WASHINGTON: Kamala Harris will be confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee following the start of an electronic voting process on Thursday, a significant milestone in the 2024 election cycle.
The shift from traditional in-person balloting to an electronic format marks a departure from the usual pomp of party conventions, reflecting changes brought about by recent election practices and logistical considerations.
With President Joe Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from his reelection campaign less than two weeks ago, Harris, the 59-year-old Vice President, stands as the sole Democratic contender in the race against former President Donald Trump. This development underscores Harris’s consolidation of control within the Democratic Party and her imminent historic achievement as the first Black and South Asian woman to secure a major party’s presidential nomination.
The nomination process, which began with the electronic vote on Thursday, involves nearly 4,000 delegates—party activists and politicians selected during the primary elections. These delegates have been casting their votes via a digital platform managed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
As of the latest updates, approximately 99 percent of delegates who have signed petitions have endorsed Harris, with no other Democratic candidates meeting the necessary threshold of 300 signatures required to challenge her.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the significance of the process, stating, “Our delegates have an important responsibility—and opportunity—in the days ahead to cast their history-making ballots for Vice President Harris, ensuring that she will be on the ballot in every state this November.” He further highlighted the party’s commitment to a transparent and democratic process as they rally behind a nominee with a proven record.
Moreover, around 700 “superdelegates”—elected officials and party leaders—are also entitled to vote in the nomination process. The roll call commenced at 9:00 am (1300 GMT) on Thursday, with voting continuing until 6:00 pm on Monday. The DNC has yet to clarify whether the vote will be livestreamed or if results will be disclosed prior to the conclusion of the voting period.
The virtual roll call marks the official start of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, which will culminate in a ceremonial confirmation of Harris and her yet-to-be-announced running mate. The convention’s main festivities are scheduled to begin when thousands of Democratic activists converge in Chicago on August 19.
After Biden’s departure, Harris has seen a surge in public support and media attention. Her candidacy has gained additional momentum as she has actively challenged Trump, who has recently been embroiled in controversy for making racially charged statements. Trump’s inflammatory remarks, including a baseless claim that Harris had “decided to ‘turn Black’ for political gain,” have intensified scrutiny and criticism of his campaign.
