Question on first round ballot at the convention - related to candidates that drop out

[karynnj]

At past conventions, most - if not all - of the losing candidates, who already had dropped out, free their delegates and everyone votes for the de facto nominee. My question is if Bernie gets - say 40% of the pledged Democrats, could all the moderate lane Democrats except the one with the most delegates free their delegates. Even if they are not allowed to direct them to vote for the moderate leader, this could result in the top moderate getting the needed 50% plus one - before any superdelegates vote.

All discussion has spoken of people possibly dropping out - something unlikely to happen before Super Tuesday's elections. (For good reason, how they do there could change things dramatically.

[drray23]

1. I think that's what will happen.nt.

[squirecam]

2. Bernie supporters will still complain

Even if your scenario occurs.

[Moderateguy]

3. The delegates are under no obligation to vote for the candidate's preferred Candidate..

Delegates are only pledged to their original candidate. If the candidate releases the delegates, he can always suggest who they vote for but they would not be under any obligation to do so. For example say Pete drops out and tells his delegates he would like them to vote for Biden. They could choose to vote for Sanders if they wanted.

[karynnj]

4. Thanks

[TexasTowelie]

5. I believe that there is a rule that a candidate must have over 300 delegates in order to have their

name entered into the nomination. That would mean that those delegates are free to move to other candidates.

[karynnj]

6. Thanks