Breaking: DNC votes to cut power of superdelegates

The vote is "an important step forward in making the Democratic Party more open, democratic and responsive to the input of ordinary Americans."

By
Alexandra Jacobo
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Image Credit: Three Sonorans

In what is being called a landslide victory for progressives, the Democratic National Committee has dramatically reduced the power and influence of superdelegates in presidential nominating power.

Members of the DNC gathered over the weekend in Chicago and were expected to make decisions about the system, which has come under fire even more heavily the last three presidential election cycles.

In the past superdelegates have had an inflated role in determining who will be the Democratic party’s presidential nominee. Superdelegates, unline regular delegates, are free to vote for whomever they wish in casting ballots for a presidential nominee. As ThinkProgress states, their support often has been secured via lobbying and side deals.

Under the new rules, superdelegates will have determining power only in instances where the first round of voting on the convention failed to yield a nominee or a “break in case of emergency” capacity. Now it will be up to the delegates selected in primaries and caucuses only.

Watch the final vote here:

As journalist Alex Kotch stated:

Many politicians, activists, journalists, and progressives have lobbied on behalf of superdelegate reform. Normon Solomon, national coordinator for the progressive advocacy group RootsAction.org, was unsure that the DNC would actually move on the issue:

“Progressive outrage, agitation, activism and organizing since 2016 forced corporate forces at the top of the party to confront a tough choice — either surrender on the superdelegate issue or deepen the justified distrust among people who believe in the principle of one person, one vote.”

California DNC member Michael Kapp, who supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential primaries, stated:

“We made these changes because it’s never too late to do the right thing. By restoring trust to our presidential primary process, we are reinforcing the fact that Democrats are the party of the people.”

Bernie Sanders said in a statement that the vote is “an important step forward in making the Democratic Party more open, democratic and responsive to the input of ordinary Americans.”

 

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Alexandra Jacobo
Alexandra Jacobo is a dedicated progressive writer, activist, and mother with a deep-rooted passion for social justice and political engagement. Her journey into political activism began in 2011 at Zuccotti Park, where she supported the Occupy movement by distributing blankets to occupiers, marking the start of her earnest commitment to progressive causes. Driven by a desire to educate and inspire, Alexandra focuses her writing on a range of progressive issues, aiming to foster positive change both domestically and internationally. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to community empowerment and a belief in the power of informed public action. As a mother, Alexandra brings a unique and personal perspective to her activism, understanding the importance of shaping a better world for future generations. Her writing not only highlights the challenges we face but also champions the potential for collective action to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

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