Democratic Party formally nominates Hillary Clinton as presidential nominee

Hillary Clinton officially became the Democratic presidential nominee on day two of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday 26 July. Clinton not only secured the necessary delegate votes but was nominated by former rival Bernie Sanders by acclamation.

Roll call voting proceeded as usual on the second day of the convention, with Clinton quickly accumulating the necessary delegate votes. Sanders' brother, Larry Sanders, delivered an emotional speech as he cast his vote for his brother, as part of the Democrats Abroad delegation.

Sanders' supporters proudly cast their votes for their candidate but also acknowledged that Clinton would inevitably become the party's presidential nominee. The senator's home state of Vermont passed, making it clear that his delegation would in fact hand Clinton the nomination. As roll call voting reached its end, Vermont was once again called to submit its vote.

The Green Mountain State cast 22 votes for Sanders and four votes for Clinton before introducing Sanders.

"Madam chair, I move that the convention suspend the procedural rules. I move that all votes, all votes cast by delegates, be reflected in the official record," Sanders said. "And I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic party for president of the United States."

Sanders remarks were met by an eruption of applause and cheers of "Hillary! Hillary!" The senator then turned to his wife, gave her a kiss and made his way out of the convention floor. DNC Chair Marcia Fudge took to the stage to make the nomination official.

"Senator Sanders has moved in the spirit of unity to suspend the rules and nominate Hillary Clinton by acclamation as the presidential candidate of the Democratic party. Is there a second?" Fudge said to more cheers. She added, "All those in favour say aye!"

The crowd responded in cheerful ayes and some scattered noes. Fudge quickly concluded, making Secretary Hillary Clinton the first female to be chosen as the nominee of a major party in the US.