Convention Delegates

I have always though of my vote in the primaries as going to the candidate of my choice but somewhere deep in my mind I think it works something like this. I am actually voting for a deligate who promises only to cast his ballot for thaat candidate on the first vote at the convention. After that he/she is on their own. So if the convention goes into a second vote to determine who will be nominated it can become a brand new ball game in a heartbeat.

Is my understanding generally correct or do I have it all wrong. Are the rules different in different states? I don't know anything about this part of the process. Enlighten me, please.

Thom

I believe they're committed by law. If there's a second vote, they are free to vote as they please. Keep in mind though, that generally someone will likely drop out after the first round and that candidate will likely support another candidate. Those delegates, in general, support whoever their candidate then wants to support.

As for your vote in the primary, depending on your state, your vote could be just a vote in a straw poll that doesn't affect delegate selection and delegates are then selected according to sign-ins at the state convention. Delegates may also in some states be apportioned according to the primary vote. Check your state party rules for specifics to your state.