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 3 June 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  1032159240.00%0
5% 11042169254.17%+1
10% 11042169254.17%+1
15%111142179268.33%+2
30%3113421992816.67%+4
Nebraska
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 11 May 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 9 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1653247310.00%0
5% 11663257323.23%+1
10%111763267336.45%+2
15%211863277349.68%+3
30%4220733073719.35%+6
Nevada
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 14 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 19 January 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1663259340.00%0
5% 11673269352.94%+1
10%111773279365.88%+2
15%211873289378.82%+3
30%5221833294120.59%+7
New Hampshire
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 27 January 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 8 January 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1453228300.00%0
5% 11463238313.33%+1
10%111563248326.67%+2
15%2116632583310.00%+3
30%4218732883620.00%+6
New Jersey
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 8 June 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  702314107201270.00%0
5%41742414112201323.94%+5
10%72772514116201367.09%+9
15%1048027141212014111.02%+14
30%2179130141352015522.05%+28
New Mexico
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  17632612380.00%0
5% 117732712392.63%+1
10%1118732812405.26%+2
15%2119732912417.89%+3
30%52228333124518.42%+7
New York
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1515130232502820.00%0
5%731585430242502923.55%+10
10%1551665630252503027.09%+20
15%22817359302625031210.64%+30
30%461519766302935034321.63%+61
North Carolina
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 17 April 2004 - Stage II (April)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 6 May 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
30% Bonus - 2004 Stage I or II to 2008 Stage III
0%  59201291191100.00%0
5%3162211295191143.64%+4
10%6265221299191187.27%+8
15%936823121031912210.91%+12
30%1867726121151913421.82%+24
North Dakota
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  832138210.00%0
5% 1842148224.76%+1
10% 1842148224.76%+1
15%11942158239.52%+2
30%2110421682414.29%+3
Ohio
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 4 March 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  923118141201610.00%0
5%42963318147201673.73%+6
10%931013418153201737.45%+12
15%13510536181592017911.18%+18
30%28912040181782019822.98%+37
Oklahoma
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  25853810480.00%0
5%1126954010504.17%+2
10%2127954110516.25%+3
15%41299543105310.42%+5
30%733211548105820.83%+10
Oregon
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 18 May 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 20 May 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  311164813610.00%0
5%11321265013633.28%+2
10%31341265213656.56%+4
15%42351365413679.84%+6
30%1034114661137421.31%+13
Pennsylvania
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 27 April 2004 - Stage II (April)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 22 April 2008 - Stage II (April)
5% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage II
0%  983320151291800.00%0
5%521033520158291873.89%+7
10%1031083620164291937.22%+13
15%15511338201712920011.11%+20
30%291012743201902921921.67%+39
Puerto Rico
First Determining Step in 2004: Sunday 6 June 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Sunday 1 June 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  33117518590.00%0
5%1134127538613.39%+2
10%3136127558636.78%+4
15%52381375886611.86%+7
30%103431476487222.03%+13
Rhode Island
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 4 March 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  13532112330.00%0
5% 113632212343.03%+1
10%1114632312356.06%+2
15%2115632412369.09%+3
30%41176326123815.15%+5
South Carolina
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 26 January 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  29106459540.00%0
5%1130116479563.70%+2
10%3132116499587.41%+4
15%42331265196011.11%+6
30%93381365796622.22%+12
South Dakota
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 1 June 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 3 June 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  932148220.00%0
5%1 1032158234.55%+1
10%1 1032158234.55%+1
15%111042168249.09%+2
30%1310621882618.18%+4
Tennessee
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 10 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  441596817850.00%0
5%21461697117883.53%+3
10%42481797417917.06%+6
15%725117977179410.59%+9
30%13557209861710321.18%+18
Texas
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 9 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 4 March 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1264225193342270.00%0
5%621324425201342353.52%+8
10%1341394625210342447.49%+17
15%19614548252183425211.01%+25
30%371316355252433427722.03%+50
Unassigned
First Determining Step in 2004: (Not applicable)
First Determining Step in 2008: (Not applicable)
      000  
Utah
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 24 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 5 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1553236290.00%0
5% 11563246303.45%+1
10%111663256316.90%+2
15%2117632663210.34%+3
30%4219732963520.69%+6
Vermont
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 2 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 4 March 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  1032158230.00%0
5% 11042168244.35%+1
10% 11042168244.35%+1
15%111142178258.70%+2
30%3113421982717.39%+4
Virgin Islands
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 17 April 2004 - Stage II (April)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 9 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%   3 3690.00%0
5%   3 3690.00%0
10%   3 3690.00%0
15%   3 3690.00%0
30% 1 4 461011.11%+1
Virginia
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 10 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 12 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  54181183181010.00%0
5%3157191187181053.96%+4
10%5259201190181086.93%+7
15%83622111941811210.89%+11
30%1667024111051812321.78%+22
Washington
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 7 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 9 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  5117107819970.00%0
5%2153181081191003.09%+3
10%5256191085191047.22%+7
15%73582010881910710.31%+10
30%155662210981911720.62%+20
West Virginia
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 11 May 2004 - Stage III (May, June)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 13 May 2008 - Stage III (May, June)
10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III
0%  17632611370.00%0
5% 117732711382.70%+1
10%1118732811395.41%+2
15%2119732911408.11%+3
30%52228333114418.92%+7
Wisconsin
First Determining Step in 2004: Tuesday 17 February 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Tuesday 19 February 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  4816107418920.00%0
5%215017107718953.26%+3
10%425218108018986.52%+6
15%73551910841810210.87%+10
30%145622110931811120.65%+19
Wyoming
First Determining Step in 2004: Saturday 6 March 2004 - Stage I (January, February, March)
First Determining Step in 2008: Saturday 8 March 2008 - Stage I (January, February, March)
No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I
0%  732126180.00%0
5% 1742136195.56%+1
10% 1742136195.56%+1
15%118421462011.11%+2
30%219421562116.67%+3
% District At-Large District At-Large PLEO Total Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
Total
Delegate
Votes
Percent
Increase
in
Delegation
Size
Number
Of
Additional
Delegate
Votes
Bonus Delegate Votes Total Pledged Delegate Votes
 
 

Bonus Delegate Summary

  • No Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage I: 46 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Democrats Abroad, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
  • 5% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage II: 1 jurisdiction: Pennsylvania.
  • 10% Bonus - 2008 begins in Stage III: 7 jurisdictions: Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, West Virginia.
  • 15% Bonus - 2004 Stage I to 2008 Stage II: 0 jurisdictions
  • 30% Bonus - 2004 Stage I or II to 2008 Stage III: 2 jurisdictions: Guam, North Carolina.
 

Computation of Delegate Votes

The 50 States and Puerto Rico are allocated District, At-Large, and PLEO delegates as follows:

  • At-Large Delegate Votes = Base Votes × 0.25. (Fractions 0.5 and above are rounded to the next highest integer.)
  • District Delegate Votes = Base Votes - At-Large Delegate Votes. (The number of District delegates plus the number of At-Large delegates must equal the Base. Hence, the rounding favors the statewide At-Large allocation.)
  • PLEO Delegate Votes = Base Votes × 0.15. (Fractions 0.5 and above are rounded to the next highest integer.)

American Samoa, Democrats Abroad, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are allocated At-Large, and PLEO delegates as follows:

  • At-Large Delegate Votes = Base Votes.
  • PLEO Delegate Votes = Base × 0.15. (Fractions 0.5 and above are rounded to the next highest integer.)

When Bonus delegate votes are awarded, add the number of Bonus At-Large Delegate Votes computed to the number of At-Large Delegate Votes computed (same for District Delegate Votes).


Unpledged Delegates

About 1 in 5 of the delegate votes at the convention will come from "unpledged" or "Superdelegates". These delegates serve because of the office they hold or office(s) they have held. The presidential preference of these delegates is not a factor in their selection as delegates. Unpledged delegates are:

  • The approximately 450 elected members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
  • Democratic Governors of the 50 states along with the following officeholders (assuming, of course, that they are Democrats):
    • the territorial Governor of American Samoa
    • the Mayor of the District of Columbia
    • the territorial Governor of Guam
    • the Governor of Puerto Rico
    • the territorial Governor of the Virgin Islands
  • Democratic Senators and House members from the 50 states plus the following Non-voting members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (again, assuming that they are Democrats):
    • the House Delegate from American Samoa
    • the House Delegate from the District of Columbia
    • the two "Shadow" Senators from the District of Columbia
    • the House Delegate from Guam
    • the Resident Commissioner (House Delegate) from Puerto Rico
    • the House Delegate from the Virgin Islands
  • Distinguished Party Leaders (current and former U.S. Presidents and Vice-Presidents who were elected as Democrats, former Democratic Leaders of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House [including former Democratic Speakers of the House and former Democratic Leaders in both houses of Congress], and former chairmen of the Democratic National Committee.
  • Unpledged "add-on"s (chosen based on the vote of the members of the Democratic National Committee).

The number of "Unpledged" delegates to the Democratic National Convention is subject to change due to deaths, resignations from office (for those PLEOs who hold an elective office) or accession- by a Democrat- to an elective office through an intervening election or special election. In addition, any Unpledged PLEO who shall subsequently become a Pledged PLEO may further alter the number of Unpledged National Convention delegates within a given delegation.


Awarding Delegates to candidates

During the primaries, caucuses, and conventions delegates are "won" by candidates as follows:

  • District Delegates are proportionally allocated according to the vote in each Congressional (or other) District.
  • At-Large Delegates are proportionally allocated according to the statewide vote. (Fine point: If a presidential candidate is no longer a candidate at the time of selection of the at-large delegates, that candidate receives NO at-large delegates [Rule 10.C.]. In most jurisdictions, the delegates are selected [according to the results of the primary or caucus] some time after the primary.)
  • Pledged PLEO Delegates are proportionally allocated according to the statewide vote.
  • Unpledged PLEO Delegates vote their conscience.
 

Official Allocation
Sorted by Pledged Delegate Votes

At the request of Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic National Convention's Credentials Committee
met on 24 August 2008 and voted to restore full voting strength to the Florida and Michigan delegations.

Rank (sort)
State
Pledged Delegate Votes Unpledged Delegate Votes (sort)
Total
Delegate
Votes
District
Delegate
Votes
At-
Large
Delegate
Votes
PLEO
Delegate
Votes
(sort)
Total
Pledged
Delegate
Votes
DNC
Members
Senate House Governor Distin-
guished
Party
Leaders
Add-ons (sort)
Total
Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
1California241.081.048.0370.029.02.034.0 1.05.071.0441.0
2New York151.051.030.0232.018.02.023.01.02.04.050.0282.0
3Texas126.042.025.0193.016.0 13.0 2.03.034.0227.0
4Florida121.040.024.0185.012.01.09.0 1.03.026.0211.0
The DNC determined that the date of Florida's 29 January 2008 primary violates party rules and on 5 October 2007 decided to strip the state of its entire delegation. On Saturday 31 May 2008, the Democratic Rules and Bylaws Committeee decided to seat the entire delegation but allowed each delegate to cast only ½ delegate vote. On 24 August 2008, the Democratic National Convention's Credentials Committee, at the request of Senator Barack Obama, voted to restore full voting strength to the delegates. The panel approved the full seating of Florida with no debate or opposing votes.
5Pennsylvania103.035.020.0158.013.01.011.01.0 3.029.0187.0
Includes 5 District and 2 At-Large (5%) bonus delegates
6Illinois100.033.020.0153.015.02.011.01.0 3.032.0185.0
7Ohio92.031.018.0141.09.01.06.01.01.02.020.0161.0
8Michigan83.028.017.0128.018.02.06.01.0 2.029.0157.0
The DNC determined that the date of Michigans's 15 January 2008 primary violates party rules and on 1 December 2007 decided to strip the state of its entire delegation. On Saturday 31 May 2008, the Democratic Rules and Bylaws Committeee decided to seat the entire delegation but allowed each delegate to cast only ½ delegate vote. On 24 August 2008, the Democratic National Convention's Credentials Committee, at the request of Senator Barack Obama, voted to restore full voting strength to the delegates. The panel approved the full seating of Michigan and Florida with no debate or opposing votes.
9North Carolina77.026.012.0115.09.0 7.01.0 2.019.0134.0
Includes 18 District and 6 At-Large (30%) bonus delegates
10New Jersey70.023.014.0107.08.02.07.01.0 2.020.0127.0
11Massachusetts61.020.012.093.010.02.010.01.03.02.028.0121.0
12Georgia57.019.011.087.06.0 6.0 1.02.015.0102.0
13Virginia54.018.011.083.010.01.03.01.01.02.018.0101.0
14Washington51.017.010.078.07.02.06.01.01.02.019.097.0
15Wisconsin48.016.010.074.08.02.05.01.0 2.018.092.0
16Indiana47.016.09.072.05.01.05.0 1.01.013.085.0
Includes 4 District and 2 At-Large (10%) bonus delegates
17Minnesota47.016.09.072.07.01.05.0 1.02.016.088.0
18Missouri47.016.09.072.08.01.04.0 1.02.016.088.0
19Maryland46.015.09.070.019.02.06.01.0 2.030.0100.0
20Tennessee44.015.09.068.08.0 5.01.01.02.017.085.0
21Arizona37.012.07.056.05.0 4.01.0 1.011.067.0
22Louisiana37.012.07.056.06.01.03.0  1.011.067.0
23Colorado36.012.07.055.07.01.04.01.01.01.015.070.0
24Puerto Rico36.012.07.055.06.0  1.0 1.08.063.0
Includes 3 District and 1 At-Large (10%) bonus delegates
25Alabama34.011.07.052.05.0 2.0  1.08.060.0
26Oregon34.012.06.052.06.01.04.01.0 1.013.065.0
Includes 3 District and 1 At-Large (10%) bonus delegates
27Kentucky34.011.06.051.05.0 2.01.0 1.09.060.0
Includes 3 District and 1 At-Large (10%) bonus delegates
28Connecticut31.011.06.048.06.01.04.0  1.012.060.0
29Iowa29.010.06.045.06.01.03.01.0 1.012.057.0
30South Carolina29.010.06.045.06.0 2.0  1.09.054.0
31Oklahoma25.08.05.038.07.0 1.01.0 1.010.048.0
32Arkansas22.08.05.035.05.02.03.01.0 1.012.047.0
33Mississippi22.07.04.033.04.0 3.0  1.08.041.0
34Kansas21.07.04.032.05.0 2.01.0 1.09.041.0
35West Virginia18.07.03.028.04.02.02.01.01.01.011.039.0
Includes 1 District and 1 At-Large (10%) bonus delegates
36New Mexico17.06.03.026.07.01.01.01.01.01.012.038.0
37Nevada16.06.03.025.06.01.01.0  1.09.034.0
38Maine16.05.03.024.04.0 2.01.0 1.08.032.0
39Nebraska16.05.03.024.05.01.0   1.07.031.0
40Utah15.05.03.023.04.0 1.0  1.06.029.0
41New Hampshire14.05.03.022.04.0 2.01.0 1.08.030.0
42Rhode Island13.05.03.021.07.02.02.0  1.012.033.0
43Hawaii13.04.03.020.04.02.02.0  1.09.029.0
44Idaho12.04.02.018.04.0    1.05.023.0
45Montana10.04.02.016.05.02.0 1.0 1.09.025.0
Includes 1 At-Large (10%) bonus delegate
46Delaware10.03.02.015.04.02.0 1.0 1.08.023.0
47District of Columbia10.03.02.015.019.02.01.01.0 2.025.040.0
48South Dakota10.03.02.015.04.01.01.0 1.01.08.023.0
Includes 1 District (10%) bonus delegate - South Dakota received their bonus delegate as a District rather than an At-Large delegate.
49Vermont10.03.02.015.05.01.01.0  1.08.023.0
50Alaska8.03.02.013.04.0    1.05.018.0
51North Dakota8.03.02.013.04.02.01.0  1.08.021.0
52Wyoming7.03.02.012.04.0  1.0 1.06.018.0
53Democrats Abroad 6.01.07.04.0     4.011.0
54Guam 4.0 4.04.0 1.0   5.09.0
Includes 1 At-Large (30%) bonus delegate
55American Samoa 3.0 3.04.0 1.01.0  6.09.0
56Virgin Islands 3.0 3.04.0 1.01.0  6.09.0
57Unassigned            
Totals2,316.0794.0456.03,566.0428.051.0239.032.021.081.0852.04,418.0
Rank State District
Delegate
Votes
At-
Large
Delegate
Votes
PLEO
Delegate
Votes
Total
Pledged
Delegate
Votes
DNC
Members
Senate House Governor Distin-
guished
Party
Leaders
Add-ons Total
Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
Total
Delegate
Votes
 

Obsolete Allocation with Florida & Michigan sanctioned 50%
Sorted by Pledged Delegate Votes

As decided by the Democratic Rules and Bylaws Meeting of Saturday 31 May 2008.
This allocation was in effect from 31 May through 24 August 2008.
Only the differences from the offical allocation are shown.

Rank (sort)
State
Pledged Delegate Votes Unpledged Delegate Votes (sort)
Total
Delegate
Votes
District
Delegate
Votes
At-
Large
Delegate
Votes
PLEO
Delegate
Votes
(sort)
Total
Pledged
Delegate
Votes
DNC
Members
Senate House Governor Distin-
guished
Party
Leaders
Add-ons (sort)
Total
Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
1Florida60.520.012.092.56.00.54.5 0.51.513.0105.5
The DNC determined that the date of Florida's 29 January 2008 primary violates party rules and on Saturday 31 May 2008 decided to seat the entire delegation but allow each delegate to cast only ½ delegate vote. This alternative listing assumes the entire delegation is seated with full voting rights.
2Michigan41.514.08.564.09.01.03.00.5 1.014.578.5
The DNC determined that the date of Michigans's 15 January 2008 primary violates party rules and on Saturday 31 May 2008 decided to seat the entire delegation but allow each delegate to cast only ½ delegate vote. This alternative listing assumes the entire delegation is seated with full voting rights.
Totals2,214.0760.0435.53,409.5413.049.5231.531.520.578.5824.54,234.0
Rank State District
Delegate
Votes
At-
Large
Delegate
Votes
PLEO
Delegate
Votes
Total
Pledged
Delegate
Votes
DNC
Members
Senate House Governor Distin-
guished
Party
Leaders
Add-ons Total
Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
Total
Delegate
Votes
 

Obsolete Allocation with Florida & Michigan sanctioned 100%
Sorted by Pledged Delegate Votes

This allocation was in effect from January through 31 May 2008.
Only the differences from the offical allocation are shown.

Rank (sort)
State
Pledged Delegate Votes Unpledged Delegate Votes (sort)
Total
Delegate
Votes
District
Delegate
Votes
At-
Large
Delegate
Votes
PLEO
Delegate
Votes
(sort)
Total
Pledged
Delegate
Votes
DNC
Members
Senate House Governor Distin-
guished
Party
Leaders
Add-ons (sort)
Total
Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
1Florida            
The DNC determined that the date of Florida's 29 January 2008 primary violates party rules and on 5 October 2007 decided to strip the state of its entire delegation. The 100% sanction was in effect from January through 31 May 2008.
2Michigan            
The DNC determined that the date of Michigans's 15 January 2008 primary violates party rules and on 1 December 2007 decided to strip the state of its entire delegation. The 100% sanction was in effect from January through 31 May 2008.
Totals2,112.0726.0415.03,253.0398.048.0224.031.020.076.0797.04,050.0
Rank State District
Delegate
Votes
At-
Large
Delegate
Votes
PLEO
Delegate
Votes
Total
Pledged
Delegate
Votes
DNC
Members
Senate House Governor Distin-
guished
Party
Leaders
Add-ons Total
Unpledged
Delegate
Votes
Total
Delegate
Votes
 

Territorial Delegates

There will actually be more delegates on the floor of the Democratic National Convention than there are delegate votes [which is why I use the term "delegate votes" in the first place]. Some states will have more delegate seats than actual delegate votes at that Convention [as a result of which, some delegates from some states will have to cast fractional votes during roll calls on the Convention floor]. There will be 4,362 delegate votes at the 45th Democratic National Convention, there will be 4,382 actual delegates on the floor of the Convention (20 more delegates than votes)... here's why:

  • AMERICAN SAMOA, with 9 delegate votes, will have 12 delegates.
    • 6 at-large pledged delegates each cast ½ (or .5) vote for a total of 3 votes;
    • 2 unpledged delegates (Governor and Democratic Member of Congress) each cast 1 vote for a total of 2 votes;
    • 4 unpledged Democratic National Committee members each casts 1 vote for a total of 4 votes.
  • GUAM, with 9 delegate votes, will have 13 delegates
    • 8 at-large pledged delegates each cast ½ (or .5) vote for a total of 4 votes;
    • 1 unpledged delegate (Democratic Member of Congress) casts 1 vote for a total of 1 votes;
    • 4 unpledged Democratic National Committee members each casts 1 vote for a total of 4 votes.
  • VIRGIN ISLANDS, with 9 delegate votes, will have 12 delegates
    • 6 at-large pledged delegates each cast ½ (or .5) vote for a total of 3 votes;
    • 2 unpledged delegates (Governor and Democratic Member of Congress) each casts 1 vote for a total of 2 votes;
    • 4 unpledged Democratic National Committee members each casts 1 vote for a total of 4 votes.
  • DEMOCRATS ABROAD, with 11 delegate votes, will have 22 delegates. The makeup of the DEMOCRATS ABROAD delegation will be:
    • 9 regional delegates [a .5 vote each]= 4.5 regional delegate votes;
    • 3 at-large delegates [a .5 vote each]= 1.5 at-large delegate votes;
    • 2 Pledged PLEO delegates [a .5 vote each]= 1 Pledged PLEO delegate vote;
    • 8 Unpledged PLEO delegates [a 0.5 vote each]= 4 Unpledged PLEO delegate votes.

DNC Members

"In a relative handful of cases, a Member of Congress or a Governor is also a member of the Democratic National Committee (in some of these cases, such as that of the Democrats' Congressional Leaders- House Majority Leader Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid- Members of Congress are DNC members ex-officio; in other cases, however, they represent various associated committees or organizations affiliated with the DNC: for example, U.S. Senators [other than Reid] sit on the DNC as representatives of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee- likewise, Congressmen [other than Pelosi] and Governors sit on the DNC as representatives of, respectively, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Governors' Association); the Democratic Party lists these Unpledged PLEOs who are DNC members as well as holders of elective office solely as DNC members (in other words, as far as the Party is concerned, these people are "Party Leaders" more than "Elected Officials"). However, it is the considered opinion of "The Green Papers" that the average user of this web site is going to think of these few Unpledged PLEOs who are in the unique position of being both PLs AND EOs more in terms of their elected office than their DNC membership: as a result, "The Green Papers" has "converted" DNC members who happen also to be Governors, Senators and Representatives to their political office from their DNC membership. Therefore, the breakdown in each state or other jurisdiction of Unpledged PLEOs as posted on "The Green Papers" may differ somewhat from that put out by the Democratic Party itself: where this is the case, it is so indicated on the appropriate DEMOCRAT page for the affected state or other jurisdiction."


Replacing Unpledged Delegates

Unpledged delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to a replacement, except under the following conditions:

  1. Members of Congress and Democratic Governors shall not be entitled to name a replacement. In the event of changes or vacancies in the state's Congressional Delegation, following the official confirmation and prior to the commencement of the national convention, the DNC Secretary shall recognize only such changes as have been officially recognized by he Democratic Caucus of the U. S. House of Representatives or the Democratic Conference of the U. S. Senate. In the event of a change or vacancy in he state's office of Governor, the DNC shall recognize only such changes as have been officially recognized by he Democratic Governors' Association.
  2. Members of the DNC and unpledged Add-on delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to a replacement, except in the case of death of such delegates. In the case where the state's DNC membership changes following the DNC Secretary's official confirmation, but prior to the commencement of the Democratic National Convention, acknowledgment by the Secretary of the new DNC member certification shall constitute verification of the corresponding change of unpledged delegates.
  3. Distinguished Party Leader delegates allocated to the state pursuant to Rule 8.A.(5) shall not be entitled to name a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to name a replacement.
  4. In no case may an alternate cast a vote for an unpledged delegate.
   
 


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