With just weeks to go until the Democratic Party formally nominates its presidential candidate, some Democrats have questioned President Biden's eligibility to run, and the nomination process could play out in several ways. If Biden continues to run, he is almost certain to become the nominee. If he drops out before or after the convention, things get more complicated.
Biden Stay in the race
President Biden has rejected calls to step down, leaving little time for opponents to rally support. The party plans to hold a virtual vote to choose a candidate in the weeks before the convention. No other candidates are currently eligible to receive the nomination.
Party committees will meet to finalize rules for the virtual call and convention.
The party will conduct a virtual vote.
To win, a majority of delegates must vote in favor.
Almost all of the roughly 4,000 Democratic lawmakers
Delegates have already been pledged to vote for Biden.
It is technically possible, but
Challengers can petition to appear on the ballot.
Biden won the nomination.
Democratic National Convention
Biden accepted the nomination.
States Finalize Ballots
Late August to September
Biden is on ballots across the country.
Party committees will meet to finalize rules for the virtual call and convention.
The party will conduct a virtual vote.
To win, a majority of delegates must vote in favor.
Nearly all of the roughly 4,000 Democratic delegates have already pledged their support for Biden.
It's unlikely that a challenger would be able to petition to have it placed on the ballot, although that's technically possible.
Biden won the nomination.
Democratic National Convention
Biden accepted the nomination.
States Finalize Ballots
Late August to September
Biden is on ballots across the country.
If Biden Drops Out Before the tournament
Donors, business leaders and some members of his own party have urged Biden to drop out of the race. If he were to drop out, the party could either stick with the planned online voting or move the nomination to an in-person convention. Biden could then endorse an alternative candidate, but delegates would still vote in an open convention.
The representatives he promised would be released
Vote for another candidate.
Candidates compete for support.
Candidates must receive at least 300 signatures
Delegates who will appear on the convention ballot.
Democratic National Convention
A candidate needs the support of a simple majority of about 4,000 delegates to win the nomination.
If no candidate receives a majority on the first ballot, about 700 so-called superdelegates can vote in subsequent rounds.
The winner will accept the nomination.
States Finalize Ballots
Late August to September
The first mail-in ballots will be cast on September 6th, with early voting in some states starting on September 20th.
The representatives he promised would be released
Vote for another candidate.
Candidates compete for support.
Candidates must receive at least 300 signatures
Delegates who will appear on the convention ballot.
Democratic National Convention
A candidate needs the support of a simple majority of about 4,000 delegates to win the nomination.
If no candidate receives a majority on the first ballot, about 700 so-called superdelegates can vote in subsequent rounds.
The winner will accept the nomination.
States Finalize Ballots
Late August to September
The first mail-in ballots will be cast on September 6th, with early voting in some states starting on September 20th.
If Biden Drops Out After the tournament
If Biden withdraws after the August convention or is unable to run, the party has a process for nominating a replacement candidate, and at least one conservative group has warned of the possibility of litigation challenging any replacement so close to the election.
Democratic National Committee
Select a new candidate.
The committee includes state party chairs and members assigned to them by their states.
The majority of the population will meet to elect their successor.
States Finalize Ballots
Late August to September
There could be lawsuits challenging vote changes.
The first mail-in ballots will be cast on September 6th, with early voting in some states starting on September 20th.
The Democratic National Committee will select new candidates.
The committee, made up of members allocated based on state party leaders and population, will meet to select a successor.
States Finalize Ballots
Late August to September
There could be lawsuits challenging vote changes.
The first mail-in ballots will be cast on September 6th, with early voting in some states starting on September 20th.