At the bottom of your primary ballot is an obscure position — state delegate.
Why it matters: These are your local representatives to each party's state convention.
- They'll vote along with the party's platform on the candidates for secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller, shaping the future of Indiana politics and policy.
State of play: Early voting is underway for the May primary, and we have been breaking down key races on your ballot.
- This look at delegates was spurred by a reader who asked what this position is and why they should vote for it.
What they're saying: "It's a really simple way for someone to get involved on the county level," said Sam Barloga, an Indiana Democratic Party spokesperson.
- Barloga, who has previously served as a convention delegate, said these people are ultimately your neighborhood's representative to the party.
How it works: For either party, the role of delegate is a one- or two-day commitment.
- Delegates attend the party's convention and select candidates for three statewide offices without a primary, ratify the party's platform and conduct other party business.
Yes, but: Because these are largely neighborhood roles, finding information about the candidates can be difficult.
- Candidates running for state delegate aren't required to file campaign finance reports and most don't have campaign websites or social media accounts.
- Still, Barloga said, it's reasonable to look them up online and see what information can be gleaned about their positions on policy important to you.
Between the lines: These party insiders can play a powerful role in elections.
- It was state delegates in 2024 who chose Micah Beckwith as the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor — a shocking vote that eschewed the tradition of going along with the gubernatorial nominee's choice.
Zoom in: How delegates are distributed varies by county. In Marion County, both parties elect them by district, and voters are usually choosing multiple candidates.
- For example, sample ballots for my downtown address tell me to select six Republican delegates from among 10 candidates or nine Democrats from 12 candidates.
- Find your own sample ballot online.
What's next: The Democratic Convention is June 6 in Indianapolis.
- The Republican Convention is June 19-20 in Fort Wayne.
