Get Ready for the Democratic National Convention
More than 50,000 people are heading to Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC).
If you're not a delegate or work in politics, you may have questions about the party conventions that happen every four years. We've got you covered.
What's the point of a party convention?
Every four years, the major parties of the U.S. political system host a convention to confirm and celebrate their nominees for president and vice president. The goal is also to amplify the party's political agenda, highlight up-and-coming leaders, and energize voters ahead of the election.
The Democratic Party will confirm its candidates during the convention taking place August 19-22 in Chicago. Delegates chose Vice President Kamala Harris as the party presidential nominee and Wisconsin governor Tim Walz as her running mate, earlier this month.
The Republican Party had their convention July 15-18 in Milwaukee, WI. While there, they formally nominated Donald Trump and J.D. Vance to serve as their candidate for president and vice president, respectively.
So this is a normal part of the political process. What's special about the DNC this year?
While the Democratic Party has nominated a woman as its presidential candidate before (Hillary Clinton in 2016), the party has never unified behind a woman of color for president. Vice President Harris will be the party's presidential nominee, making this year's convention historic.
Other than the nominations, what else happens during the convention?
Delegates from different factions of the party will meet to discuss the election, mobilizing voters, and policy priorities. Various identity-based and state-based groups host meetings for delegates to exchange ideas to take back to their communities. For instance, the NAACP is hosting a forum about supporting and energizing Black voters. The Black Caucus - under the theme Our Values. Our Vote. Our Voice - is scheduled to host conversations to share datapoints and strategies to increase Black voter turnout.
And then there are the receptions, a chance for delegates, elected officials, and organizations to network and enjoy the host city.
How can I watch?
Every night, tune in to the main stage programming from the United Center. Head over to NAACP at DNC to watch the nightly lineup of speakers leading up to Kamala Harris's historic nomination acceptance on Thursday.
Monday
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson
Hillary Clinton
Tuesday
Barack and Michelle Obama
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Wednesday
Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Jason Carter, President Jimmy Carter's grandson
Bill Clinton
Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz
Thursday
Vice President Kamala Harris
We're also taking you to the DNC with us. Stay tuned to the blog and follow @NAACP on social media for real time updates from the Convention.