US Democrats are nominating presidential candidates
According to the rules set by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the electronic voting for the presidential candidate could begin as early as August 1st. The DNC chairman, Jaime Harrison, announced that the party aimed to implement a "transparent, efficient and orderly" nomination process.
The rules state that all candidates for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination must submit their application by Saturday. By Tuesday, July 27, they must then prove that they meet the requirements, including securing the support of at least 300 delegates.
If there is only Harris as a candidate, the electronic voting could start on Thursday of the coming week, August 1. However, if there are other candidates, the start of the voting process could be delayed by a few days.
The Democratic Convention is scheduled to take place as planned from August 19 to 22 in Chicago. As per DNC statements, there will still be a vote on the presidential candidate at the convention. However, since the candidate has already been determined prior to the convention, the convention vote will reportedly only have a "ceremonial" character.
Plans for the Democrats to expedite the nomination process had already been in place before Biden announced his withdrawal as a presidential candidate on Sunday. These plans were based on a law in the crucial election state of Ohio, which requires presidential candidates to be officially named by August 7.
Ohio later extended the deadline beyond the convention. However, Democratic party representatives expressed concern that the Republicans could still enforce the original deadline.
Biden's withdrawal at the age of 81 has created an unprecedented situation for his party. In the past few decades, presidential candidates have been nominated by the convention delegates based on the results of primaries and caucuses in US states and territories.
Biden had won the primaries with significant margins, facing little competition. Now, the more than 3,900 delegates chosen based on primary results are free to vote as they please.
Kamala Harris, one of the presidential candidates, needs to meet the delegates' support requirement of at least 300 by July 27 to participate in the electronic voting. Despite Joe Biden's withdrawal, the US Democrats, led by Jaime Harrison at party headquarters, aim to maintain a transparent nomination process. If Kamala Harris becomes the sole candidate, the electronic voting could begin as early as August 5. Jaime Harrison and the Democratic National Committee are working to expedite the nomination process, following plans already in place before Biden's withdrawal.
