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Prospective candidates raise money
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Politician declares candidacy
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Candidate campaigns in key states
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Primaries
Voters select delegates who are pledged to candidates, and the vote is taken through a ballot.
3 types:
Closed: only registered voters can vote and they must vote within their party (Republicans for Republicans, Democrats for Democrats)
Open: Voters have to declare which party they are voting for, but they don't have to be registered with a certain party
Blanket: No declaration or party affiliation required, voter can vote for whoever they want -
Caucuses
In caucuses, citizens make speeches for candidates in hometwon settings, like living rooms and town halls, and an informal count is taken for the vote. This continues into statewide conventions, where the national delegates are chosen. Caucuses take more time than primaries. -
Party conventions
Both Democratic and Republican parties host separate conventions, candidates are oficially nominated -
Election
Citizens vote for members of the electoral college who are pledged to a certain candidate, president is chosen
