SPRINGFIELD: The Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Illinois unanimously adopted a new delegate selection plan in advance of the 2016 Presidential election cycle.

"This plan puts Illinois Democrats in full compliance with the Democratic National Committee requirements," said Chairman Michael J. Madigan.  "All Illinoisans can now begin the process of launching their campaigns to win election as a delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention."

The 2016 convention will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the week of July 25, 2016. District-level delegates will be elected during the March 15, 2016 primary. Nominating petitions and statement of candidacy forms must be filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections between January 4 and January 6, 2016. Copies of the statement of candidacy and pledges of support must be filed with the state party during that same period.

Party leaders, at-large delegates and at-large alternates will be selected by the state delegation at the May 9, 2016 meeting. Statements of candidacy and pledges of support must be filed with the state party by April 15, 2016. Standing committee members, the delegation chair and convention pages will also be selected during the May meeting.

The full text of the delegate selection plan and required filing documents are available at www.ildems.com or by calling the Springfield headquarters at 217-546-7404.