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Washington, D.C. — The Democratic National Committee approved new Delegate Selection rules and a presidential nominating calendar this week that promises to ensure more diverse participation in the 2008 elections. 

According to a DNC media release issued Wednesday, Americans of all races and backgrounds will have a voice in selecting the Democratic presidential nominee now that Nevada will hold the second caucus and South Carolina the second primary, alongside Iowa and New Hampshire. 

In adding Nevada and South Carolina, the DNC statement says, the Democratic Party is significantly increasing the early participation of African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans and labor members. The move also increases geographic diversity by including states in all regions of the country. 

"Nevada's early battleground status, its large and growing APIA population and its Hispanic and Native American populations, in addition to South Carolina's large African American population, will foster a broader range of issues discussed early on the campaign trail,” said DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Co-Chair Alexis Herman in a media statement. “In addition, the increase of members of labor unions and the representation from the south and mid-west will work towards greater economic and regional diversity.”

By requiring states to adopt new Inclusion Plans for LGBT Americans, Americans with disabilities and other groups traditionally under-represented, the DNC is promoting full participation in the political process by all Americans. 

“By broadening the primary window and expanding participation in the process, we are ensuring the DNC's most important goal of producing the strongest possible presidential nominee who reflects the values and the diversity of our Party and our country," Herman’s statement adds. 

The DNC approves a series of rules every four years that guide state parties in drafting and implementing delegate selection plans for the Democratic National Convention. Although rules adopted for past conventions encouraged state parties to outreach to LGBT Americans and other underrepresented groups within their delegate selection plans, this recently adopted draft goes further by requiring presidential campaigns and state parties to take remedial action to correct past under-representation from marginalized communities community. 

Written By Troy Espera
Article provided in partnership with GayWebMonkey.com.

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