“We are hoping that Rhode Island Democrats will become a part of this exciting process and share their voice in this pivotal presidential election,” said Party Executive Director, Cyd McKenna.

The Rhode Island Democratic Party is inviting all registered Democrat voters to have a voice in choosing our next Presidential nominee at the upcoming 2020 Democratic National Convention, by learning how to become a delegate for that event. The Convention will be held July 13 – July 16, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (All expenses are paid by delegates.)

A series of four workshops will be held across the state during the month of February, where Democrat voters can learn more about the convention and how to run for the one of the 14 District-level delegate seats, or one of the four at-large or two alternate delegate spots. Overall, there are 30 delegates: 14 District-level, four at-large, three PLEO (Public Leaders and Elected Officials), nine automatic, and two alternates.

Workshops and Locations

• Monday, February 10, 6 pm-7:30 pm – East Greenwich Public Library, 82 Pierce Street, East Greenwich;
• Thursday, February 13, 6pm -7:30pm – Rhode Island Indian Council, 807 Broad Street, Providence;
• Tuesday, February 18, 6pm – 7:30pm – Rogers Free Library, 525 Hope Street, Bristol;
• Thursday, February 20, 6 pm – 7:30pm – Pawtucket Public Library, 13 Summer St., Pawtucket,

The process is detailed in the state Party’s-approved Delegate Selection Plan and officially began with the candidate-application period. It includes this timeline for potential delegates:

• By February 25: Retrieving a Declaration of Candidacy, Pledge of Support, and filing instructions – all found on the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Elections Division website.
• February 26 to 4 pm February 27: Candidates file their completed forms with the Rhode Island Secretary of State Elections Division (148 West River Street, Providence.) Only original signatures are accepted – no email or faxing of forms. If mailing, leave ample time to arrive. 
• By 4 pm February 27 – Pledge of Support forms are also due to the Party’s Executive Director, Cyd McKenna ([email protected]) 
• February 27 to February 28 – The next day after Declaration of Candidacy is filed, nomination papers are available to candidates – they must have 150 signatures from qualified voters from within their respective Congressional District.
• March 3 – Nomination papers due by 4 pm to each city/town canvassers’ office from which signers appear to be voters.
• April 28 – Presidential Preference Primary
• April 29 – Filing Deadline for At-Large Delegates and Alternates – File statement of candidacy and a signed pledge of support for presidential candidate to Rhode Island Democratic Party, 200 Metro Center Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02886 or by email to [email protected]. Paperwork sent later than April 29 will not be accepted.
• May 11 – Democratic State Committee Convention – At-Large and PLEO delegates elected at State Convention. (This is a public meeting but only State Committee members can vote.)
• July 13-16 – Democratic National Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.