Electing the President: Steps in the Process

4 primaries and caucuses

Candidates need to do well in early contests such as Iowa and New Hampshire in order to build momentum and win their party's nomination. Party debates give candidates an opportunity to express large television audiences

1 formation of an exploratory committee

Formed 18 to 24 months before the election, this committee begins fundraising and bringing the candidate's name to the attention of the media and influential groups

7 the debates

In October the major party candidates engage in several televised debates a long with one Vice presidential debate

6 the general election campaign

In the months leading up to the November election candidates focus on Battleground or swing States as they aim to win at least 270 votes in the Electoral College. They run television ads and use the New Media to reach voters. They must continue to raise money throughout this process

3 campaigning

Months before the primary candidates begin meetings with local leaders, public appearances, ad campaigns, and other strategies

8 the general election

On the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, voters in each state cast ballots. And most states, the candidate who wins the most votes in the State wins all the votes in the Electoral College

2 fundraising

Presidential candidate must develop fundraising strategies, hire expert fundraisers, and quickly build a substantial War chest early on to show that they are serious contenders

5 the convention

The Democratic and Republican parties hold national conventions in September prior to the November general election. The party's nominees for President and Vice President are officially announced

9. The Electoral College

The electors meet in their state capitals and December, votes are officially counted in January

10. The inauguration

The president is officially inaugurated on January 20th