open convention

noun

, U.S. Politics.

1. a party convention at which delegates are free to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Word History and Origins

Origin of open convention¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

An open convention would have been a complete disaster.

From Salon

Is there going to be an open convention free-for-all?—Biden’s ensuing endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris soon cleared up any confusion.

From Slate

Back when an open convention was the preferred choice of many who wanted President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was a top-tier name floated as a possible replacement.

From Slate

Major Democratic donors, such as Netflix cofounder Reid Hoffman and financier George Soros, have already announced they have her back, as has every major potential competitor, from California Gov. Gavin Newsom to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, dashing some pundits’ fevered dreams of a hotly contested open convention.

From Salon

But even if the DNC holds an open convention and the nomination comes during the convention, I am confident that the Democrats’ nominee will be on the ballot in all 50 states, either because legislatures will change the rules to grant ballot access to the Democrats’ nominee or courts will require it.

From Slate