2016 New Hampshire Democratic Delegate Selection Plan
2016 New Hampshire Democratic Delegate Selection Plan
DELEGATE
SELECTION
PLAN
FOR THE 2016
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Adopted: April 25th, 2015
Page 1
Table of Contents
Page
I.
4
4
4
II.
Presidential Candidates
III.
7
7
12
14
15
20
20
20
V.
23
The Delegation
24
27
27
29
30
31
32
VIII. Challenges
A. Jurisdiction and Standing
B. Challenges to the Status of the State Party and Challenges to the Plan
C. Challenges to Implementation
34
34
35
35
37
37
37
38
38
38
Page 2
41
43
Page 3
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION OF DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
A.
INTRODUCTION
1.
New Hampshire has a total of 32 delegates and 2 alternates. (Call, I. & Appendix B.)
2.
The delegate selection process is governed by the Charter and Bylaws of the
Democratic Party of the United States, the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2016
Democratic National Convention ("Rules"), the Call for the 2016 Democratic National
Convention ("Call"), the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2016
Democratic National Convention ("Regs."), the rules of the Democratic Party of New
Hampshire, the New Hampshire election code, and this Delegate Selection Plan. (Call,
II.A.)
B.
3.
Following the adoption of this Delegate Selection Plan by the State Party Committee,
it shall be submitted for review and approval by the DNC Rules and Bylaws
Committee ("RBC"). The State Party Chair shall be empowered to make any technical
revisions to this document as required by the RBC to correct any omissions and/or
deficiencies as found by the RBC to ensure its full compliance with Party Rules. Such
corrections shall be made by the State Party Chair and the Plan resubmitted to the
RBC within 30 days of receipt of notice of the RBC's findings. (Regs. 2.5, 2.6 & 2.7)
4.
Once this Plan has been found in Compliance by the RBC, any amendment to the
Plan by the State Party will be submitted to and approved by the RBC before it
becomes effective. (Reg. 2.9)
New Hampshire will use a proportional representation system based on the results of
the primary for apportioning delegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
2.
The "first determining step" of New Hampshire's delegate selection process will occur
on February 9th, 2016 (date subject to change) with a "Presidential Preference
Primary.". There are no other elections held in conjunction with the Democratic
Presidential Preference Primary.
3.
voter checklist but who otherwise is a qualified voter shall be entitled to vote by
requesting to be registered to vote at the polling place on
Primary election-day. (Rules 2.A and 2.C, and Reg. 4.3) Those voters who are
registered independents who request a Democratic ballot have their preference
marked on the voter checklist. Any individual who will be 18 years of age or
older on General Election day, November 8th 2016, shall be able to participate in
the delegate selection process as long as it does not conflict with state law. (Reg
4.3)
b.
c.
d.
No person shall vote in more than one meeting which is the first meeting in the
delegate selection process. (Rule 3.E. & Reg. 4.6.)
4.
5.
The dates, times and places for all official Party meetings and events related to
the states delegate selection process have been scheduled to encourage the
participation of all Democrats. Such meetings will begin and end at reasonable
hours. The state party is responsible for selecting the dates and times and
providing facilities for all official meetings and events related to this process. In
addition, the scheduling of meetings shall consider any religious observations that
could significantly affect participation.
Page 5
SECTION II
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
A.
BALLOT ACCESS
A presidential candidate gains access to the New Hampshire presidential preference
primary ballot, by submitting a Declaration of Candidacy and paying the $1,000.00 filing
fee with New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner, State House, 107 N. Main
Street, Concord, New Hampshire, 03301 during the filing period set by the Secretary of
State.
"Uncommitted" does not automatically appear on the ballot. Write-ins are allowed on the
presidential preference primary ballot. (Rules 11.B., 14.A., 14.B., 14.D., 14.E., & 14.H.)
B.
Each presidential candidate shall certify in writing to the State Democratic Chair, the
name(s) of his or her authorized representative(s) by November 1, 2015. (Rule 12.D.(1))
C.
Each presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) shall use his or her best efforts
to ensure that his or her respective delegation within the state delegation achieves the
affirmative action goals established by this Plan and is equally divided between men and
women. (Rule 6.1.)
Page 6
SECTION III
SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
A.
2.
3.
b.
The state's total number of district-level delegates and alternates will be equally
divided between men and women. (Rule 6.C.(1) & Reg. 4.8.)
c.
Males
4
4
8
Delegates________
Females
Total
4
8
4
8
8
16
Page 7
4.
5.
A district-level delegate candidate may run for election only within the district
in which he or she will be registered to vote on General Election day. (Rule 12.H.)
An individual can qualify as a candidate for district-level delegate to the 2016
Democratic National Convention by filing a statement of candidacy designating
his or her singular presidential (or uncommitted) preference and a signed pledge
of support for the presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) with the
State Party by 5PM January 22nd, 2016 at 105 N. State St., Concord, New
Hampshire. (Rules 12.B & 14.F.)
The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that
candidate's authorized representative(s), not later than January 23rd, 2016 at 5:00
p.m., a list of all persons who have filed for delegate pledged to that presidential
candidate. (Rules 12.D. & 12.F.)
b.
c.
d.
National convention delegate candidates removed from the list of bona fide
supporters by a presidential candidate, or that candidate's authorized
representative(s), may not be elected as a delegate at that level pledged to that
presidential candidate (including uncommitted status). (Rule 12.E. & Reg. 4.23.)
e.
The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC
Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate (including
uncommitted status) has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective
district-level delegate candidates and district-level alternate candidates meet the
affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the
Page 8
Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of
returning the list of approved district-level delegate candidates and district-level
alternate candidates as indicated in Section III.A.5.b of this plan.
6.
7.
Presidential Primary - Proportional Representation Plan (Rules 13.A., 13.B. & 13.D.) The New
Hampshire presidential primary election is a "binding" primary. Accordingly, delegate
positions shall be allocated so as to fairly reflect the expressed presidential (or
uncommitted) preference of the primary voters in each district. The National
Convention delegates selected at the district level shall be allocated in proportion to
the percentage of the primary vote won in that district by each preference, except that
preferences falling below a 15% threshold shall not be awarded any delegates.
b.
In order to ensure the district-level delegates are equally divided between men and
women, delegate positions within each district will be designated by presidential
preference beginning with the highest vote-getting presidential preference. This
assignment of delegate positions, alternating by sex as mathematically practicable,
will continue with the next highest vote-getting preferences in descending order until
the gender of each position has been assigned. (Rule 6.C.(1) & Reg. 4.8.)
b.
c.
to the female receiving the highest number of votes and the other to the male
receiving the highest number of votes.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
four (4) positions will go to the four (4) males receiving the highest number of votes
and four (4) positions will go to the four (4) females receiving the highest number of
votes.
8.
B.
The New Hampshire Secretary of State shall certify the election results within three
(3) days of the presidential preference primary. Within six (6) days thereafter, the
State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic
National Committee (DNC) the election of the state's district-level delegates and
alternates to the Democratic National Convention. (Rule 8.C& Call IV.A)
UNPLEDGED DELEGATES
1.
a.
The following categories (if applicable) shall constitute the Unpledged Party Leaders
and Elected Official delegate positions:
(1)
Members of the Democratic National Committee who legally reside in the state.
(Rule 9.A.(I), Call, I.F., J., & Reg. 4.13.)
(2)
(3)
(4)
"Distinguished Party Leader" delegates who legally reside in the state (if
applicable). (Rule 9.A.(5), Call I.G., and Reg. 4.13.)
b.
The certification process for the Unpledged Party Leader and Elected
Official delegates is as follows:
(1)
Not later than March 1st, 2016, the Secretary of the Democratic National
Committee shall officially confirm to the State Democratic Chair the
names of the unpledged delegates who legally reside in New Hampshire.
(Rule 9.A.)
(2)
(3)
Ten (10) days after the completion of the New Hampshires delegate
selection process, the State Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of
the DNC the presidential preference of the states unpledged delegates.
Page 11
(Call, IV.C.)
2.
C.
For the purposes of achieving equal division between delegate men and delegate
women within the states entire convention delegation, the entire delegation includes
all pledged and unpledged delegates. (Rule 6.C)
New Hampshire is allotted three (3) pledged Party Leader and Elected Official
(PLEO) delegates. (Call, I.D. & E. Appendix B)
2.
Individuals shall be eligible for the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official
delegate positions according to the following priority: big city mayors and
statewide elected officials (to be given equal consideration); state legislative
leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and
party leaders. (Rule 9.B.(1) & Reg. 4.15.)
b.
c.
If persons eligible for pledged PLEO delegate positions have not already made
known their presidential preference (or uncommitted status) as candidates for
district-level or at-large delegate positions, their preference shall be ascertained
through the following alternative procedure: submitting a signed pledge of
support to the State Party simultaneously with the Statement of Candidacy. (Rule
9.C.(3) & Reg. 4.16.)
3.
The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that
candidate's authorized representative(s), not later than April 9th, 2016, a list of
all persons who have filed for a party and elected official delegate pledged to
that presidential candidate. (Rules 9.B.(3) & 12.D.)
Page 12
4.
5.
b.
c.
b.
Selection of the pledged PLEO delegates will occur at 1:00 p.m. April 16th,
2016, at 105 N. State Street, Concord, New Hampshire (or a location to be
announced no later than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date), which is after
the election of district-level delegates and alternates and prior to the selection of
at-large delegates and alternates. The pledged PLEO delegates will be elected by
open ballot, by majority vote. The State Chair or the State Chair's designee shall
chair the meeting at which the pledged PLEO delegates will be elected. (Rule 9.D.)
c.
d.
vv
Equal division and affirmative action provisions of Rule 6.A. apply to the
selection of PLEO delegates.
e.
The list from which the selecting body chooses the PLEO delegates shall
contain at least one (1) for every PLEO position to be filled.
f.
Alternates are not selected at the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official
level. These alternates are combined with the at-large alternates and selected as
one unit. (Reg. 4.30.)
The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic
National Committee the election of the state's pledged Party Leader and Elected
Official delegates to the Democratic National Convention within ten (10) days after
their election. (Rule 8.D. & Call, IV.A.)
Page 13
D.
The state of New Hampshire is allotted five (5) at-large delegates and two (2) at-large
alternates. (Rule 8.C., Call, I.B. & II. & Appendix B)
2.
b.
c.
4.
The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that
candidate's authorized representative(s), not later than April 9th, 2016, a list of
all persons who have filed for at-large delegate or at-large alternate pledged to
that presidential candidate. (Rule 12.D.)(Reg. 4.22. & 4.27.)
b.
c.
d.
The State Party shall certify with the RBC whether a presidential candidate, or
that candidates authorized representative(s), has used his or her best efforts to
submit a list of at-large delegate and alternate delegate candidates that meets the
affirmative action considerations within three days of receiving the list of
approved delegate candidates, pursuant to Rule 6.I and Reg. 4.9.(c).
b.
Preferences which have not attained a 15% threshold on a statewide basis shall
not be entitled to any at-large delegates. (Rule 13.E.)
c.
d.
5.
The selection of the at-large delegates and alternates will occur at 1:00 p.m. on
April 16th, 2016, at 105 N. State Street, Concord, New Hampshire (or at a
location to be announced no later than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date),
which is after all pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates have been
selected. (Rule 8.D. & Call, III.)
b.
c.
Priority of Consideration
(1)
(2)
6.
(3)
(4)
The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic
Page 16
National Committee the election of the state's at-large delegates and alternates to the
Democratic National Convention within ten (10) days after their election. (Rule 8.C. &
Call, IV.A.)
E.
(2)
(3)
b.
(a)
In the case where the presidential candidate has only one alternate,
that alternate shall become the certified delegate.
(b)
If a delegate or alternate candidate who has been elected but not certified
to the DNC Secretary resigns, dies or is no longer eligible to serve, he or
she shall be replaced, after consultation with the State Party, by the
authorized representative of the presidential candidate to whom he or she
is pledged. (Rule 18.D.2)
c.
d.
Certification of Replacements
(1)
(2)
e.
2.
(3)
(4)
Unpledged delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be
entitled to a replacement, except under the following circumstances: (Rule 18.E. & Reg.
4.33.)
Page 18
a.
b.
c.
d.
In no case may an alternate cast a vote for an unpledged delegate. (Call, VIII.F.3.d.)
Page 19
SECTION IV
CONVENTION STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A.
INTRODUCTION
1.
New Hampshire has been allocated one (1) member on each of the three standing
committees for the 2016 Democratic National Convention (Credentials, Platform and
Rules), for a total of three (3) members. (Call, VII. A. & Appendix D.)
2.
3.
These members will be selected in accordance with the procedures indicated below.
(Rule l.G.)
B.
2.
Selection Meeting
a.
b.
All members of the delegation shall receive adequate notice of the time, date
and place of the meeting to select the standing committee members. (Call, VII.B.1.)
Allocation of Members
a.
b.
than 2.455 are entitled to two (2) positions, etc. (Call, VII.C.2.)
3.
c.
Where the application of this formula results in the total allocation exceeding
the total number of committee positions, the presidential candidate whose
original figure of representation is farthest from its eventual rounded-off total
shall be denied that one (1) additional position. Where the application of this
formula results in the total allocation falling short of the total number of
committee positions, the presidential candidate whose original figure of
representation is closest to the next rounding level shall be allotted an additional
committee position. (Call, VII.C.3.)
d.
b.
4.
b.
candidate with the most standing committee positions shall be designated for a
male, the second position for a female, and the remaining positions shall be
designated in like fashion, alternating between males and females. Positions for
presidential candidates on each committee shall be ranked according to the total
number of standing positions allocated to each such candidate. After positions
on the Credentials Committee are designated by sex, the designation shall
continue with the Platform Committee, then the Rules Committee.
5.
(1)
(2)
(3)
The State Democratic Chair shall certify the standing committee members in
writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3)
days after their selection. (Call, VII.B.3.)
b.
Page 22
SECTION V
THE DELEGATION
A.
New Hampshire will select one (1) person to serve as Delegation Chair and two (2) to serve
as Convention Pages. (Call, IV., E.F.1. & Appendix C.)
B.
DELEGATION CHAIR
1.
2.
C.
Selection Meeting
a.
b.
All members of the delegation shall receive timely notice of the time, date and
place of the meeting to select the Delegation Chair. (Rule 3.C.)
The State Democratic Chair shall certify the Delegation Chair in writing to the
Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after his or her
selection. (Call, IV.E.)
CONVENTION PAGES
1.
Two (2) individuals will be selected to serve as New Hampshire's Convention Pages
by the State Democratic Chair in consultation with the members of the Democratic
National Committee from the state. This selection will take place on April 16th, 2016.
(Call, IV.F,3. & Reg. 5.5. Appendix C)
2.
The Convention Pages shall be as evenly divided between men and women as
possible under the state allocation and shall reflect as much as possible, the
Affirmative Action guidelines in the Affirmative Action Plan. (Reg. 5.6.A.) In order to
encourage participation by youth, preference shall be given by the State Democratic
Chair to individuals under the age of 20.
3.
The State Democratic Chair shall certify the individuals to serve as New Hampshire's
Convention Pages in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee
within three (3) days after the selection. (Call, IV.F.3. & Reg. 5.6.B.)
Page 23
SECTION VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURAL GUARANTEES
A.
The New Hampshire Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to an open party by
incorporating the "six basic elements" as listed below. These provisions demonstrate the
intention of the Democratic Party to ensure a full opportunity for all minority group
members to participate in the delegate selection process. (Rules 4.A. & C.)
1.
All public meetings at all levels of the Democratic Party in New Hampshire should be
open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed,
national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation and gender identity,
economic status or physical disability (hereinafter collectively referred to as "status").
(Rule 4.B.(1))
2.
No test for membership in, nor any oaths of loyalty to the Democratic Party in New
Hampshire should be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or
current members of the Democratic Party to acquiesce in, condone or support
discrimination based on "status." (Rule 4.B.(2))
3.
The time and place for all public meetings of the Democratic Party in New Hampshire
on all levels should be publicized fully and in such manner as to assure timely notice
to all interested persons. Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all Party
members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons. (Rule 4.B.(3))
4.
The Democratic Party in New Hampshire, on all levels, should support the broadest
possible registration without discrimination based on "status." (Rule 4.B.(4))
5.
The Democratic Party in New Hampshire should publicize fully and in such a manner
as to assure notice to all interested parties a full description of the legal and practical
procedures for selection of Democratic Party officers and representatives on all levels.
Publication of these procedures should be done in such fashion that all prospective
and current members of each State Democratic Party will be fully and adequately
informed of the pertinent procedures in time to participate in each selection procedure
at all levels of the Democratic Party organization. (Rule 4.B.(5))
6.
The Democratic Party in New Hampshire should publicize fully and in such a manner
as to assure notice to all interested parties, a complete description of the legal and
practical qualifications of all positions as officers and representatives of the State
Democratic Party. Such publication should be done in timely fashion so that all
prospective candidates or applicants for any elected or appointed position within each
State Democratic Party will have full and adequate opportunity to compete for office.
(Rule 4.B.(6))
Page 24
7. Proxy voting shall not be permitted at any level of the Delegate Selection Process.
B.
C.
New Hampshire's delegation shall be equally divided between delegate men and delegate
women, and alternate men and alternate women. Such goal applies to the entire delegation,
which includes all pledged delegates and alternates and all unpledged delegates. Delegates
and alternates shall be considered separate groups for purposes of achieving equal division.
(Rule 6.C.)
D.
E.
No delegate at any level of the delegate selection process shall be mandated by law or Party
rules to vote contrary to that person's presidential choice as expressed at the time the
delegate is elected. (Rule 12.1.)
F.
Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all
good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them. (Rule 12.J.)
G.
All delegates, alternates and standing committee members must be bona fide Democrats
who have the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States at
heart, who subscribe to the substance, intent and, principles of the Charter and Bylaws of
the Democratic Party of the United States, and who will participate in the Convention in
good faith. (Rule 12.H. & Reg. 4.24.)
H.
No less than 40% (forty percent) of the members of any Party body above the first level of
the delegate selection process shall constitute a quorum for any business pertaining to the
selection of National Convention delegates, alternates, standing committee members, and
other official Convention participants. (Rule 15)
I.
The unit rule, or any rule or practice whereby all members of a Party unit or delegation may
be required to cast their votes in accordance with the will of a majority of the body, shall
not be used at any stage of the delegate selection process. (Rule 17.A.)
J.
Any individual or group of Democrats may sponsor or endorse a slate of candidates for
convention delegates. But no slate may, by virtue of such endorsement, receive a
preferential place on a delegate selection ballot or be publicly identified on the ballot as the
official Democratic Party organization slate, and all slates must meet identical qualifying
requirements for appearing on a ballot at all levels of the delegate selection process. (Rule
17.B.)
Page 25
K.
All steps in the delegate selection process, including the filing of presidential candidates,
must take place within the calendar year of the Democratic National Convention, except
with respect to the implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan. (Rules 1.F. & 11.B.)
L.
In electing and certifying delegates and alternates to the 2016 Democratic National
Convention, New Hampshire thereby undertakes to assure all Democratic voters in the state
full, timely and equal opportunity to participate in the delegate selection process and in all
Party affairs and to implement affirmative action programs toward that end, and that the
delegates and alternates to the Convention shall be selected in accordance with the Delegate
Selection Rules for the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and that the voters in the
state will have the opportunity to cast their election ballots for the Presidential and Vice
Presidential nominees selected by said Convention, and for electors pledged formally and in
good conscience to the election of these Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees, under
the label and designation of the Democratic Party of the United States, and that the
delegates certified will not publicly support or campaign for any candidate for President or
Vice President other than the nominees for the Democratic National Convention. (Call, II.B.)
Page 26
SECTION VII
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND OUTREACH PLAN
A.
In order that the Democratic Party at all levels be an open Party that includes
rather than excludes people from participation, a program of effective
affirmative action is hereby adopted by New Hampshire. (Rule 5.A.)
b.
c.
All public meetings at all levels of the Democratic Party in New Hampshire
should be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex,
age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation and
gender identity, economic status or physical disability (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "status"). (Rule 4.B.(1))
d.
e.
Organizational Structure
a.
b.
The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Rules and Bylaws
Committee of the Democratic National Committee the compliance of the States
Affirmative Action Committee with Rules 5.C, 6.A and 7, and submit the
names, demographic data and contact information no later than 15 days after
their appointment. (Reg. 2.2.K)
c.
d.
(2)
(3)
Page 28
(4)
Ensuring, on behalf of the State Party Committee, that district lines used in
the delegate selection process are not gerrymandered to discriminate
against African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific
Americans, women, disabled Americans, LGBT, seniors, and youth. (Rule
6.E.)
(5)
e.
3.
B.
Working with the State Chair and Party staff on the site selection and
balloting process of the pre-primary district level caucuses and the April
16th, 2016 delegate selection meeting.
Financial and staff support for the Affirmative Action Committee shall be
provided by the State Party Committee to the greatest extent feasible, including,
but not limited to, making available on a priority basis, the State Party staff and
volunteers and covering all reasonable costs incurred in carrying out this Plan.
Implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan shall begin on September 15th, 2015,
with the distribution of the press kits, and will continue through the end of the
delegate selection process. (Rule 1.F.)
2.
3.
The State Party's education efforts will include outreach to community leaders within
the Democratic Party's constituencies and making sure that information about the
delegate selection process is available to Democratic clubs and Party caucuses
representing specific constituencies.
4.
The State Party will publish and make available at no cost: a clear and concise
explanation of how Democratic voters can participate in the delegate selection
Page 29
process; an explanation of how, where and when persons can register to vote; and
delegate district maps. As well, the State Party shall also make available copies of the
State Party Rules, the Delegate Selection Plan (and its attachments), the Affirmative
Action Plan, and relevant state statutes at no cost. Copies of documents related to the
state's delegate selection process will be prepared and the Affirmative Action
Committee will distribute them in the various delegate districts not later than
September 15th, 2015. (Rule 1.H.)
5.
The State Party shall take all feasible steps to encourage persons to register and to
vote as Democrats and will seek to ensure simple and easy registration procedures.
(Rule 2.C.)
C.
Special attention shall be directed at publicizing the delegate selection process in the
state. Such publicity shall include information on eligibility to vote and how to
become a candidate for delegate, the time and location of each stage of the delegate
selection process and where to get additional information. The foregoing information
will also be published in State Party communications and on the State Partys website.
The Party will also encourage presidential candidates to post the plan on their state
websites. The Party organization, official, candidate, or member calling a meeting or
scheduling an event, shall effectively publicize the role that such meeting or event
plays in the selection of delegates and alternates to the Democratic National
Convention. (Rules 3.C. and 3.D.)
2.
Newspapers, radio and television will be utilized to inform the general public how,
when and where to participate in the delegate selection process. Specifically, this
information should provide details as to how to qualify to run as a delegate candidate.
Special effort shall be directed to the major daily newspapers, radio and television
stations by the State Democratic Chair, Affirmative Action Committee members and
staff. Regular releases during the delegate selection process to all other media sources,
weekly newspapers, and wire services should complete timely coverage. (Rules 4.B.(3) &
6.D.)
3.
The State Party shall be responsible for the implementation of this publicity
effort. For purposes of providing adequate notice of the delegate selection
process, the times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of post-primary
caucuses and the presidential preference primary shall be effectively publicized,
bilingually where necessary, to encourage the participation of minority groups.
(Rule 6D)
4.
D.
Not later than September 15th, 2015, a press kit shall be made and provided to each
daily and weekly newspaper as well as to the electronic media. The press kit will
include:
a.
a summary of all pertinent rules related to the state's delegate selection process;
b.
a map of delegate districts and how many delegates will be elected within each
district;
c.
d.
e.
REPRESENTATION GOALS
1.
The State Party has not determined the demographic composition of African
Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific Americans, or other
historically under represented groups, in the state's Democratic electorate. The State
Party has inquired of one independent polling group and the New Hampshire
Secretary of States Office as to the availability of demographic data for New
Hampshire Democrats, and have been unable to locate any from these sources. We
have obtained 2013 U.S. Census Bureau data in an effort to best estimate
representation of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific
Americans in the States Democratic electorate.
2.
The State Party was unable to obtain census data regarding the gay/lesbian
population; however, representatives of the LGBT community have advised the State
Party that, typically, 10% of the population consists of gays and lesbians.
Page 31
3.
Recognizing that (a) members of the non-caucasian and other historically under
represented communities trend towards the Democratic Party; (b) Independents may
elect to register as Democrats to vote in New Hampshire presidential preference
primary; and (c) the State Partys expectation is that more Independents shall vote in
the Democratic presidential preference primary based on polling data from the UNH
Survey Center, we have multiplied the Census data for the non-caucasian and other
historically under represented communities by 200%, thus reaching the following
estimated demographic data for Democratic voters:
African American
Latino/Hispanic:
Native American
Asian/Pacific American
Multi-Racial
Seniors (65 and older)
Youth (18-36)
Disabled (18-64)
LGBT
2.8%
5.6%
0.6%
4.0%
2.2%
27.0%
17.0%
29.2%
20.0%
E.
4.
When selecting the at-large portion of the delegation, the demographic composition of
the other delegates (district-level, pledged PLEO, and unpledged) shall be compared
with the State Party's goals in order to achieve an at-large selection process which
helps to bring about a representative balance.
5.
Use of the at-large delegation to achieve the affirmative action goals established by
this Plan does not obviate the need for the State Party to conduct outreach activities
such as recruitment, education and training. (Rule 6.A.(3))
Presidential candidates shall assist the New Hampshire Democratic Party in meeting
the demographic representation goals reflected in the Affirmative Action Plan
Page 32
including, but not limited to, appointing an affirmative action outreach coordinator,
for the purpose of identifying and recruiting delegate candidates from non-caucasian
and other historically under represented groups. (Rule 6.H.)
2.
Each presidential candidate must submit a written statement to the State Democratic
Chair by October 1, 2015 which indicates the specific steps he or she will take to
encourage full participation in New Hampshire's delegate selection process, including,
but not limited to, procedures by which persons may file as candidates for delegate or
alternate. (Rule 6.H.(1))
3.
Each presidential candidate must submit demographic information with respect to all
candidates for delegate and alternate pledged to them. Such information shall be
submitted in conjunction with the list of names approved for consideration as delegate
and alternate candidates pledged to the presidential candidate. (Rule 6.H.(2))
4.
Presidential candidates (including uncommitted status) shall use their best effort to
ensure that their respective delegations within the state's delegate, alternate and
standing committee delegations shall achieve the affirmative action goals reflected in
the Affirmative Action Plan and that the respective delegations of each presidential
candidate shall be equally divided between men and women. Furthermore,
presidential candidates shall use their best efforts at the district level to approve
delegate and alternate candidates who meet applicable equal division and affirmative
action considerations in order to achieve the affirmative action goals and equal
division for their respective delegations. (Rule 6.1. & Reg. 4.9.) On or before December
1st, 2015, each presidential candidates affirmative action outreach coordinator shall
provide the chair of the affirmative action committee with a written statement of the
steps taken by the presidential candidate to try to achieve affirmative action goals and
equal division at the district level.
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SECTION VIII
CHALLENGES
A.
Challenges related to the delegate selection process are governed by the Regulations
of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2016 Democratic National
Convention (Regs., Sec. 3.), and the "Rules of Procedure of the Credentials
Committee of the 2016 Democratic National Convention" (Call, Appendix A.)
2.
Under Rule 20.B. of the 2016 Delegate Selection Rules; the DNC Rules and Bylaws
Committee has jurisdiction over challenges pertaining to the submission, nonimplementation and violation of state Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action
Plans. (Rule 20.B. & Call Appendix A)
3.
The Rules and Bylaws Committee has jurisdiction to hear and decide any challenge
provided it is initiated before the 56th day preceding the date of the commencement
of the 2016 Democratic National Convention. (Call, Appendix A. & Reg., 3.1.)
4.
5.
6.
Copies of the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee and/or the Call for the
2016 Democratic National Convention, including the Rules of Procedure of the
Credentials Committee (Appendix A), shall be made available by the State Party upon
reasonable request.
7.
Any group of fifteen Democrats with standing to challenge as defined in Reg. 3.2 or
the Call (Appendix A, Sec. 2:A.), may bring a challenge to this Plan or to the
implementation of this Plan, including its Affirmative Action provisions.
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B.
C.
A challenge to the status of the State Party Committee as the body entitled to sponsor
a delegation from that state shall be filed with the Rules and Bylaws Committee not
later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the initiation of the state's delegate
selection process. (Rule 20.A. & Reg. 3.4.A.)
2.
A challenge to the state's Delegate Selection Plan shall be filed with the Chair of the
New Hampshire Democratic Party and the Co-Chairs of the Rules and Bylaws
Committee within fifteen (15) calendar days after the adoption of the Plan by the State
Party. (Reg. 3.4.B.)
3.
A challenge to a Plan must be brought in conformity with the Rules and the Regs.,
which should be consulted for a detailed explanation of challenge procedures.
CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTATION
1.
2.
3.
section of a Plan, except that such challenges must be filed not later than thirty (30)
days prior to the initiation of the state's delegate selection process. (Reg. 3.4.C.)
4. Depending on the appropriate jurisdiction (see Section VIII.A. above),
implementation challenges must be brought in conformity with the Regulations of the
Rules and Bylaws Committee or the Rules of Procedure of the Credentials
Committee, which should be consulted for a detailed explanation of challenge
procedures.
Page 36
SECTION IX
SUMMARY OF PLAN
A.
Delegates
District-Level
Delegates and
Alternates
16
Unpledged Party
Leader and Elected
Official Delegates*
n/a
n/a
Pledged Party
3
Leaders and Elected
Officials (PLEOs)
04/16/16
At-Large Delegates 5
and Alternates
04/16/16
TOTAL Delegates
and Alternates
32
*
B.
Alternates
Date of
Selection
Selecting Body
Filing Requirements and Deadlines
01/30/16
(subject
to change)
Unpledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates includes the following categories, if
applicable, who legally reside in the state: the Democratic National Committee Members, the
Democratic President, the Democratic Vice President, all Democratic Members of Congress, the
Democratic Governor, and any other Distinguished Party Leader as specified in Rule 9.A. of the 2016
Delegate Selection Rules. The exact number of Unpledged PLEO Delegates is subject to change due to
possible deaths, resignations, elections or special elections.
Standing committee members will be selected by the state's National Convention delegates
as summarized below:
Members Per Committee
1
C.
Total Members
3
Selection Date
April 16th, 2016
D.
E.
TIMETABLE
03/02/15
Delegate Selection Affirmative Action Committee Members are appointed by the State Chair
03/20/15
Affirmative Action Committee meets to draft proposed Delegate Selection Affirmative Action Plan
03/25/15
Proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans are open for public comment by the State
Party Committee
03/25/15
Public Comments are solicited on the proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans. Press
releases are mailed announcing the public comment period
04/23/15
Period for Public Comment on State Plan is concluded. Responses are compiled for review by the state
party committee
04/25/15
State Party Committee reviews public comments and adopts revised Delegate Selection and
Affirmative Action Plans for submission to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee. Press releases are
sent out announcing the approval of the plan
05/04/15
Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans are forwarded to the DNC Rules and Bylaws
Committee
09/15/15
State Party begins implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan. Press kits, as described in the
Page 38
Deadline for each announced presidential candidate to submit a statement specifying steps the
candidate will take to encourage full participation in the delegate selection process.
No Date
Presidential Candidates deadline for filing the petition of candidacy with the Secretary of State
11/01/15
Presidential candidates deadline for certifying the name(s) of their authorized representative(s) to the
State Party.
12/01/15
Presidential candidates provide written statements of steps taken to achieve the Affirmative Action
Committee goals and equal division at the district level to the Affirmative Action Committee Chair.
01/18/16
01/22/16
01/23/16
State Party provides list of District-Level Delegate Candidates to respective Presidential Candidates
01/25/16
Presidential candidates provide list of approved district-level delegate candidates to state party
01/28/16
State Chairs notifies RBC if Presidential Candidates used best efforts to ensure that District Level
Delegate Candidates meet Affirmative Action Committee goals
01/30/16
02/09/16
02/15/16
Secretary of State certifies results of primary; pre-slated district level delegates are allocated according
to presidential preference
02/21/16
04/04/16
Filing period for PLEO, At-Large Delegates and At-Large Alternates Opens
04/08/16
Filing period for PLEO, At-Large Delegates and At-Large Alternates Closes
04/09/16
State Chair notifies Presidential Candidates of filed candidates for PLEO, At-Large Delegates and AtLarge Alternates
04/11/16
Presidential Candidates give list of approved candidates for PLEO, At-Large Delegates and At-Large
Alternates
04/15/16
04/16/16
District-Level Delegates Caucus. PLEO Delegates Selected, then At-Large Delegates, then At-Large
Alternates then Standing Committee Members
04/16/16
Page 39
04/16/16
04/19/16
State Party certifies remainder of elected delegates and alternates along with standing committee
members, delegation chair and convention pages
Page 40
B.
2.
3.
Page 42
Summary of the process for selecting delegates, alternates, standing committee members,
the delegation chair and convention pages, along with related deadlines. (Reg. 2.2.A.) (See
1x of Plan)
2.
Timetable reflecting all significant dates in the state's delegate selection process. (Reg.
2.2.13.) (See 1 of Plan)
3.
Statement from the State Democratic Chair certifying the Plan as submitted to the RBC
was approved by the State Party Committee. (Reg. 2.2.C.) (See Statement attached as
Exhibit A)
4.
Copy of the press release distributed by the State Party Committee announcing its
adoption of the Plan and summarizing the major components of the Plan. (Reg. 2.2.D.) (See
Release attached as Exhibit B)
5.
Statement from the State Democratic Chair certifying compliance with Rule 1.C.
which requires a 30 day public comment period prior to the adoption of the Plan by the
State Party. (Reg. 2.2.E.) (See Statement attached as Exhibit C)
6.
Copies of all written public comments on the Plan. (Reg. 2.2.F.) (See Comments
attached as Exhibit D)
7.
A blank copy of forms to be filed with the state or the State Party by delegate
candidates. (Reg. 2.2.G) (See Forms attached as Exhibit E)
8.
9.
Copies of all state statutes reasonably related to the Delegate Selection Process. (See
Copies attached hereto as Exhibit G)
10.
A copy of all qualifying forms to be filed with the state or the State Party by
presidential candidates. (Reg. 2.2.J.) (See Copy attached as Exhibit H)
Page 43
EXHIBIT A
STATEMENT FROM STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR
The undersigned, ______________________, hereby certifies that the Delegate Selection
Plan dated ______________, 2015, was approved by the New Hampshire Democratic Party State
Committee on ______________, 2015.
Dated this____ day of ___________, 2015.
___________________________________________
______________________________, Chair
Page 44
EXHIBIT B
[SEE COPY OF PRESS RELEASE ATTACHED]
Page 45
EXHIBIT C
The undersigned, __________________, hereby certifies as follows:
1. On __________________, a copy of the __________________ first draft of the
New Hampshire Delegate Selection Plan was posted on the New Hampshire Democratic Party
website. A copy of the Plan was either emailed or mailed to each member of the New Hampshire
Democratic Party State Committee.
2. On __________________, the Executive Committee of the New Hampshire
Democratic Party State Committee approved revisions to the __________________ first draft of
the New Hampshire Delegate Selection Plan, and authorized posting the Plan for public
comment.
3. On __________________, a press release (a copy of which is attached hereto) was
sent to the media outlets listed in Exhibit B to the affirmative action plan of the Delegate
Selection Plan, announcing the posting of the Delegate Selection Plan on the New Hampshire
Democratic Party website, announcing the commencement of the thirty day public comment
period, and announcing that copies of the Plan were also available at the New Hampshire
Democratic Party State Committee Office at 105 N. State St, Street, Concord, New Hampshire.
4. The period for public comment ended on __________________, more than thirty
days after the commencement of the public comment period on __________________
Dated this____ day of ___________, 2015.
___________________________________________
______________________________, Chair
Page 46
EXHIBIT D
Copies of all written public comments on the plan.
Page 47
EXHIBIT E
Forms to be filed with the New Hampshire Democratic
Party State Committee by delegate candidates.
DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY
THE UNDERSIGNED, ______________________________, of _______________, New
Hampshire, hereby declares my candidacy for Democratic Party District Level Delegate for the
___________________ Congressional District.
I hereby pledge my support for ____________________________, candidate for President
of the United States (the "Candidate"), and hereby pledge to cast my vote in all good conscience
to reflect the sentiments of those who elect me if I am selected as a delegate.
I further certify that I am a registered Democrat, qualified to vote in the State of New
Hampshire and the ____________________________ Congressional District, or will be eligible
to vote in the 2016 General Election.
Dated:
DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FOR ALTERNATE DELEGATE
TO THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
THE UNDERSIGNED, ____________________________, of ___________________,
New Hampshire, hereby declares my candidacy for Democratic Party District Level Alternate
Delegate
for the
Congressional District.
I hereby pledge my support for, candidate for ____________________________ President
of the United States (the "Candidate"), and hereby pledge to cast my vote in all good conscience
to reflect the sentiments of those who elect me if I am selected as a delegate.
I further certify that I am a registered Democrat, qualified to vote in the State of New
Hampshire, and the ____________________________ Congressional District, or will be eligible
to vote in the 2016 General Election.
Dated:
_____________________________________
Page 48
DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY
FOR PLEDGED PARTY LEADER AND ELECTED OFFICIAL DELEGATE
THE UNDERSIGNED, __________________________, of ____________________, New
Hampshire, hereby declares my candidacy for Democratic Party Pledged Party Leader and
Elected
Official Delegate for the __________________________ Congressional District.
I hereby pledge my support for __________________________, candidate for President of
the United States (the "Candidate"), and hereby pledge to cast my vote in all good conscience to
reflect the sentiments of those who elect me if I am selected as a delegate.
I further certify that I am a registered Democrat, qualified to vote in the State of New
Hampshire.
Dated:
_____________________________________
Page 49
APPENDIX TO
DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY
Please provide your contact information:
Name:
Sex (circle):
Male
Female
Please list any elected offices (state, county or local) that you hold:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Page 50
EXHIBIT F
Certification of compliance with Rule 6.F
I, Dana S. Hilliard and I, Joanne Dowdell Co-Chairs of the Affirmative Action Committee
of the New Hampshire Democratic Party State Committee, hereby certify that the Affirmative
Action Committee has reviewed the proposed affirmative action outreach plan included within
the Delegate Selection Plan at Section 7, in compliance with Rule 6.17 of the Delegate Selection
Rules for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Dated this_____ day of ________, 2015.
____________________________________
Dana S. Hilliard
____________________________________
Joanne Dowdell
Page 51
EXHIBIT G
COPIES OF ALL STATUTES REASONABLY RELATED
TO DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
N.H. RSA 653:5, Delegates to National Party Conventions at every presidential primary
election, the voters of the State shall vote their preference for party candidates for President and
thereby choose delegates to each presidential nominating convention to which the State is
entitled.
Page 52
EXHIBIT H
QUALIFYING FORMS TO BE FILED WITH
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE BY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Declaration of Candidacy forms are available from the New Hampshire Secretary of State's
Office. The Declaration must be filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office during
the filing period, which will begin on __________________, and will end on
___________________. A filing fee of $1,000.00 must also be paid. The information required on
the Declaration is as follows:
I,___________________, declare that I an domiciled in the City (or Town, or
unincorporated place) of __________________________, State of
__________________________, and meet the qualifications for the office for which I am a
candidate; that I am a registered member of the __________________________ party; that I am
a candidate for nomination of the office of __________________________ to be made at the
primary election to be held on the ______ day of______________, 2016; and I hereby request
that my name be printed on the official primary ballet of said __________________________
party as a candidate for such nomination.
Signature of Candidate:
____________________________________
Name:_______________________________
Address:_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Page 53