What can I do at Mock Convention?
Do you care about student debt? Amend the platform to include a provision to forgive student loans! Do you care about the environment or racial justice? Stage a protest to draw attention to the issues most important to you! Do you have a favorite candidate? Nominate them from the floor!
What is a national convention?
Every four years, party delegates representing all 50 states and the territories come together to nominate their party's candidate for president and debate a party platform.
Is Mock Convention an accurate portrayal of a national convention?
We try to make it as accurate as possible, but on a smaller scale.
How do the parties get chosen for Mock Convention?
Mock focuses on the party that is NOT in the White House. For 2020, we will be simulating a Democratic National Convention.
Do I have to be a Democrat to participate?
Nope! People of all political leanings are welcome. Because Mock Convention is a simulation, we will all be pretending to be Democrats only because in 2020 the Democratic nomination for the presidency is uncertain and up for debate, while the Republican nominee for president is already clear (and for this same reason, the 2016 and 2012 Mock Conventions were both Republican). Taking on the role of a partisan from a state other than your own is a great way to consider multiple perspectives and how they affect our political choices.
What's a platform?
A platform is a political party's statement about what they believe and what they intend to do if elected. The Mock Convention platform was researched and written by your fellow students and represents just a fraction of the issues in a real platform.
What is a State Chair?
A state chair is in charge of wrangling their delegation and acting as a liaison between the Executive Committee and the delegates. It's an important but not onerous job.
Can I just come to watch? Or will I have to give a speech or something?
We welcome all forms of participation. If you want to get up and give a speech, great! If not, no problem. You still will get to vote on the platform and the nominations for President and Vice-president. Everyone is welcome at Mock Convention!
Do I have to be a Politics & Government major to participate?
Not at all! All majors are welcome! As long as you have a passion for positive and healthy debate and an interest in politics, Mock Convention is for you!
Can my friends also participate in OWU Mock Convention with me?
Of course! Forming a delegation with friends is great fun. Bring your team, your sorority or fraternity, your SLU, your floor, your club, or just your favorite OWU people!
I don't have time right now…could I do it again when the next one is hosted?
Unfortunately, you only get ONE chance to do Mock Convention while you're a student, because it only happens once every four years. So sign up now!
What is the time commitment required?
Mock Convention starts up at 4 p.m. on Friday and goes until about 9 p.m., with dinner provided. On Saturday, we start up at 9:15 a.m. (continental breakfast available at 8:30 a.m.) and we wrap up by noon.
Do I have to sign up beforehand?
Yes! All participants will be playing delegates from the 50 states and territories and only credentialed delegates are allowed on the floor. In order to get your credentials, you need to sign up with the Mock Convention team.
Where is Mock Convention held?
Mock Convention will be held in University Hall's Gray Chapel, which will be all decked out in red, white, and blue and covered with banners representing the different states.
