Common Questions
If you are participating for the first or second time in choosing your party's leadership in Virginia, you may have lots of questions. Please review the questions and answers below. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to assist you.
When and Where is the 10th District Republican Convention?
- The Tenth District Convention will be convene at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147. The convention will commence at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016.
What Offices will 10th District Convention Delegates Choose?
- Delegates to the 10th district convention will elect 11 representatives to 4 positions.
- Chairman of the 10th Congressional District Republican Committee
- 3 Members of the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia
- 3 Delegates and 3 alternates to the 2016 Republican National Convention
- 1 Elector who will be voted for in the November 8, 2016 general election
How do I become a Delegate to the 10th District Convention?
- To qualify for election as a delegate to the 10th district convention, you must complete a filing form provided by the Republican committee in the county or city where you are registered to vote and return it by the filing deadline listed above. Those who file this form are voted on by the delegates who attend the county/city convention or the voters who attend the county/city mass meeting or party canvass. Typically, everyone who properly files is elected as a district convention delegate.
Is There A Fee?
- No fee is required to participate as a delegate to the 10th Congressional District Convention; however, there is a suggested $20 donation, which defrays the significant costs involved in planning and executing the convention. Any leftover funds go to support Republican nominees. If you are able to pay this fee, it is greatly appreciated. If you are unable, please file anyway.
Who May Participate?
- Any registered voter in the 10th congressional district of Virginia who considers themselves to be in accord with Republican Principles (see the Virginia Republican creed) and who is willing to state that they intend to support the Republican nominee in the next election, may file to be elected by their fellow Republicans as a delegate to the 10th District Republican Convention.
How Long Will the Convention Take?
- Please plan to arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. to ensure you will be registered and able to participate. If you are not in the registration line by 10:00 a.m., you will not be able to participate in the convention. This is a firm rule and to be fair to everyone, convention organizers will not make exceptions. The convention begins at 10:00 a.m. Voting is expected to begin no later than noon. Some people will leave after they vote; however, at a convention, there is a small chance that a second round of balloting may be needed for an office. Everyone is invited to stay until results are announced.
What do I need to bring?
- Bring a valid, unexpired, government-issued, photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. A voter registration card, social security card, utility bill or other forms of identification will not be accepted. Failing to bring proper identification will slow down the registration process and may result in you being unable to participate in the convention. You should also bring any snacks you may desire and any medications you might need during the event. You may wish to bring a book to read or an electronic device if you want to stay conneted. Typically, there are be lunch items available for purchase at these events.
Will There be Child Care?
- Unfortunately, the 10th District committee is unable to arrange child care for this convention. However, infants and children who are able to behave appropriately may attend.
What Should I Expect?
- Between 800 and 1200 people will probably attend from across the 10th district. If you arrive after 9:00 a.m. you may have to park further out. Conventions are completely planned and executed by volunteers so please be patient as they serve you in the registration line or as you vote. There is lots of energy and conventions can be very fun. Many people will be wearing stickers representing the various candidates they intend to support.
What if my Mobility is Limited or I have another Handicap?
- There should be spaces reserved near the door for those with handicap parking needs. If you need assistance, please notify any convention volunteer, who should be able to find help for you.
What should I Wear?
- Pretty much whatever you like. There will be people there in jeans and people in suits. Most people will probably be dressed business casual. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Can Someone Vote in my Place if my Schedule Changes?
- When you file to be a delegate, you may not be sure if you will be able to attend the convention on April 16th. That's okay, but no one can replace you if you cannot attend.
What are the Rules?
- The convention is governed by an official call, which is adopted by the members of the 10th Congressional District Republican Committee. This call must be in compliance with the Republican Party of Virginia State Party Plan. Convention committees recommend the formal rules for the convention (which are typically adopted at the beginning of the convention) and plan logistical details for the convention itself.
How is my Vote Calculated?
- Most people are used to a one vote per person rule. This is how most elections are done. Each person has one vote and they either cast it or they don't. But conventions are different. Voting at conventions is weighted by unit based on a formula provided by the state party. That means that each county or city has X number of votes at the convention. You can see how many your area has by looking at the "delegate votes" column in the table above. Each delegate vote may be shared by up to 5 individual voters. Let's use Manassas Park as an easy example. Manassas Park has 10 votes at the 10th district convention. That means that up to 50 people may attend the convention to represent Manassas Park. If all 50 file as delegates, and then come to the convention and stay to vote, each person will carry 1/5 of delegate vote. If exactly 10 delegates vote, each delegate will carry one vote. If ony 5 delegates vote, each one will carry 2 votes. If only one delegate from Manassas Park casts a ballot, their ballot will be worth 10 delegate votes! This system ensures each county or city is fully represented at the convention, no matter how many people actually come.
What Other Ways Can I Participate?
- Besides the 10th district convention, there are many other ways to be involved in advancing Republican principles and electing Republican candidates in your area. Your filing form will list several options, including:
- Being a delegate to the state Republican convention on April 29 & 30th in Harrisonburg.
- Becoming a member of your local (county or city) Republican committee
- Participate as a delegate to your local convention or vote in the mass meeting or party canvass for your county or city. This is where delegates to the state and 10th district convention and members of the local Republican committee are chosen.
- You may also join a Republican auxiliary committee, such as college Republicans, young Republicans, or Republican women. And, you may volunteer for the Republican campaign of your choice.
Get Involved
If you identify with Republican principles and generally think of yourself as a Republican, you are invited to participate in choosing the leadership of the Republican party in the 10th district.
Every delegate to the 10th District Convention in 2016 must file with their local unit (county or city Republican committee) by the dates listed below. I will link the filing forms as they become available.