US vice presidential candidates: Everything you need to know

Al Jazeera looks at the VP position in the US, how candidates are chosen and their role in elections and governance.

Washington, DC – The vice presidency in the United States does not come with much power, yet the names of vice presidential nominees appear on the ballot, yard signs and campaign merchandise next to the main candidates for president.

Vice presidents can play an outsized role in the White House beyond the narrow authorities granted by the US Constitution. And as candidates, they can help carry the message of their campaign and boost it.

This year, President Joe Biden Biden is expected to stick with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate. Former President Donald Trump is set to announce his VP pick during or shortly before the Republican National Convention next month.

The VP is elected as part of the presidential ticket. So, if people vote for Biden’s re-election as president, they indirectly elect Harris for another four-year term as VP.

As the campaign season heats up, Al Jazeera looks at the VP position in the US and how vice presidential nominees are chosen.