2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: In my opinion, the beginning of yesterday's convention [View all]MineralMan
(146,302 posts)in caucuses and primaries. Depending on the rules in each state, they are elected at the caucuses or conventions in that state. For example, in Minnesota, where I live, delegates to conventions are elected by attendees at DFL conventions, at the district or state level. We use a walking caucus system to form groups in support of a candidate or issue and delegates are elected in those groups. Other delegates are elected at large at the conventions.
It's entirely possible for a delegate who has never been a Democrat to be elected. We don't register by party in our state, and attendance at caucuses and conventions is based only on being at the lower level caucus or convention. At each level, people do sign a paper saying that they support the positions of the party, but there is really no official party membership required at any level.
It's handled differently in different states, though.