Superdelegates and how they work

Democrats created them in 1982.

While the process to nominate Democrat and Republican candidates for president are essentially the same, there is a notable difference in just who will vote at the nominating committee.

That difference comes in the form of something Democrats call a “superdelegate.”

Here’s a quick look at what a superdelegate is and what they do.

What is a superdelegate?

A superdelegate is a person who is a delegate to the national nominating convention but who is not “bound” to a candidate, meaning they may vote for anyone they wish, regardless of the outcome of the popular vote in the states they represent.

Who can be a superdelegate?

In the Democratic Party, superdelegates are made up of two groups – prominent current or formerly-elected Democrats (presidents, governors and all the current Democratic members of the House and Senate) and members of the Democratic National Committee.

How many are there?

There are 712 superdelegates involved in the 2016 nomination process.

How does that voting work?

First some math. This week’s Democratic nomination will be determined by 4,763 total delegates: 4,051 delegates chosen by voters in state caucuses and primaries, and 712 (or roughly 15 percent) superdelegates. Because superdelegates are “unbound” and can support any candidate they wish, at the convention this week they will make their choice and vote along with their state for the candidate of their choice.

How long have the Democrats been using superdelegates at conventions?

Since they were created through Democratic National Committee rules in 1982. Following the contentious 1980 convention fight between Sen. Ted Kennedy, (D-Mass.), and former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, party officials wanted more of a hand in the selection process and created superdelegates to achieve that goal.

Do Republicans have superdelegates?

Not really. While there are three delegates to the Republican National Convention from each state – the state chairman and two Republican National Committee members – the RNC rules say, “all of the delegates shall be bound by the results of the primary,” — the state’s popular vote.