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Here is a very good outline of how the delegates work in a contested Republican convention:
This really is a valuable read, smething to save to help follow the convention.
Republicans haven’t seen a second ballot since 1948, but they might see one this summer. Here’s a quick primer on what could happen:
Who are the Republican delegates?
They’re awarded by each state, usually based on primary or caucus votes. In some states, delegates are elected directly, while in others candidates choose delegates.
Starting with Tuesday’s primaries, states yet to vote are ones that can award all their delegates to the winner. All 99 of Florida’s delegates will go to Trump. All 66 Ohio delegates will go to Kasich. In other states, they have been awarded using different formulas, often based on a percentage of the vote.
Must delegates vote for their candidates?
On the first ballot, virtually all the delegates must vote for their candidates. In some states, however, they are not bound. In Pennsylvania, for instance, 17 of the 71 delegates go to the state winner. The rest may vote for whomever they choose, though most are savvy politicians who will go by the wishes of the voters.
Nationally, the rules loosen on a second ballot. Most of the delegates, but not all, can vote for anyone they want.
On a third ballot, almost all the delegates are free.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article66524977.html
Who are the Republican delegates?
They’re awarded by each state, usually based on primary or caucus votes. In some states, delegates are elected directly, while in others candidates choose delegates.
Starting with Tuesday’s primaries, states yet to vote are ones that can award all their delegates to the winner. All 99 of Florida’s delegates will go to Trump. All 66 Ohio delegates will go to Kasich. In other states, they have been awarded using different formulas, often based on a percentage of the vote.
Must delegates vote for their candidates?
On the first ballot, virtually all the delegates must vote for their candidates. In some states, however, they are not bound. In Pennsylvania, for instance, 17 of the 71 delegates go to the state winner. The rest may vote for whomever they choose, though most are savvy politicians who will go by the wishes of the voters.
Nationally, the rules loosen on a second ballot. Most of the delegates, but not all, can vote for anyone they want.
On a third ballot, almost all the delegates are free.
More answers at the link.
