The CWA Constitution, Article VIII, Section 4(b) states:
"Locals shall elect their delegates in accordance with paragraph (a) on the basis of the average number of members on which dues were paid or collected by the International for the twelve (12) months ending the fifth month preceding that in which the Convention begins its session. Locals chartered less than twelve (12) months preceding the fifth month shall each be averaged according to the number of months chartered. Locals chartered after the fifth month preceding the Convention shall be allowed to elect delegates in accordance with this Section on the number of members in the Local at the time it was chartered; provided, however, that duplicate representation because of shift in membership from one Local to another shall not be allowed."
For example, the 1997 Convention was held in June. Convention votes were computed using dues payments for the months of February 1996 through January 1997.
After dues are processed each month, convention credits are computed and retained in the database. Convention credits are earned and accumulated by union members based on their record of dues payments. These accumulated convention credits are later translated into a number of convention votes which form the basis for voting representation in union elections and other matters during CWA's annual convention.
A member earns a convention credit if union dues are paid for a month. Only paid members are eligible to earn convention credits -- agency fee payers and CWA Associates are not eligible.
Approximately three months before the annual convention, each Local will receive a list showing its convention votes. If the Local disagrees with the International's calculations, they should write to the Secretary-Treasurer immediately so that any necessary adjustments can be made prior to giving the records to the Credentials Committee. Any disagreements not resolved prior to convention will be referred to the Credentials Committee for disposition. The Credentials Committee and the convention are the final authorities regarding the number of votes assigned to each Local.
Approximately two weeks prior to the convention, the International calculates final convention votes. The number of votes for each Local determines the number of convention delegates to which they are entitled.