The Missouri Democratic Party’s 2020 convention will be held online due to the COVID-19, its leadership said Tuesday.
The convention will begin on June 13 with a live digital event. This is the first time the Missouri Democratic Party has held a party convention digitally.
“This is an unprecedented time in our state’s history and as such, we’re taking unprecedented measures to ensure the health and safety of Missourians,” Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director Lauren Gepford said in a statement. “Leadership requires innovative and proactive planning, and our team is proving that despite COVID-19, Democrats are ready to organize however we can.”
“While some restrictions on large events may have been lifted, we believe holding an in-person event that would see thousands of Democrats from across Missouri would be reckless and irresponsible. Missourians have lost much already, and we’re doing what we can to ensure that nobody has to choose between their health and participating in our democratic systems.”
Both of Missouri’s political parties made changes to convention plans last month due to the ongoing pandemic. Both parties had postponed caucuses and votes on delegates.
A number of state Democratic parties — including Minnesota, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Texas, and Utah — have moved conventions online. Wisconsin Democrats announced its move to a digital convention Tuesday as well.
The National Convention was delayed to August last month and is still set to be in-person.
More than 7,303 Missourians have tested positive for coronavirus so far, with nearly 314 deaths.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For up-to-date information on coronavirus, check with the CDC and DHSS.
Cameron Gerber studied journalism at Lincoln University. Prior to Lincoln, he earned an associate’s degree from State Fair Community College. Cameron is a native of Eldon, Missouri.
Contact Cameron at cameron@themissouritimes.com.
