As more is learned about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on other parts of the world, the DNC and RNC political conventions scheduled for this summer (opens in new tab) may be canceled, postponed, or otherwise affected. At these conventions, presidential and vice presidential candidates are formally nominated and elected, and the parties present their candidate platforms and seek to unite voters. At this time, the Democratic convention is scheduled for July 13-16 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Republican convention will be held August 24-27 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Up to 50,000 people will attend each convention.

At this time, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez (open in new tab) has denied that the conventions will be canceled and replaced with an online version (this in an interview recorded on March 9). He stated, "We are working with our state and regional partners and I am confident that we have a plan in place that will allow us to host the convention." Regarding the online convention, he said, "We have to change the rules. (Currently, proxy voting is not allowed at conventions.) But he also said he is monitoring the situation "daily"; the CDC's recommendation is to cancel events with more than 50 people (open in a new tab) for the next eight weeks, and that period could be extended if the pandemic continues and that summer events may be affected as well.

For more on the GOP (opens in new tab): "Convention spokeswoman Tatum Gibson said, "The convention team will be getting regular updates from key stakeholders across the administration.... and (the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for close monitoring and coordination. The health and safety of our participants is our top priority, and we have the utmost confidence in the administration's work and preparation."

At this time, the congressional district and state conventions are more time-sensitive issues, according to the WSJ report (opens in new tab). Discussions are ongoing as to whether voting will or should take place remotely, via telephone or online, and what coordination will take place. Decisions made here could be a preview of what will happen at the national convention. Perez said he has been in contact with states that are considering rule changes.

Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have begun holding "virtual" campaign events by canceling events or making them remote.

For more articles like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

Click here to register (opens in new tab)