Chapter Three

The Role of Alternates

There are certain occasions when a delegate may not be able to fulfill his or her responsibilities. In those cases, an alternate is chosen to replace the delegate. While most people want to attend the Convention as a delegate, each state also selects a small number of alternates.

In most states, the process of becoming an alternate is the same as for becoming a delegate. An alternate’s term is dependent on whether he or she is a permanent or temporary replacement. A permanent replacement occurs when a delegate resigns or dies before the Convention and the alternate replaces the delegate for the entirety of the Convention. A temporary replacement occurs when a delegate is to be absent for a limited period of time during the Convention and an alternate acts in the delegate’s place. In both cases, the alternate chosen must be of the same presidential preference, and in the case of a permanent replacement, of the same sex. In no case may an alternate cast a vote or replace an unpledged delegate.