Colorado Democratic Party

How to Join Colorado’s National Delegation to Charlotte

We strongly encourage you to pursue the process of being a National Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will be held September 4th - 6th. Being a National Delegate is an experience you will never forget because you will have the opportunity to nominate the Democratic candidate for President and Vice-President of the United States.

Below are essential details on the process of becoming one of Colorado’s 86 National Delegates. Please read over the material closing and feel free to call the Colorado Democratic Party if you have any questions: (303) 623-4762. 

There are five categories for delegates and alternates.  Two of the categories are reserved for certain party and elected officials.  For most Democrats, the district level, PLEO and at-large categories (below in bold) will be the categories in which to run. Each category has special rules.  This chart summarizes the categories for Colorado:

How To Become A Delegate

Please click on the link if you want to learn more on how to become a National Delegate. This document contains all the pertinent information you will need.

(Download How To Become a Delegate at the bottom of the page)

The Cost of Being a Delegate

Delegates elected to attend the 2012 Democratic National Convention will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina. The Convention will be held from September 4th-6th in Charlotte, North Carolina but delegates will be expected to arrive no later than September 4, 2012. There are no fees or dues required to become a delegate, but there are still travel and accommodations costs. These costs are not meant to preclude anyone from running as a delegate; the Democratic Party strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of class or income, but the Colorado Democratic Party does not provide or compensate for flights, hotels, or other costs affiliated with the convention. Our cost estimate is as follows:

Airfare: Most major airlines, including Frontier, Delta, and American, fly to Charlotte. Keep in mind that direct flights to Charlotte are more expensive and difficult to find than non-direct flights. Southwest, however, flies into Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is a 2½ hour drive from Charlotte.

Hotels: The CDP will receive a block of rooms at a hotel, but delegates are free to seek alternative accommodations. There are many of Charlotte hotels to choose from and many are near the Convention. Room costs range from $150 - $380 per night depending on the hotel’s vicinity to the venue. We will post the cost and location of our hotel block as that information becomes available.

Food and Incidentals: Plan to spend at least $50 on food per day and about $25 per day on things like cab fare. The Convention schedule will likely keep you at the venue where food will be more expensive.

Travel Tips!

Book in Advance! Because of the significant costs affiliated with the DNC, we strongly suggest booking your flight and hotel as soon as possible in order to get the best rate possible. Delegates will be confirmed by the “Statewide Delegation Meeting” on “Date TBA,” which should provide ample time to book your flight and hotel.

Financing your Trip!

Even if you’re worried about these ancillary costs, don’t let them hold you back from attending the Convention. Many Democratic organizations assist delegates by providing scholarships. Delegates are also highly encouraged to hold fundraisers to help them get to the Convention.

*Travel costs are estimated for a five-night stay covering the entirety of Convention events. Costs and availability may vary.