The New Democratic Poll Tax

The exorbitant costs of attending the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia on July 25-28 this year, is threatening to leave some delegates out in the cold.

But wait!  Have no fear.  The Michigan Democratic Party is having a silent auction and so far it looks like the state party will raise enough money to send...oh, I do not know, perhaps, 2 lucky winners, who are more than likely supporters of the "presumptive nominee".

Which delegates will be eligible for the #MDP trip?

Probably only Superdelegates, you know, those elite delegates, already holding a paying job as elected officials.

Gotta love the new Democratic poll tax.

Just another example in the stripping of voting rights.

Sanders and Clinton delegates are struggling to afford attending the Democratic convention

DNC Convention Costs Leaving Young And Poor Delegates Out In The Cold

The DNC strongly requires delegates to stay at an appointed hotel, and costs for a room start at $569 per night, plus tax and fees, with the hotel requiring a five night minimum, putting base costs for attending the convention in the thousands, effectively shutting out anyone below a certain income bracket.

There were other surprise costs buried in the literature packets distributed to delegates including a “Breakfast and Bash” ticket for $200, which is not technically required, but it’s where the delegate credentials will be handed out. In a further blow to the pocket, all costs must be booked by June 30, a month before the convention, and paid in full by July 17.

“Some are getting nearby cheaper places to stay, which puts them at great risk of not getting past security or receiving their credentials, however they have no other choice as many have just been notified of their delegate status and do not have enough time to fundraise,” Natalie Higley, a California delegate and mother-of-one explained.

Natalie considers herself lucky. As a tier one delegate, she was fairly certain that she was going back in May, so she was able to start her fundraising early. But many delegates aren’t so lucky and have only had a very short amount of time to fundraise. There are others who won’t even know if they’re confirmed to go until after the hotel cut-off date.

Younger and poorer delegates have taken to the internet in an attempt to crowd-source funds for their trip, with mixed success. Donors have expressed concern that they can’t always check the credentials of the various delegates who are asking for money, and thus are leaving themselves open to fraud.

Voting is beautiful, be beautiful ~ vote.©