Please explain the Democratic National Convention’s so-called “superdelegates.” Who are they? Do their votes count more? Does the RNC also have them? They sound more like a devious way to unduly influence choosing a nominee.

Superdelegates are unpledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention who are free to support the presidential candidate of their choosing. They include members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress and governors and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents.

Unlike at-large or district-level delegates, they are not elected by Democratic presidential primary voters.

After a dispute at the 2016 Democratic National Convention over the role of superdelegates, the Unity Reform Commission was formed to revise the Democratic nominating process. At the conclusion of the party’s national convention in 2018, officials adopted a measure banning superdelegates from voting on the first ballot at a contested national convention.

There will be an estimated 764 superdelegates at this year’s convention and the names of the automatic delegates are scheduled to be confirmed by no later than March 6.

Superdelegates are not involved in the Republican Party nomination process. Delegates to the Republican National Convention are seated automatically and are limited to three per state — the state chairman and two district-level committee members. Republican Party delegates are obliged to vote for their state’s popular vote winner.

Road rules

What is the state law regarding passing school buses?

Motorists must stop at least 30 feet from a stopped school bus loading or unloading children. This is required by law whether you are meeting the bus or traveling behind it.

Motorists do not have to stop when the bus is stopped in a loading zone completely off the roadway and where pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway.

When a school bus is stopped in opposite lanes on a roadway separated by a ditch, grassy median, elevated concrete barrier or any obstacle that prevents traffic from driving, drivers are not required to stop.

Motorists must stop for a stopped school bus when traveling on four-lane or five-lane roadways that are not separated by any barriers.

When a driver has stopped, he/she can not proceed until the bus moves again or the visual warning signals are no longer in use.

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The Informer is written by Crystal Stevenson, American Press executive editor. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.