According to an official statement: The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is committed to adhering to ballot access deadlines to ensure that candidates appear on ballots in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The process for nominating presidential candidates by August 7 allows for the nomination of vice presidential candidates at the same time. Mr. Harrison, chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, said the party would have until August 7 to identify a presidential nominee and would proceed with a "transparent, expeditious and orderly" process.