What's a delegate? Why do they matter? This is confusing!

This short video explains what a delegate is. This long video goes into detail on how Local conventions work.

When you vote in a primary your votes don't actually go to the candidate.

A Local convention is held and the number of primary votes for a specific candidate is used to elect State delegates.

State delegates then go to a State convention. At the State convention they vote on which delegates be become National delegates.

National delegates go to the National convention. At the National convention they vote on who the party's presidential nominee will be.

If your candidate doesn't have enough people willing to be a Local delegate, things could get weird.