What do you need to know about how the Democratic presidential nomination plan will unfold?
US President Joe Biden has ended his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite Biden's endorsement, it's unclear whether Harris will become the Democratic presidential nominee or what process the party will follow to select a replacement.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Has Haris already become a candidate? No. Although Biden has already endorsed his vice presidential nomination, there is no protocol of succession for a presidential candidate in the same way for the position. Harris should win, as should the majority of the conference.
What is “Virtual Roll Call Voting”?
Democrats are gearing up to remotely vote on their presidential nominees ahead of next month's party convention.
Under the plan presented Friday, delegates would receive 24 hours' notice before voting begins and would vote using digital ballots emailed to delegates.
However, the party did not take any action to approve the plan in the meeting held on Friday. It is not yet clear whether the party will maintain the absentee voting program or scrap it and allow a formal vote at the convention.
How will other candidates enter the race?
According to party rules, candidates must fulfill certain conditions to be nominated as the party's presidential candidate.
They must collect hundreds of signatures (at least 300, but not more than 600) from delegates from several states.
Candidates must meet a number of requirements set out in the party's rules, including that they must be “dedicated Democrats” and “have established substantial support for their nomination as the Democratic Party nominee”. Although the decision rests with the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, the party has yet to release further details on how eligible candidates will be determined.
What are delegates?
There are two different groups of representatives.
There are 3,949 delegates. These are elected representatives through various state processes. 99% of them are committed to voting for Biden, based on his performance in primaries and caucuses across the country. People who pledged to vote for Biden were also endorsed by his campaign.
About 750 people (747 according to the latest news from the Democratic National Committee; this number may change) are automatic delegates. Also known as “superdelegates”, persons acting as delegates by virtue of another position they hold or have held. These delegates are free to vote for the candidate of their choice, but under normal circumstances, they cannot vote in the first ballot if their vote would influence the outcome of the nomination (it is unclear whether they can participate in the first ballot at this time).
Are Democratic delegates obligated to vote for the candidate who defeats them?
No. According to Democratic Party rules, elected representatives “must conscientiously reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.” However, the right to candidate review means delegates can be expected to be loyal to the candidate they vouch for.
But now that Biden is no longer a candidate, his delegates are free to vote for whoever they want. There is no need to formally “release” your representatives.
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