Superdelegates
by Liz Olson
In some presidential elections, superdelegates can play a major role in determining
the Democratic nominee. Unlike delegates,
superdelegates are not bound to represent the popular vote of a region at
the Democratic National Convention; they are free to support any candidate
for the nomination. The Republican Party does not have
superdelegates.
Superdelegates are not selected on the basis of party
primaries and caucuses in each state. Instead, superdelegate standing is
based on the status of current or former officeholders and party officials,
including all Democratic members of Congress.
Superdelegate is a term that arose in the 1970s.
In order for a
candidate to win the party nomination for president, he or she must gain the
majority of delegate votes. The purpose of superdelegates is for
high-ranking Democrats to maintain some control over the nominating process.
Superdelegates make up one-fifth of the delegates at the Democratic National
Convention. So, 796 of the 4,090 delegates at the Democratic National
Convention can choose whichever candidate they prefer.
Out of 2,380
total delegates at the Republican National Convention, 463 are unpledged
delegates, who play the same role as superdelegates. Of the 463, 123 are
members of the Republican National Committee.
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