The Democratic National Convention is gearing up for a historic virtual voting process to select their presidential nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race. Vice President Kamala Harris, the only major Democrat to announce her candidacy, is almost certain to be approved as the nominee in the upcoming online balloting.
The convention’s rules committee recently passed a proposal allowing delegates from around the country to vote on potential presidential nominees to replace Biden, with voting set to begin on August 1. Harris and any other potential contenders must submit 300 electronic signatures from convention delegates by July 30 to qualify for the ballot.
Once approved, Harris will have a tight window to select her running mate before the convention opens in Chicago. Names like Andy Beshear, Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper, and Mark Kelly have been floated as potential vice presidential picks, but Harris has not made a decision yet.
Despite widespread support from Democratic leaders, labor unions, and activist organizations, Harris still needs to secure the votes of 1,976 delegates to win the nomination on the first ballot. The party is moving forward with the virtual voting process to meet a deadline to appear on the Ohio ballot by August 7, to avoid potential legal challenges.
Chair of the Democratic convention, Minyon Moore, emphasized the party’s commitment to an open, fair, and transparent nominating process, ensuring that the selection of the presidential nominee is done correctly. As the convention approaches, all eyes will be on Harris and her vice presidential pick as the Democrats prepare to take on the November election.
