Thousands of reporters, most TV networks and even social media influencers are covering them. They are political conventions and while they seem like big commercials for political parties, they serve a specific purpose. So, what is a political convention, and what happens at one?
Each presidential election year, the Democratic and Republican parties hold national conventions in the summer. At their conventions, each party selects from different presidential candidates. First, candidates run for election in state primary elections. They win delegates, or people who will vote for them to become the Presidential candidate of a political party. These votes take place at the conventions. Once a candidate is selected, they become the party’s nominee. Because the primaries happen before the convention, it is not usually a surprise who becomes the nominee. The nominee chooses a vice-presidential candidate to run with them. They close the convention by giving a speech to accept the nomination.
The Republican National Convention occurred from July 15 to July 18. It was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Former President Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee for president. During the convention, his opponents from the primary elections made speeches endorsing [officially recommending] him. Former President Trump selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential candidate.
The Democratic National Convention, which will take place August 19 through August 22, will be more complicated. President Joe Biden won the Democratic primaries, however he decided in July not to run for reelection. Delegates voted for a different presidential nominee.
The Democratic nominee will be Vice President Kamala Harris. She launched her campaign for president soon after Biden dropped out. No other Democrat challenged her for the nomination. President Biden has endorsed [officially recommended] her. To avoid a disagreement at the convention, the Democratic Party had delegates vote virtually before the convention. Harris then chose her vice-presidential candidate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota.
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