The Democratic National Convention Starts Monday. Here’s What You Need To Know

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden listens as his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks during a campaign event at Alexis Dupont High School in Wilmington, Del., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

The next phase of the presidential election starts Monday with the launch of the Democratic National Convention. While the quadrennial event usually attracts tens of thousands of people to the host city, which this year is Milwaukee, Wis., the coronavirus has erased the possibility of a traditional series of events.

The pandemic has prompted DNC leaders to assemble a scaled-down, virtual convention. Much like the audience, prominent speakers will also tune in from their respective remote locations. That includes former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, who now will accept the nomination near his home in Delaware.

The convention will take place from Monday, August 17 through Thursday, August 20, and will broadcast from 9 pm to 11 pm ET. According to the DNC, each night of the convention will feature “both live and curated content originating from Milwaukee and other satellite cities, locations and landmarks across the country.”