The Democratic National Convention is slated to officially choose its presidential nominee starting Thursday, without the usual fanfare typically associated with such events. Due to the lack of competition against Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the sole candidate to qualify for votes by the deadline, a virtual roll call process will unfold. This innovative approach, labeled a “virtual roll call” by Democratic National Committee officials, allows for an efficient and socially distanced selection of Harris as the nominee.
Nearly 4,700 delegates will cast their ballots electronically from various locations, a method similar to the one used during the 2020 convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The voting period will run from Thursday to Monday, where delegates, including superdelegates such as incumbent governors and DNC members, will participate. Superdelegates have been a point of contention in the past, but reforms have limited their influence to subsequent ballots if needed.
While the process unfolds behind the scenes, the results of the roll call vote are expected to be announced at the conclusion of the voting period on Monday. It remains unclear if interim results will be disclosed or if a final tally will be the only announcement. Once Harris secures the nomination, she will have the opportunity to nominate her choice for vice president, and convention rules allow for the swift declaration of the chosen candidate as the official vice presidential nominee.
This unique pre-convention selection process was set in motion to ensure the Democratic nominee could meet Ohio’s early ballot filing deadline, a point of concern following state Republicans’ plans to enforce the original deadline. To avoid potential obstacles in securing the nominee’s place on the ballot, DNC officials opted for the early virtual roll call.
Although the typical convention speeches and balloon drop are not part of this initial voting process, a ceremonial roll call vote will be conducted during the convention, offering a nod to tradition as state delegations announce their votes in a symbolic gesture. With the election of Harris as the Democratic nominee expected to take place swiftly, the focus will soon shift to the selection of the vice presidential candidate and the campaign trail ahead.