Again, for those of you outside of the PA area, bear with me. There is a plethora of questions about the PA Delegates, who they are and how it all works.
I googled and searched and could not find my answers easily; rather I could not find my answers at all. So I started making calls. Here's what I found out. Hope it helps you.
I contacted the Chester County Board of Elections to find out if they had a sample ballot, so I could read up on who the candidates are for delegate. Yes, I was advised, there is a copy of the ballot. Right now, it would cost me $.25 to purchase one. If I waited until April 17, then they would be free. All County offices should have sample ballots.
When I began asking Fran, how it worked, he told me to contact the State Office because the County merely distributes the forms. It has nothing to do with process. Fran was helpful and he did have the number readily available for me.
Fran also answered questions about 2 strikes and you can't vote or if you miss two, can you vote in this election?
I was told that there is a five-year rule.
If you miss four years, including a Presidential election, then in the fifth year, you are purged if you do not respond to their inquiry. Inquiries are mailed to anyone who missed the former Federal Election (conducted once every four years). Otherwise, you should be eligible. If you have questions, contact your County Board of Elections.
I contacted the Bureau of Elections for the Commonwealth. There, Adam advised me that they have nothing to do with the delegate list, other than certifying the elections. Each party determines who the candidates for delegate are. The Burueau is governed by the rules for the Business of Elections and falls subject to election rules, not party rules. He could not provide the answers I was seeking. I should contact the PA Democratic Party.
I called Nick Jackal, Office Director for the PA Democratic Party http://www.padems.com/,
Nick walked me around their website (I had already spent a significant amount of time on it) and pointed out the 30 some odd page 2008 Primary Delegate Selection Plan. The way he summarized it for me, there were more than 700 individuals who obtained the proper documentation to be considered as a delegate. Then, each candidate selected a number that was somewhat nebulous in determining, but got the number down to 158.
He does have and sent me a copy of all of the delegates so I can determine who I want to vote for. This sheet is not posted, but he will send one to anyone of you who desires a list of delegates by contacting Nick at Nick@padems.com
Each Congressional district receives an allotment. You vote on however many is predetermined for that district. So get the list and find out who you are voting for so you know before you go into the booth.
After the election, follow any of the delegates, Republican or Democrat, and let them know how you stand on the issues. There is a full agenda for the National Convention and that is where the National Platform will be determined.
Stay informed for the fall election. Then, let's get on it to figure out this mess with the Super Delegates as well and let's get to the system, where one votes counts. That's it. One vote counts. That's what I think anyway.
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