The United States Democratic Party will hold its 2024 National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22, just weeks after the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where former President Donald Trump was nominated as the Republican candidate.
The convention will take place at the United Center and McCormick Place, with delegates expected to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. They will also express their support for her choice of Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as the vice-presidential candidate. Although Harris secured the nomination earlier through a virtual roll call, a ceremonial roll call will still occur at the convention.
The “roll call”, is where each state announces from the convention floor how many delegates it is awarding the nominees.
Delegates are generally assigned to vote for a candidate according to their state’s primary or caucus results. However, a certain number of delegates are “unpledged,” which means they can cast their vote however they please.
This development follows President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2024, after facing increasing pressure to step down due to concerns about his health.
The convention is expected to attract approximately 50,000 visitors, including 20,000 members of the media and 5,500 delegates, alternates, and other guests. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison noted that city leaders have pledged to work with state and federal partners to ensure safety for all attendees and to spread the expected $150 million economic boost beyond downtown Chicago.
While the speaker lineup is still subject to change, the current schedule includes:
Monday: President Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Tuesday: Former President Barack Obama
Wednesday: Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Tim Walz, former President Bill Clinton
Thursday: Vice President Kamala Harris