During the Republican and Democratic national conventions, we've heard a lot of talk about delegates.

Janice Pritchard of Elkhart wants to know, "How are delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions chosen?"

In Indiana, the process of picking delegates for both conventions happened in Indianapolis. That's where both parties hold their state conventions.

While Republicans and Democrats differ a lot on the issues, the process by which they pick delegates is very similar.

Delegates are picked by congressional district. For example, Indiana's 2nd District, now represented by Democrat Joe Donnelly, had delegates from both parties at the two conventions. People who want to be delegates campaign to win the spot, then are voted on at the state convention.

Indiana State Representative Craig Fry of Mishawaka was a Democratic delegate. He likely had to campaign his fellow Democrats through phone calls, even mailings, to win the mini-election.

St. Joseph County Republican Chair Chris Riley says at-large delegates are also picked for the convention.

In Indiana those delegates are selected by the state parties.