The Party

2008 State Convention FAQ

When and where is the 2008 Democratic Party of Virginia State Convention?
The Convention will be held on June 13 - 15, 2008 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA. Early registration will be Friday, June 13th from 5pm - 9pm.  The official Convention will take place on Saturday, June 14. General Registration opens at 8am on Saturday.

What activities are there at State Convention?
The State Convention will be an exciting weekend for Virginia Democrats.  To see a full schedule, just click here.

What does the State Convention do?
It elects the At-Large, PLEO, and Unpledged Add-On National Delegates and Alternates.  It also elects two representatives to the Electoral College, Virginia's four members of the Democratic National Committee, and generally adopts a Platform.

How many National Convention Delegates will the State Convention elect?
Virginia will elect 18 At-Large Delegates, 11 Pledged PLEOs, 2 Unpledged Add-On Delegates and 3 At-Large Alternates.

Will the State Convention adopt a platform?
Traditionally, the State Convention does adopt a platform.  A Platform Committee will be selected prior to the Convention and receive submissions.

What are the State Convention Committees?
There will be State Platform, Rules and Credentials Committees.

Are hotel rooms available?
Yes, you can find hotel room accommodations here. We recommend that you book your room in before May 13, 2008.

Where will delegate registration take place? When will I receive my credentials?
We will have registration tables at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Early Registration will begin at 5 PM on Friday, June 13th  in the lobby of the HRCC.  General Registration will open at 8 AM on Saturday in the same place. You will receive your credentials when you register on-site.  Delegates must show ID to receive their credentials. Credentials must be worn at all times as it is required to attend all Democratic Party of Virginia sponsored State Convention events. You will receive only one for the entire weekend.

What are my options for meals?
There will be a food court available for you to purchase food onsite.  There will also be tables if you plan on bringing snacks or other food from home.  There are also many local eateries within a 2 mile radius of the Convention Center. 

What should I budget for the Convention? What are the expenses?
This depends on the individual. Generally, travel to and from Hampton, meals, and the hotel stay are the main costs.  Registered delegates will not need to pay for parking or transportation while in Hampton.

Will guests be allowed to attend even if they aren't a delegate?
Yes.  Guests are encouraged to attend the State Convention.  The State Convention is going to be an exciting weekend for Virginia Democrats and we invite everyone to share in the festivities.

To register as a guest, please go to www.vademocrats.org/2008stateconvention or call 804-644-1966, ext 221 and speak with Nicole Gordon.

What does a delegate do?
As a delegate to the 2008 State Convention, you'll have access to the floor of the Convention Hall. You'll also have a vote to participate in the balloting for the At-Large, PLEO, Add-On National Delegates, and representatives to the Electoral College.

How many delegates are attending?
We have 2000 delegates and 1000 alternates.

What is the dress code?
Casual to business casual is the most common dress during the most of the weekend. However, some receptions may tend to be more formal, but there is no required dress code.