A key Democratic National Committee panel took the first steps toward scaling back the party’s convention in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A DNC official told WisPolitics.com the Rules and Bylaws Committee voted this afternoon to approve a resolution that would give the Convention Committee “maximum flexibility to plan a safe event that guarantees every delegate can accomplish their official business without putting their own health at risk.”
The official also said the resolution gives the convention’s organizers authority to “make the necessary changes to the format, size, date or other aspects.” That includes allowing convention delegates to participate either in person or by means that allow for appropriate social distancing” as well as “adjusting the convention format to dealing with crowd size.”
Joe Solmonese, the CEO of theDemocratic National Convention Committee, praised the move.
“Safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone involved with our convention remains our top priority,” he said in a statement. “This resolution provides our team with increased flexibility to adjust our plans, ensure that every delegate is able to accomplish their official business without putting their own health at risk, and enables us to chart the most appropriate course forward as we work to launch our nominee to victory in November.”
The proposal would still need to be approved by the full Democratic National Committee before going into effect. The convention is currently scheduled to kick off on Aug. 17.
*This item has been updated to reflect the committee’s approval.
