The Pennsylvania Democratic Party wants to recruit 19 LGBT delegates from the state to participate in the national convention.
The Democratic National Convention will be held in Philadelphia in July. Representatives from the state party outlined the delegate-selection process at a Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meeting last month.
Pennsylvania will elect 215 delegates, with 130 of them elected by Congressional district. Philadelphia is split among the First, Second and 13th districts. There will be 13 alternates.
The state Democratic Party has diversity goals for seven other categories, in addition to LGBT people: people with disabilities, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Hispanic and Latino people, seniors and youth.
“You could be in several categories,” said Diane Bowman, former executive director of the state Democratic Party.
She said the party wants to bring new voices to the convention.
Bowman noted that individuals interested in serving as delegates will identify the categories that fit them and the presidential candidate they support on a pledge form, which will be available Dec. 28.
People will also have to check a box to indicate if they would also like to be considered as alternates.
The state party forwards the forms to the candidates’ camps to decide which delegates they want. Selected individuals will be notified and must get 250 signatures from their district on a petition supporting them as delegates. Petitions must be returned to the state by Feb. 16. It costs $25 to file. The state party can cover the cost in case of financial hardship.
Delegates and alternates from Congressional districts are chosen in the spring, followed by at-large delegates and alternates in the summer. The national convention takes place July 25-28.
For more information, visit www.padems.com.