The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is considered as one of the most significant events in American politics. At this event, the Democratic party formally selects its nominee for the office of the president of the United States. The 2024 DNC Convention will be held in Chicago drawing attention across the nation as it officially sets the stage for the 2024 presidential elections.
When is DNC convention 2024
The duration for the Chicago Democratic National Convention is from Monday, the 19th of August to Thursday, 22nd August, 2024.
How does DNC convention work
The DNC convention is an avenue where Democratic party voters across the country are given the opportunity to nominate their preferred candidate for the presidential elections. Below is a step by step process on how the convention works:
- Delegate selection:Â During the primary elections, voters cast their votes to determine their choice presidential candidate amidst multiple candidates. Thereafter, delegates are assigned by the state to vote for a candidate during the DNC convention. Additionally there are other delegates who have the power to vote for any candidate of their choice such as party officials and elected leaders.
- The convention: In the convention, delegates gather to cast their vote for the presidential candidate nominated by the party. When a candidate has secured the majority of votes by the delegates then such a candidate is declared as the winner. However, if no delegate is declared the winner then multiple rounds of voting will be carried out in the convention until one candidate emerges as the nominee. This is also where the presidential candidate officially announces their vice president.
According to Time Magazine, the conventions and the selection of each party’s nominee marks the end of the primary elections ushering in the general elections with one candidate representing each party in the general elections.
- Platform and Unity: Aside from the section of the presidential nominee, the convention also provides the opportunity for each party to outline its stance on key issues that are of concern to Americans. This is more like a candidate’s purpose statement for the coming campaign that serves to unify Americans, thus attracting more support to the candidate.
What is the rules of the DNC
The rules of the DNC includes the following:
- Delegate Allocation: For the purpose of the convention, proportional allocation of delegates based on the results of the primary elections is required. However, a candidate is required to receive at least 15% of the votes to be given delegates.
- First Ballot vote: Delegates are required to vote for their pledged candidates during the first ballot voting in the convention.
- Second ballot vote: When no candidate emerges as a winner then the convention proceeds to the second ballot. Delegates are free to vote for any candidate in the second ballot.
- Platform committee: The committee consists of representatives from different groups within the party to guarantee variation in ideas. This committee is responsible for making a comprehensive statement on the party’s goals, policies and principles.Â
- Unity resolution: A unity resolution is made at the end of the convention to prevent division within the party and to ensure the party’s support for the chosen candidate.
DNC delegatesÂ
Delegates are individuals selected to represent their state and to vote for their party’s presidential candidate at the convention. There are two main types of delegates in the DNC convention:Â
- Pledged delegate: These type of candidates are obliged to support the candidate they were assigned to during the state primaries
- Unpledged candidates: Also referred to as superdelegates, these ones are not obliged to to support a candidate. That means they can decide on who to cast their vote at the convention.
What to expect at the DNC Convention
The DNC convention at Chicago is a significant political event. Here are a few things you can expect at the convention:Â
- High security: Based on the importance of the event and the profile of some attendees expect tight security at the united center (UC) and the McCormic place.
- Road closures and traffic: Thousands will be in attendance at the convention including, the media, delegates, political figures and others.
- Political demonstrations: There will be demonstrations from different groups just like in any political gathering.
- Economic Impact: The convention will serve as a big boost to businesses in Chicago as a result of the influx of people from across the country.Â
