# Convention Districts The **Convention Districts** of the Republican Party of the State of Delaware are defined in **Article II, Section 1** of the "Rules of the Republican Party of the State of Delaware." These districts, also referred to as **regions**, divide the state into five geographic areas for organizational and representational purposes within the party. Each district encompasses specific **Representative Districts** and is associated with certain counties or portions thereof. Below is a detailed summary of the Convention Districts as outlined in the document: ### Definition and Structure: - The state is divided into **five (5) Convention Districts**, each covering a distinct set of **Representative Districts** (Article II, Section 1). - These districts are also known as the **five regions** and may adopt different names with the **consent of the Executive Committee**. - The districts are used for organizing party activities, electing delegates, and structuring representation in party governance (e.g., State Committee, Executive Committee, and conventions). ### List of Convention Districts and Their Representative Districts: The document specifies the following Convention Districts and their corresponding **Representative Districts** (as of the 2021 rules, prior to any potential redistricting adjustments under Article XVI): 1. **Northern New Castle**: - **Representative Districts**: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, and 16. - **Geographic Context**: Covers portions of New Castle County, focusing on the northern part of the county. 2. **Western New Castle**: - **Representative Districts**: 13, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26. - **Geographic Context**: Encompasses western areas of New Castle County. 3. **Colonial**: - **Representative Districts**: 5, 8, 9, 15, 17, and 27. - **Geographic Context**: Likely includes parts of New Castle County, possibly southeastern areas, though the name "Colonial" is not geographically explicit in the rules. 4. **Kent**: - **Representative Districts**: 11, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34. - **Geographic Context**: Covers Kent County, with the exception of the 11th Representative District, which crosses county lines into New Castle County (see below). 5. **Sussex**: - **Representative Districts**: 14, 20, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41. - **Geographic Context**: Encompasses Sussex County. ### Special Provision for the 11th Representative District: - The **11th Representative District** is unique because it is the **only district that crosses county lines**, spanning parts of **Kent County** and **New Castle County** (Article II, Section 1). - **Delegate Representation**: - At least **25% of convention delegates** attributable to the 11th Representative District must reside in the **New Castle County** portion of the district. - **Officer Requirement**: - At least **one of the four officers** (chair, vice-chair, treasurer, or secretary) of the **Kent Convention District** (which includes the 11th Representative District) must reside in **New Castle County**. - **Purpose**: Ensures balanced representation for the cross-county district in party activities. ### Additional Context: - **Naming Flexibility** (Article II, Section 1): - Regions may adopt **different names** (e.g., instead of "Northern New Castle" or "Colonial") with the approval of the **Executive Committee**. However, the document uses the listed names as of 2021. - **Role in Party Structure**: - Convention Districts are critical for organizing **delegate elections** (Article VI, Section 9), selecting **State Committee members** (Article IV, Section 2, G), and appointing members to **Standing Committees** like the Rules and Resolutions Committees (Article VII, Section 3). - Each district has a **Chairperson** and **Vice-Chairperson** who are members of the **State Committee** (Article IV, Section 2, B) and may have a designee on the **Executive Committee** (Article V, Section 1). - **Redistricting Considerations** (Article XVI): - Following redistricting after the 2021 Convention, the **Executive Committee** is authorized to amend **Article II** to reassign Representative Districts to Convention Districts (Article XVI, Section 2). - The process involves the **Rules Committee** preparing a report, with approval by **four of five region chairs** in the Executive Committee. Once amended, Article XVI is stricken (Article XVI, Section 3). - As of the 2021 rules, the listed districts reflect the pre-redistricting structure, and any changes would depend on actions taken post-2021. ### Summary: The **Convention Districts** are: 1. **Northern New Castle**: Representative Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 16. 2. **Western New Castle**: Representative Districts 13, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. 3. **Colonial**: Representative Districts 5, 8, 9, 15, 17, 27. 4. **Kent**: Representative Districts 11, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 (with 11th crossing into New Castle County). 5. **Sussex**: Representative Districts 14, 20, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41. Special rules apply to the **11th Representative District** to ensure New Castle County representation. Districts may adopt different names with Executive Committee approval, and their structure may be updated post-redistricting under Article XVI. These districts are foundational to the party’s organizational framework, influencing delegate allocation, committee representation, and convention processes.