Kamala Harris is set to be officially recognized as the Democratic US presidential candidate through an electronic voting process that commences on Thursday, replacing the traditional in-person voting that typically initiates the party's national convention.
Less than two weeks since Joe Biden withdrew his re-election campaign, the 52-year-old vice president has taken full command of the party, standing as the sole Democratic contender to face Republican Donald Trump in the November election. Approximately 4,000 delegates, who were designated during the primary elections, have submitted their endorsements for Harris to appear on the ballot during the five-day electronic voting period.
No other Democratic candidates have come forward to contest her nomination, ensuring her confirmation as the first Black and South Asian woman to secure a major party's nomination is a mere formality. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) reported that Harris secured the backing of 99 percent of the delegates who signed petitions, with no other contenders reaching the required threshold of 300 signatures.
DNC chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the significance of the delegates' role in casting their votes for Vice President Harris, guaranteeing her presence on the ballot in every state this November. He highlighted the party's transparent and democratic process in uniting behind a nominee with a proven track record.
In addition to the 'pledged' delegates, there are approximately 700 'superdelegates' who are eligible to vote due to their positions in elected office or as party officials. The voting process begins at 9:00 am (1300 GMT) on Thursday and extends until 6:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Monday, with delegates submitting their votes through an online platform managed by the DNC. The results may be announced late Monday, as Harris embarks on a campaign tour across seven critical battleground states with her yet-to-be-announced running mate.
The 2024 nominating system largely mirrors that of 2020, adapted for virtual proceedings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The DNC transitioned to a virtual format due to Ohio's deadline for submitting certified candidate names for the November election. However, details regarding the announcement of the results remain uncertain, including whether the vote will be livestreamed or if a public rolling tally will be provided.
The virtual roll-call signifies the formal start of the 2024 convention, with actual festivities commencing when thousands of grassroots activists gather in Chicago on August 19. Ceremonial votes for Harris and her running mate will take place in Illinois, marking a jubilant celebration of her journey from state politics to the pinnacle of the party ticket.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock highlighted Harris's diverse heritage and achievements, stating at a rally in Atlanta that her story epitomizes the American narrative, bringing together various strands of identity and experience.
