The Election Process

Young People Vote

How US Presidential Caucus, Primary Process Works

The U.S. presidential election cycle is split into two voting phases. First is the voting for the nomination in primary elections and caucuses, which takes place on different days in different states. Then comes the general election, which takes place on Election Day everywhere in the country.”

The Primary Election is where the political parties hold an election for registered voters to exercise their right to choose which candidate they want to compete against the candidate of the opposing party for the political office being sought. Many candidates can compete in the primary election, but only one candidate comes out victorious to go on to compete in the General Election

Think of the primary election as the means to determine the party's one official presidential candidate or senate candidate or representative or governor to be on the ballot in the final step of the election process, the General Election, which is always the Tuesday following the first Monday in November


A midterm election is held two years after the presidential election. Think of it as the election half way through the President’s four-year term. Up for reconsideration by the voters during the midterm election are all 435 members in the House of Representatives, and some members of the Senate.

How the two political parties select their presidential nominees?

"Presidential primary elections or caucuses are held in each U.S. state and territory as part of the nominating process of U.S. presidential elections. Some states only hold primary elections, some only hold caucuses, and others use a combination of both. The primaries and caucuses are staggered between January and June before the general election in November."

Difference between a primary and a caucus?




Types of primary elections and caucuses




U.S. Constitutional Requirements for Presidential Candidates

The President must:

  • Be a natural-born citizen of the United States
  • Be at least 35 years old
  • Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years
