The 2020 election is near, and President Donald Trump, along with former Vice President Joe Biden are set to face off. Here is a brief look at the big events coming up between now and then.
Democratic National Convention
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin; August 17-20
Democrats will hold an almost entirely virtual convention using live broadcasts and online streaming, according to party officials. Biden plans to accept the presidential nomination in person, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a significant in-person audience.
Biden is expected to name his running mate some time before the convention begins. He's already committed to picking a woman.
Republican National Convention
- Charlotte, North Carolina; August 24
Republicans moved most of the convention from Charlotte to Jacksonville, Fla., after North Carolina officials ruled out a full-capacity crowd during the coronavirus pandemic. But with cases spiking in Florida, Trump announced last week that the Jacksonville segment has been canceled.
A small subset of GOP delegates will still formally renominate Trump on Aug. 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina, at an event scheduled to last just four hours. Trump said he plans to deliver his nomination acceptance speech in an alternate form still to be determined — perhaps online.
Debates
There are three scheduled debates between Trump and Biden that are organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates, a nonprofit which has sponsored every debate since 1988. Trump's campaign has called for a fourth debate and for the debates to be held earlier, citing mail-in voting. There's no indication at this time that an extra one will be scheduled or that the dates will change.
Each debate historically covers certain general topics. The format and moderators will be decided at a later date. Given that the coronavirus pandemic will likely remain an issue, the format will presumably be the two candidates at separate podiums to encourage social distancing. A typical town hall format seems less likely.
First presidential debate
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland; Sept. 29
- Originally scheduled for Notre Dame, but the university withdrew due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Vice Presidential Debate
- Salt Lake City, Utah; Oct. 7
Second presidential debate
- Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami; Oct. 15
- Originally scheduled for the University of Michigan, but the university withdrew due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Third presidential debate
- Nashville, Tennessee; Oct 22
Election Day
- Nov. 3
In addition to the presidency, all 435 House seats are up for grabs with Democrats needing a net loss of no more than 14 to ensure they remain in control. Thirty-five seats in the Senate are at stake, with Republicans needing a net loss of no more than four to keep the majority.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.