WASHINGTON (AP) — Don't expect a balloon drop quite yet: How the virtual roll call to nominate Kamala Harris will work
In a departure from the traditional raucous party atmosphere of the Democratic National Convention, delegates will this year officially select their nominee for president through a "virtual roll call" process. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be the sole candidate eligible to receive votes, following the Tuesday night deadline for other candidates to qualify.
The Virtual Process Explained
Nearly 4,700 delegates will cast their ballots electronically, a method similar to that used in the 2020 convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new procedures adopted by the convention’s rules committee require candidates to declare their intent to seek the nomination by July 27 and submit 300 delegate signatures by the recent deadline. Harris submitted signatures from 3,923 delegates, approximately 84% of the full delegation.
Voting will commence on Thursday, with delegates receiving their ballots at 9 a.m. ET, and conclude on Monday at 6 p.m. ET. Any vote cast for someone other than Harris will be counted as “present.”
Who Gets to Vote?
Among those casting ballots are pledged delegates selected through state primaries and caucuses, as well as over 700 automatic delegates who hold elected office or party positions. These superdelegates, though historically not decisive in nomination fights, were subject to reforms after the 2016 election, allowing them to vote only on the second and subsequent ballots.
The Results
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has not detailed how or when the results of the roll call vote will be released. The voting period concludes on Monday at 6 p.m. ET, but it remains unclear whether the party will provide a rolling tally or only the final results.
Nominee for Vice President
Once Harris officially wins the nomination, she can place her pick for vice president into nomination. Harris has yet to decide on her No. 2, but whoever she selects will join her on a seven-state swing through key battlegrounds.
Why This Happens Before the Convention
The DNC initially planned a virtual roll call to meet Ohio’s Aug. 7 deadline for general election ballot filing. Although the state eventually adjusted its deadline, the DNC proceeded with the virtual roll call to avoid potential issues.
Speeches and Balloons
Unlike the 2020 convention, this year’s official voting will not feature real-time remote presentations. Instead, a ceremonial roll call vote will be held during the convention, mimicking the traditional state delegation announcements with fanfare.
This streamlined approach marks a significant shift from past conventions, reflecting both technological advancements and the ongoing need for flexibility in conducting party business.