What are Super Delegates

Categories: News | Politics | Election 2008
  • 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.
  • Fast Facts:

    1. Democrats don't use the term "super delegate"
    2. Officially called unpledged delegates
    3. Republicans have some unpledged delegates
    4. Democratic super delegates make up one-fifth of the total delegates
    5. There are 794 DNC super delegates
    6. Bill Clinton is a super delegate

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