Now that the DNC is over, what’s next? See key dates for debates, Election Day voting

The Democratic National Convention has come to a wrap, meaning the presidential candidates for both the Republican and Democratic parties are now secured for the 2024 United States Presidential Election

After withdrawing his candidacy in late July, 81-year-old President Joe Biden formally passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate during this week’s convention. She accepted her nomination officially during the last night of the convention with an emotional acceptance speech.

During the first night of the Republican National Convention, which took place July 15-19, Former President Donald Trump officially secured his nomination with a roll-call vote and announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate.

With less than three months remaining until the November election, a presidential debate between Harris and Trump will mark the start of the final phase of the campaign season.

When is the next presidential debate 2024?

The next presidential debate is approaching quickly, and it will be the first-ever time Harris and Trump face off — and may be the only time they debate one another.

ABC News is hosting the second presidential debate on Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Central Time in Philadelphia.

Trump has proposed two additional debates, with Fox News on Sept. 4 and NBC News on Sept. 25, but the Harris campaign has not yet agreed, CBS News reported.

In late June, CNN hosted the first presidential debate in Atlanta, where Trump faced Biden, who was largely criticized for his performance and inability to speak clearly.

Who will moderate the 2024 presidential debate?

“World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and ABC News Live “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis will moderate the debate, according to ABC News.

When is the vice presidential debate 2024?

The vice presidential debate is set as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance gear up to take the stage after both accepted an invitation from CBS News.

The outlet confirmed inviting both candidates to debate in New York on Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8. Walz posted on X that he agreed to debate, writing, “See you on October 1, JD.”

Key dates for the 2024 presidential election

Voters across the U.S. will start showing up to the polls as early as next month, when Pennsylvania kicks off early voting on Sept. 16. The official Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Other key dates:

See when your state opens early voting.

Does the US await an ‘October Surprise’ in 2024? What it means and past examples

In addition to the remaining formalities for the 2024 presidential election, an October surprise is almost always anticipated. Each election cycle, unexpected events occurring in the final weeks often have a significant impact on the outcome. Here are some examples from past years:

• 1972: Nixon’s “Peace is at Hand” announcement: Nixon’s National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger announced the Vietnam War was nearing an end, boosting Nixon’s re-election chances.

• 1980: The Iran hostage crisis: Jimmy Carter failed to secure the release of American hostages in Iran before Election Day, which critics said contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan.

• 1992: Iran-Contra indictment: Days before the election, Special Prosecutor Lawrence Walsh indicted Caspar Weinberger, linking George H.W. Bush to the Iran-Contra scandal, hurting his re-election bid against Bill Clinton.

• 2000: George W. Bush’s DUI revelation: Five days before the election, news of Bush’s DUI arrest emerged, possibly impacting swing voters in a historically close race that led to the involvement of both Florida’s Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

• 2016: James Comey’s letter on Clinton’s emails: FBI Director James Comey announced the re-opening of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email use 11 days before the election, contributing to her defeat against Donald Trump (although, she did win the popular vote).

• 2020: Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis: Incumbent Trump was hospitalized for COVID-19 in October, bringing renewed attention to the administration’s handling of the pandemic.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 2024 presidential election: Key dates for debates and voting