What are Super Delegates? The term Super Delegates refers to members of the
Democratic National Committee, consisting of high ranking
elected officials such as members of
Congress,
democratic governors, mayors, former presidents and party officials, who are not bound to follow the decisions of
voters. They can support any candidate they choose in the
Presidential election. A Super Delegate is actually an '
unpledged' delegate. An 'ordinary' delegate is an elected official chosen at a state or local level to
represent the voters in their
district. The delegate will then take into the consideration the will of the people when finally casting their vote. In contrast, a Super Delegate automatically becomes a delegate based on their position, they do not have to represent the will of the voters. The power of the Super Delegates is quite
controversial. Many feel that this is an
undemocratic way of
choosing a candidate, and voting should be in the hands of the people, and their elected representatives.