How is the President Elected?

         An election for president of the United States happens every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The next presidential election will be November 3, 2020. The election process  begins with primary elections and caucuses . These are two methods that states use to select a potential presidential nominee.  Primaries use secret ballots for voting. Caucuses are local gatherings of voters who vote at the end of the meeting for a particular candidate. Then it moves to nominating conventions, during which political parties each select a nominee to represent their party. During a political party convention, each presidential nominee also announces a vice presidential running mate. The candidates then campaign across the country to explain their views and plans to voters. They may also participate in debates with candidates from other parties.

         During the general election (time to vote for president),  Americans go to their polling place  to cast their vote for president. But the tally of those votes—the popular vote—does not determine the winner. Instead, presidential elections use the Electoral College to win the election, a candidate must receive a majority of electoral votes. In the event no candidate receives a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the president and the Senate chooses the vice president.

 

Video Resources: Review the videos below to learn more about how a president becomes elected. Pay close attention to the qualifications that must be met. 

 

 

 

Select the NEXT button to continue your learning journey!