The Nebraska Democratic Party held their convention this weekend to select individuals for theDemocratic National Conventionin Denver. There was of course official business such as selecting language for the platform of issues the Nebraska Democrats stand for as well as electing officers for the next two years on the convention agenda.
But the real reason the turnout was at a record high of 800 attendees at the state convention was because this was the moment where Nebraska Democrats were electing the individuals to represent our state in Denver.
For many it was a disappointing weekend in the sense that over 800 individuals were in attendance, over 400 wanted to go to Denver, but there were only 25 spots available (plus 4 alternate spots). This is of course, in addition to the now infamous 6 Superdelegates that were already assigned to party officers and leaders.
In total, Nebraska is sending 31 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver with 4 alternates (these are the people clearly hoping someone can’t make the trip to Denver so they can fill their shoes on the floor of the convention hall).
The question many young people had at the state convention was just how many young people under the age of 35 will actually get to go to Denver?
The Ever Confusing Delegate Process
For those not into “party politics,” the process was probably confusing and filled with a little bit of drama. People were not sure what type of delegate they were voting for, if they were eligible to run as delegate, what type of gender, diversity and age balance there was supposed to be according to the rules or even that there were rules for the delegate selection process.
The good news is, some groups have been educating young people about the delegate process both on a state and national level. In fact, I wrote up a blog earlier this year trying toexplain the delegate process.
The DNC’s Youth Council, Future Majority and lots of other youth groups have tried to explain each step of the way and train young people how to be delegates in order to increase the amount of young people represented at the convention. This was desperately needed since in 2004 representation of young people was an abysmal 13% when young people made up about 23% of all Democrats.
Even for individuals who have been involved in politics, the selection of delegates is perplexing and this weekend was no exception. It is hard to figure out why a more user friendly approach is not used at party meetings and conventions like the one held this weekend. Perhaps it is because folks who organize the event have been through it before so they forget how bewildering the process can be for newcomers, or perhaps it is because state parties are always stretched for resources and staff. Whatever the reason, the confusion played out on the floor of the state convention.
The Selection of Delegates
After delegates in each of the three districts were elected, all 800 attendees of the convention came back to the floor to vote for the“at-large” and “add-on” delegates. This is where a bit of chaos broke out. People were not sure of the rules and no one was sure who could or could not run for those spots.
In the end, the State Party staff and the officials who were presiding over the convention allowed everyone to speak about their concerns before any voting took place. This impressive on-the-fly leadership resulted in a diverse slate of individuals selected to represent Nebraska in Denver for the Democratic National Convention.
Young People Rocked at the Polls and in the Delegate Process
Young people are often left out of the delegate selection process since state party level meetings usually are not filled with lots of young people. Think more grey hair, less black converse. But this year, as well all know, is not a typical year.
The Young Democrats Caucus at the state convention was packed. In fact it was standing room only. At least 50 young people were in the room talking about state elections and national politics. They also encouraged everyone in the room to vote for their peers when it came to the delegate spots.
Well, it worked.
Six young people were elected as delegates and one as an alternate to the National convention. This is an impressive 20% of the delegates Nebraska is sending to Denver, up from just 6% in 2004. In addition to the delegates, people also voted on the new leadership of the Nebraska Party which resulted in an impressive 33% of the elected leadership positions going to people under 35, up from just 8% in the previous two years.
So, it seems it is not only the year of the young voter; it’s also the year of the young delegate and young party leader as well.
More Info
To see a full list of delegates and new party officers, visit theNebraska Democratic Party’swebsite.
TheNebraska Republican Partyis holding their state convention on July 12thand a full report will be written as well for their convention, so check back to see details on youth participation on the other side of the aisle.