Here is how the DNC’s virtual roll call to nominate Harris works

With just over two weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the party’s virtual roll call, during which Kamala Harris is expected to become the party’s official nominee, is imminent.

The vice president is expected to run unopposed, and so the process can be held as soon as August 1. The party convention, which runs from August 19 to 22, will take place in Chicago.

A virtual roll call means that should all go to plan for her, an in-person roll call and Harris’ subsequent nomination at the DNC will be largely ceremonial.

Once the virtual roll call begins, each of the voting delegates will receive a personalized and watermarked form to cast their vote – which they must do within 24 hours. The DNC will then tally the votes and share the full results after the roll call is closed.

The DNC also says there will be an outbound phone-based campaign to inform the thousands of delegates about the timing of the process.

«Each roll call form has a range of security features to establish the authenticity and accuracy of each vote. Clear instructions and technical support will be provided to delegates,» the DNC has said.

The virtual proceedings will allow Harris to get the party’s formal nod and will be very similar to the process used in 2020 when the convention went virtual because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

If Harris does have a qualified challenger, DNC Chair Minyon Moore has said the party would delay the roll call vote until August 3, to allow candidates to make their pitch to delegates.

The virtual roll call allows for multiple rounds of voting if neither Harris nor a potential challenger reaches the majority threshold of 1,976 pledged delegates on the first ballot.

Prior to the announcement that he would be