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if(aria) { aria.removeAttribute('aria-live'); } else { if(performance.navigation.type == performance.navigation.TYPE_RELOAD) { aria.removeAttribute('aria-live'); } } } </script><script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{ "@type": "ListItem", "position":1, "name": "Voting and Elections", "item": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voting" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position":2, "name": "Presidential Election Process", "item": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election" } ] } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Electoral College", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>In other U.S. elections, candidates are elected directly by popular vote. But the president and vice president are not elected directly by citizens. Instead, they are chosen by &ldquo;electors&rdquo; through <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about">a process called the&nbsp;Electoral College</a>.</p><p>The process of using electors&nbsp;comes from the Constitution. It was a compromise between a popular vote by citizens and a vote in Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>The Electors</h3><p>Each state gets as many electors as it has members of Congress (House and Senate). Including Washington, D.C.&rsquo;s three electors, there are currently 538 electors in all.</p><p>Each state&rsquo;s political parties choose their own slate of potential electors.&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/electors#selection">Who is chosen to be an elector, how, and when varies by state.</a></p><h3>How Does the Electoral College Process Work?</h3><p>After you cast your ballot for president, your vote goes to a statewide tally. In 48 states and Washington, D.C., the winner gets all the electoral votes for that state. Maine and Nebraska assign their electors using a&nbsp;proportional system.</p><p>A candidate needs the vote of at least 270 electors&mdash;more than half of all electors in the U.S.&mdash;to win the presidential election.</p><p>In most cases, a projected winner is announced on election night in November after you vote. But the actual Electoral College vote takes place in mid-December when the electors meet in their states. See the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/key-dates">Electoral College timeline of events</a>&nbsp;for the 2020 election.</p><p>While the&nbsp;Constitution does not&nbsp;require electors to vote for the candidate chosen by their state&#39;s popular vote, some states do. The rare elector who votes for someone else may&nbsp;be fined, disqualified and replaced by a substitute elector, or potentially even prosecuted by their state.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>Special Situations</h3><h4>Winning the Popular Vote but Losing the Election</h4><p>It is possible to&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq#ecpopulardiffer">win the Electoral College but lose the popular vote</a>. &nbsp;This happened in 2016, in 2000, and three times in the 1800s.</p><h4>What Happens if No Candidate Wins the Majority of Electoral Votes?</h4><p>If no candidate receives the majority of electoral votes,&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Electoral-College/">the vote goes to the House of Representatives</a>.</p><p>This has happened twice. The first time was following the 1800 presidential election, when the House chose Thomas Jefferson. And following the 1824 presidential election, the House selected John Quincy Adams as president.</p><h3>How to Change the Electoral College</h3><p>The Electoral College process is in the&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution">U.S. Constitution</a>. It would take a&nbsp;constitutional amendment to change the process.</p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Overview of the Presidential Election Process", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>An election for president of the United States happens every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The most recent presidential election was November 3, 2020.</p><h3>Primaries, Caucuses, and Political Conventions</h3><p>The <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/presidential-election-process/">election process</a> begins with <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-37162">primary elections and caucuses</a>. These are two methods that states use to select a potential presidential nominee. In general, 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 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-212585">nominating conventions</a>, during which political parties each select a nominee to unite behind. 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.</p><h3>What is the Role of the Electoral College?</h3><p>During the general election, Americans go to their polling place to cast their vote for president. But the tally of those votes&mdash;the popular vote&mdash;does not determine the winner. Instead, presidential elections use the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-36072">Electoral College</a>. 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.</p><h3>What is a Typical Presidential Election Cycle?</h3><p>The presidential election process follows a typical cycle:</p><ul><li><p>Spring of the year before an election &ndash; Candidates announce their intentions to run.</p></li><li><p>Summer of the year before an election through spring of the election year &ndash; Primary and caucus debates take place.</p></li><li><p>January to June of election year &ndash; States and parties hold primariesand caucuses.</p></li><li><p>July to early September &ndash; Parties hold nominating conventions to choose their candidates.</p></li><li><p>September and October &ndash; Candidates participate in presidential debates.</p></li><li><p>Early November &ndash; Election Day</p></li><li><p>December &ndash; Electors <img class="tooltip- icon-beta" src="/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"><span class="text">Elector: a person who is certified to represent their state's vote in the Electoral College.</span></span> cast their votes in the Electoral College.</p></li><li><p>Early January of the next calendar year &ndash; Congress counts the electoral votes.</p></li><li><p>January 20 &ndash; Inauguration Day</p></li></ul>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Presidential Primaries and Caucuses", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>Before the general election, most candidates for president go through a series of <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.voanews.com/a/how-us-presidential-primary-caucus-process-works/3181800.html">state primaries and caucuses</a>. Though primaries and caucuses are run differently, they both serve the same purpose. They let the states choose the major political parties&rsquo; nominees for the general election.</p><h3>How State Primaries and Caucuses Work</h3><ul><li><p>State primaries are run by state and local governments. Voting happens through secret ballot.</p></li><li><p>Caucuses are private meetings run by political parties. They are held at the county, district, or precinct level. In most, participants divide themselves into groups according to the candidate they support. Undecided voters form their own group. Each group gives speeches supporting its candidate and tries to get others to join its group. At the end, the number of voters in each group determines how many delegates each candidate has won.</p></li><li><p>Both primaries and caucuses can be &ldquo;open,&rdquo; &ldquo;closed,&rdquo; or some hybrid of the two.</p><ul><li><p>During an open primary or caucus, people can vote for a candidate of any political party.</p></li><li><p>During a closed primary or caucus, only voters registered with that party can take part and vote.</p></li><li><p>&ldquo;Semi-open&rdquo; and &ldquo;semi-closed&rdquo; primaries and caucuses are variations of the two main types.</p></li></ul></li></ul><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/primary-types.aspx">Learn which states have which types of primaries.</a></p><h3>Awarding Delegates From the Primaries and Caucuses</h3><p>At stake in each primary or caucus is a certain number of delegates. These are individuals who represent their state at national party conventions. The candidate who receives a majority of the party&rsquo;s delegates wins the nomination. The parties have different numbers of delegates due to the rules involved in awarding them. Each party also has some unpledged delegates or superdelegates. These delegates are not bound to a specific candidate heading into the national convention.</p><p>When the primaries and caucuses are over, most political parties hold a national convention. This is when the winning candidates receive their nomination.</p><p>For information about your state&#39;s presidential primaries or caucuses, contact your <a href="/election-office">state election office</a> or the political party of your choice.</p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "U.S. Constitutional Requirements for Presidential Candidates", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>The president must:</p><ul><li><p>Be a natural-born citizen of the United States</p></li><li><p>Be at least 35 years old</p></li><li><p>Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years</p></li></ul><p>Anyone who meets these requirements can declare their candidacy for president. Once a candidate raises or spends more than $5,000 for their campaign, they must&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-candidate/">register with the Federal Election Commission</a>. That includes naming a principal campaign committee to raise and spend campaign funds.</p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "National Conventions", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>After the primaries and caucuses, most political parties hold national conventions.</p><h3><strong>What Happens at a National Political Convention?</strong></h3><p>To become the presidential nominee, a candidate typically has to win a majority of delegates. This usually happens through the party&#39;s state primaries and caucuses. State delegates go to the national convention to vote to confirm their choice of candidates.</p><p>But if no candidate gets the majority of a party&#39;s delegates during the primaries and caucuses, convention delegates choose the nominee. This happens through additional rounds of voting.</p><h3><strong>Types of Delegates at a National Convention</strong></h3><p>There are two main types of delegates.</p><ol><li>Pledged, or bound delegates must support the candidate they were awarded to through the primary or caucus process.</li><li>Unpledged delegates or superdelegates can support any presidential candidate they choose.</li></ol><h3><strong>Contested and Brokered Conventions</strong></h3><p>In rare cases, none of the party&#39;s candidates may have a majority of delegates going into the convention. The convention is then considered &quot;contested.&quot; Delegates will pick their presidential nominee through one or more rounds of voting.</p><ul><li>In the first round of voting, pledged delegates usually have to vote for the candidate they were awarded to at the start of the convention. Unpledged delegates can vote for any candidate.</li><li>Superdelegates cannot&nbsp;vote in the first round unless a candidate already has enough delegates through primaries and caucuses to get the nomination.</li><li>If no nominee wins in the first round, the convention is considered &quot;brokered.&quot; The pledged delegates may choose any candidate in later rounds of voting. Superdelegates can vote in these later rounds.</li><li>Balloting continues until one candidate receives the required majority to win the nomination.</li></ul><p>At the convention, the presidential nominee officially announces their selection of a vice presidential running mate.</p>" } } ] } </script><script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20230127135126js_/https://www.usa.gov/js/accordion-from-content.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> $(document).ready(function(){ accordionify({id: "item-213546"}); accordionify({id: "item-214417"}); accordionify({id: "item-212481"}); accordionify({id: "item-36072"}); accordionify({id: "item-37162"}); accordionify({id: "item-212587"}); accordionify({id: "item-212585"}); }); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126cs_/https://app-usa-modeast-prod-a01239f-ecas.s3.amazonaws.com/electoral.css?RDFtpa.pd3JktV_g67ia215TjOUjSi4W"> <meta name="beta-equivalent" content="https://beta.usa.gov/election"> <style> div.usa-banner.usagov-beta-banner { display: none; 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aria-expanded="false" data-href="/disability-services" href="#">Disability Services</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-benefits-insurance">Benefits and Insurance</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver">Caregiver Support</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-financial-support">Financial Assistance and Support Services</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-programs">Government and Local Disability Programs</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-jobs-education">Jobs and Education</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-veterans-benefits">Veterans Disability Benefits</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-rights">Your Legal Disability Rights</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/disasters-and-emergencies" href="#">Disasters and Emergencies</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/after-disaster">After a Disaster</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disaster-area-help">Financial Assistance Within Designated Natural Disaster Areas</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/help-disaster-survivors">Help Survivors of a Disaster</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/hurricane-ian">Hurricane Ian</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-emergency-management">State Emergency Management Agencies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/education" href="#">Education</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/higher-education">College and Higher Education</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/financial-aid">Financial Aid for Students</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/study-in-US">Learn English and Attend College in the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/libraries">Libraries and Archives</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/student-loans">Manage and Repay Student Loans</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/agencies" href="#">Government Agencies and Elected Officials</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies">A-Z Index of U.S. Government Agencies</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/about-the-us" href="#">About the U.S.</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/flag">American Flag</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government">Branches of the U.S. Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/budget">Budget of the U.S. Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/statistics">Data and Statistics About the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/history">History and Historical Documents</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/laws" href="#">Laws and Legal Issues</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaints">Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/crime-prison">Crime and Prisons</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/laws-and-regs">Federal Laws and Regulations</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/labor-laws">Labor Laws and Issues</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/family">Personal Legal Issues, Documents, and Family History</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/scams-and-frauds">Scams and Frauds</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/government-works">U.S. Government Works</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws-history">Voting and Election Laws and History</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-rights">Your Legal Disability Rights</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/life-in-the-us">Learn About Life in the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/presidents">Presidents, Vice Presidents, and First Ladies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government">Branches of the U.S. Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/budget">Budget of the U.S. Government</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/buy-from-government" href="#">Buying from the U.S. Government</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/auctions-and-sales">Auctions and Sales</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-surplus-sales">Surplus Sales by State</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials">Contact Elected Officials</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/forms">Forms, by Agency</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/state-tribal-governments" href="#">State, Local, and Tribal Governments</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials">Contact Elected Officials</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-governor">Governors</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/tribes">Indian Tribes and Resources for Native Americans</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/local-governments">Local Governments</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-attorney-general">State Attorneys General</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-consumer">State Consumer Protection Offices</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-emergency-management">State Emergency Management Agencies</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories">State Governments</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-health">State Health Departments</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-courts">State, County, and Municipal Courts</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-travel-and-tourism">Travel and Tourism Information, by State</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/health" href="#">Health</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/doctors">Doctors and Medical Facilities</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/health-resources">Health Information from the Government</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/health-insurance" href="#">Health Insurance</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/finding-health-insurance">Finding Health Insurance</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/medicaid">Medicaid and CHIP</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/medicare">Medicare</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/paying-for-medical">Paying for Medical Care</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/medicine">Medications</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/mental-health-substance-abuse">Mental Health and Substance Abuse</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-health">State Health Departments</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/vaccinations">Vaccines and Immunizations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/housing" href="#">Housing</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/finding-home">Affordable Rental Housing</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/foreclosure">Foreclosure</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/buying-home">Help Buying a Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/housing-help-audiences">Housing Help</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/housing-scams">Housing Scams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/housing-complaints">Housing-Related Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/mortgages">Mortgages</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/moving">Moving</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/repairing-home">Repairing and Improving a Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/post-office">U.S. Postal Service Issues</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/jobs-and-unemployment" href="#">Jobs and Unemployment</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/labor-laws">Labor Laws and Issues</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/job-search" href="#">Looking for a New Job</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/government-jobs">Find a Federal Government Job</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/find-a-job">Find a Job</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/retirement">Retirement</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/business" href="#">Small Business</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business-search">Business Keyword Search</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/funding-options">Finance Your Business</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/import-export">Importing and Exporting</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/government-contracting-for-beginners" href="#">Introduction to Government Contracting</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/expand-business">Get Help with Government Contracting</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/find-government-contracts">The Contract Opportunities Search Tool on beta.SAM.gov</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business-taxes">Small Business Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/start-business">Start Your Own Business</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-business">State Business Resources</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/federal-employees" href="#">U.S. Government Employees</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/government-jobs">Find a Federal Government Job</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/benefits-for-federal-employees">Pay and Benefits for Federal Employees</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/safer-federal-workforce">Protecting the Federal Workforce from COVID-19</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/unemployment">Unemployment Help</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/laws" href="#">Laws and Legal Issues</a> <ul> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/complaints" href="#">Complaints</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaint-against-government">Complaints Against the Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints">Consumer Complaints</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/complaints-by-product" href="#">Consumer Complaints by Product Type</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaints-lender">Banks and Lender Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/car-complaints">Car Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/housing-complaints">Housing-Related Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/phone-tv-complaints">Phone and TV Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/travel-complaint">Travel Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/post-office">U.S. Postal Service Issues</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaint-letter">Sample Complaint Letter</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/crime-prison" href="#">Crime and Prisons</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/crimes-against-children">Crimes Involving Children</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/prisons">Prisons and Prisoners</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/report-crime">Reporting Crime</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/corrections">State Corrections Departments</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/laws-and-regs" href="#">Federal Laws and Regulations</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government">Branches of the U.S. Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/laws-and-regulations">Commonly Requested U.S. Laws and Regulations</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/how-laws-are-made">How Laws Are Made and How to Research Them</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/pollution">Pollution Issues</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/labor-laws">Labor Laws and Issues</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/family" href="#">Personal Legal Issues, Documents, and Family History</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/child-care">Child Support</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/complaints" href="#">Complaints</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaint-against-government">Complaints Against the Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints">Consumer Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaints-by-product">Consumer Complaints by Product Type</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaint-letter">Sample Complaint Letter</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/family-legal">Family Legal Issues</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/genealogy">Genealogy and Family History</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/legal-aid">Lawyers and Legal Advice</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents">Replace Your Vital Records</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/scams-and-frauds" href="#">Scams and Frauds</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/common-scams-frauds">Common Scams and Frauds</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/housing-scams">Housing Scams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft">Identity Theft</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/irs-scams">IRS Scams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/online-safety">Online Safety</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/privacy">Privacy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds">Report Scams and Frauds</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/government-works">U.S. Government Works</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/voting-laws-history" href="#">Voting and Election Laws and History</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election-results">Historical Election Results</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voter-id">Voter ID Requirements</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws">Voting and Election Laws</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote">Who Can and Can鈥檛 Vote in U.S. Elections</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/disability-rights">Your Legal Disability Rights</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/military-and-veterans" href="#">Military and Veterans</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/join-military">Join the Military</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/military-personnel-and-installations">Locate Military Members, Units, and Facilities</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/education-military-veterans">Military and Veterans Education Benefits</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/military-pay">Military Pay and Pensions</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/military-assistance">Military Programs and Benefits</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/military-records">Military Records and Identification</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/selective-service">Selective Service (the Draft)</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/veteran-burial-benefits">Veterans Burial and Survivor Benefits</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/veteran-health">Veterans Health Benefits and Issues</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/veteran-housing">Veterans Housing Help</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/veteran-employment">Veterans Jobs and Training</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/money" href="#">Money and Taxes</a> <ul> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/benefits-grants-loans" href="#">Benefits, Grants, Loans</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/finding-home">Affordable Rental Housing</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/benefits">Benefits</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/financial-aid">Financial Aid for Students</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/food-help">Food Assistance</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/grants">Grants and Loans</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills">Help with Bills</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/military-assistance">Military Programs and Benefits</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/retirement">Retirement</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/about-social-security">Social Security Questions</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-social-services">State Social Service Agencies</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/unemployment">Unemployment Help</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/consumer" href="#">Consumer Issues</a> <ul> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/complaints" href="#">Complaints</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaint-against-government">Complaints Against the Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints">Consumer Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaints-by-product">Consumer Complaints by Product Type</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/complaint-letter">Sample Complaint Letter</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/recalls">Recalled Products</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/scams-and-frauds" href="#">Scams and Frauds</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/common-scams-frauds">Common Scams and Frauds</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/housing-scams">Housing Scams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft">Identity Theft</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/irs-scams">IRS Scams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/online-safety">Online Safety</a> </li> <li> <a 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Service Issues</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/retirement">Retirement</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/spend-save-invest" href="#">Spending, Saving and Investing</a> <ul> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/cars" href="#">Car Complaints and Motor Vehicle Services</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/car-complaints">Car Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services">Motor Vehicle Services</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/donate-to-charity">Donating to Charity</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/mortgages">Mortgages</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/retirement">Retirement</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/taxes" href="#">Taxes</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/covid-stimulus-checks">Advance Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments - Stimulus Checks</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/filing-taxes-topics" href="#">Filing Your Taxes</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/who-needs-to-file-taxes">Do You Need to File a Tax Return?</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/help-with-taxes">Get Help with Your Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/get-tax-forms">Get Your Tax Forms</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/file-taxes">How to File Your Federal Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business-taxes">Small Business Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-taxes">State and Local Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/tax-benefits">Tax Credits and Deductions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/irs-scams">IRS Scams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/resolve-tax-disputes">Resolve Tax Disputes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business-taxes">Small Business Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-taxes">State and Local Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/check-tax-status">Tax Return Status</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/check-tax-withholding">Tax Withholding</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/unclaimed-money">Unclaimed Money from the Government</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/business" href="#">Small Business</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business-search">Business Keyword Search</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/funding-options">Finance Your Business</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/import-export">Importing and Exporting</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/government-contracting-for-beginners" href="#">Introduction to Government Contracting</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/expand-business">Get Help with Government Contracting</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/find-government-contracts">The Contract Opportunities Search Tool on beta.SAM.gov</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business-taxes">Small Business Taxes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/start-business">Start Your Own Business</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-business">State Business Resources</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/travel-and-immigration" href="#">Travel and Immigration</a> <ul> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/immigration-and-citizenship" href="#">Immigration and Citizenship</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/deportation">Deportation</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/green-cards">Green Cards and Permanent Residence in the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/become-us-citizen">How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/enter-us">How to Enter the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/renounce-lose-citizenship">Renounce or Lose Your U.S. Citizenship</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/travel-abroad" href="#">Passports and International Travel</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/passport">Getting or Renewing a U.S. Passport</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/americans-abroad">International Travel Issues</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/family-outside-us">Issues with Family Outside the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/covid-passports-and-travel">Passports and Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/travel-complaint">Travel Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/passport-problems">U.S. Passport Fees, Facilities or Problems</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/recreation-and-travel" href="#">Recreation and Travel within the U.S.</a> <ul> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/cars" href="#">Car Complaints and Motor Vehicle Services</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/car-complaints">Car Complaints</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services">Motor Vehicle Services</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/recreation">Recreational Areas and Activities</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-travel-and-tourism">Travel and Tourism Information, by State</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/plane-travel">Travel by Plane</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/travel-complaint">Travel Complaints</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/visas-and-visitors" href="#">Visas and Visiting the U.S.</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/visas">Apply for Nonimmigrant Visas to the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/visitors-driving">Foreign Nationals Driving in the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/study-in-US">Learn English and Attend College in the U.S.</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/visa-problems">Visa Status, Renewals, or Problems</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/visitors">Visitors Living in the U.S.</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="open expanded"> <a aria-describedby="sr-expanded" data-href="/voting" href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voting" data-critical-path="true">Voting and Elections</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections">Congressional, State, and Local Elections</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voter-research">Decide Who to Vote For</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election-office">Find My State or Local Election Office Website</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/how-to-vote" href="#">How, Where, and When to Vote</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting">Absentee and Early Voting</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voting-political-party">Do You Have to Vote for the Party You're Registered With?</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election-day">Voting on Election Day</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote">Who Can and Can鈥檛 Vote in U.S. Elections</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/inauguration">Inauguration of the President of the United States</a> </li> <li class="expanded"> <a href="#content" aria-describedby="sr-current-page" data-current-page="true">Presidential Election Process</a> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/voter-registration" href="#">Voter Registration</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/change-voter-registration">Change Your Voter Registration</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration">Confirm You Are Registered to Vote</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration-card">How to Get a Voter Registration Card</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote">How to Register to Vote</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a aria-describedby="sr-next" aria-expanded="false" data-href="/voting-laws-history" href="#">Voting and Election Laws and History</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election-results">Historical Election Results</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voter-id">Voter ID Requirements</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws">Voting and Election Laws</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote">Who Can and Can鈥檛 Vote in U.S. Elections</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="usa-nav-primary usa-accordion usa-accordion-escapable"> <li> <a class="usa-nav-link" href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/#tpcs"> <span>All Topics and Services</span> </a> </li> <li> <button class="usa-accordion-button usa-nav-link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-1"> <span>About the U.S.</span> </button><ul class="usa-nav-submenu usa-megamenu usa-grid-full" id="megamenu-1"> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government">Branches of the U.S. Government</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/budget">Budget of the U.S. Government</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/statistics">Data and Statistics About the U.S.</a></li></ul> </li> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/history">History and Historical Documents</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/flag">American Flag</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/life-in-the-us">Learn About Life in the U.S.</a></li></ul> </li> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/presidents">Presidents, Vice Presidents, and First Ladies</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/agencies">Government Agencies and Elected Officials</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/laws">Laws and Legal Issues</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="topic-link topic-nav-flag"> <a class="usa-button" href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/about-the-us">About the U.S.</a> </li> </ul> </li> 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href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies">A-Z Index of U.S. Government Agencies</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/state-tribal-governments">State, Local, and Tribal Governments</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials">Contact Elected Officials</a></li></ul> </li> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/forms">Forms, by Agency</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/buy-from-government">Buying from the U.S. Government</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/about-the-us">About the U.S.</a></li></ul> </li> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government">Branches of the U.S. Government</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/budget">Budget of the U.S. Government</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="topic-link topic-nav-agencies"> <a class="usa-button" href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/agencies">Government Agencies and Elected Officials</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <button class="usa-accordion-button usa-nav-link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-4"> <span>Jobs and Unemployment</span> </button><ul class="usa-nav-submenu usa-megamenu usa-grid-full" id="megamenu-4"> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/job-search">Looking for a New Job</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/unemployment">Unemployment Help</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/labor-laws">Labor Laws and Issues</a></li></ul> </li> <li class="usa-megamenu-col"> <ul><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/federal-employees">U.S. Government Employees</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/retirement">Retirement</a></li><li><a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/business">Small Business</a></li> 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We want to know what you think. </p> </div> </div> </p> </header> <div class="wotp"> <header> <h2>On This Page</h2> </header> <div class="clearfix"> <ul> <li> <a href="#item-36072" onclick="document.getElementById('item-36072').focus();">Electoral College </a> </li> <li> <a href="#item-213546" onclick="document.getElementById('item-213546').focus();">Video: How to Become President of the USA </a> </li> <li> <a href="#item-214417" onclick="document.getElementById('item-214417').focus();">Overview of the Presidential Election Process </a> </li> <li> <a href="#item-37162" onclick="document.getElementById('item-37162').focus();">Presidential Primaries and Caucuses </a> </li> <li> <a href="#item-212587" onclick="document.getElementById('item-212587').focus();">U.S. Constitutional Requirements for Presidential Candidates </a> </li> <li> <a href="#item-212585" onclick="document.getElementById('item-212585').focus();">National Conventions </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <article role="complementary" aria-labelledby="item-36072"> <header> <h2 id="item-36072">Electoral College</h2> </header><p>In other U.S. elections, candidates are elected directly by popular vote. But the president and vice president are not elected directly by citizens. Instead, they are chosen by “electors” through <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about">a process called the Electoral College</a>.</p><p>The process of using electors comes from the Constitution. It was a compromise between a popular vote by citizens and a vote in Congress.     </p><h3>The Electors</h3><p>Each state gets as many electors as it has members of Congress (House and Senate). Including Washington, D.C.’s three electors, there are currently 538 electors in all.</p><p>Each state’s political parties choose their own slate of potential electors. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/electors#selection">Who is chosen to be an elector, how, and when varies by state.</a></p><h3>How Does the Electoral College Process Work?</h3><p>After you cast your ballot for president, your vote goes to a statewide tally. In 48 states and Washington, D.C., the winner gets all the electoral votes for that state. Maine and Nebraska assign their electors using a proportional system.</p><p>A candidate needs the vote of at least 270 electors—more than half of all electors in the U.S.—to win the presidential election.</p><p>In most cases, a projected winner is announced on election night in November after you vote. But the actual Electoral College vote takes place in mid-December when the electors meet in their states. See the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/key-dates">Electoral College timeline of events</a> for the 2020 election.</p><p>While the Constitution does not require electors to vote for the candidate chosen by their state's popular vote, some states do. The rare elector who votes for someone else may be fined, disqualified and replaced by a substitute elector, or potentially even prosecuted by their state.  </p><h3>Special Situations</h3><h4>Winning the Popular Vote but Losing the Election</h4><p>It is possible to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq#ecpopulardiffer">win the Electoral College but lose the popular vote</a>.  This happened in 2016, in 2000, and three times in the 1800s.</p><h4>What Happens if No Candidate Wins the Majority of Electoral Votes?</h4><p>If no candidate receives the majority of electoral votes, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Electoral-College/">the vote goes to the House of Representatives</a>.</p><p>This has happened twice. The first time was following the 1800 presidential election, when the House chose Thomas Jefferson. And following the 1824 presidential election, the House selected John Quincy Adams as president.</p><h3>How to Change the Electoral College</h3><p>The Electoral College process is in the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution">U.S. Constitution</a>. It would take a constitutional amendment to change the process.</p> </article> <article role="complementary" aria-labelledby="item-213546"> <header> <h2 id="item-213546">Video: How to Become President of the USA</h2> </header> <p>Explains the presidential election process from beginning to end.</p> <div class="embed"><iframe src="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126if_/https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eXCG-hlaqI?cc_load_policy=1" title="Watch the video" allowfullscreen> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eXCG-hlaqI">How to Become President of the United States</a> </iframe> </div> <div class="usa-accordion-bordered"> <ul> <li class="transcript_img"> <button id="video-accordion-213546" class="tcrpt usa-accordion-button" data-toggledtext="Hide the Video Transcript" data-initialtext="Show the Video Transcript" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="amendment-b-213546" aria-labelledby="item-213546 video-accordion-213546">Show the Video Transcript</button> <div id="amendment-b-213546" class="usa-accordion-content" aria-hidden="true"><p><strong>The Requirements</strong></p><p>Lots of people dream of becoming President of the United States. But to officially run for office, a person needs to meet three basic requirements established by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript" style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">U.S. Constitution</a> (Article 2, Section 1).</p><p>A Presidential candidate must be:</p><ul><li>A natural born citizen (U.S. citizen from birth)</li><li>At least 35 years old and</li><li>A U.S. resident (permanently lives in the U.S.) for at least 14 years</li></ul><p><strong>Step 1: Primaries and Caucuses</strong></p><p>People with similar ideas usually belong to the same political party. The two main parties in the U.S. are Republican and Democrat.</p><p>Many people want to be President. They campaign around the country and compete to try to win their party’s nomination.</p><p>In caucuses, party members meet, discuss, and vote for who they think would be the best party candidate.</p><p>In primaries, party members vote in a state election for the candidate they want to represent them in the general election.</p><p><strong>Step 2: National Conventions and General Election</strong></p><p>After the primaries and caucuses, each major party, Democrat and Republican, holds a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-212585" style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">national convention</a> to select a Presidential nominee.</p><p>The party’s Presidential nominee announces his or her choice for Vice President.</p><p>The Presidential candidates campaign throughout the country to win the support of the general population.</p><p>On election day, people in every state cast their vote .</p><p><strong>Step 3: The Electoral College</strong></p><p>When people cast their vote, they are actually voting for a group of people called <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/electors" style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">electors</a>.</p><p>The number of electors each state gets is equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress. A total of <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/allocation" style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">538 electors form the Electoral College.</a></p><p>Each elector casts one vote following the general election. The candidate who gets 270 votes or more wins.</p><p>The newly elected President and Vice President are then inaugurated on January 20th.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </article> <article role="complementary" aria-labelledby="item-214417"> <header> <h2 id="item-214417">Overview of the Presidential Election Process</h2> </header><p>An election for president of the United States happens every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The most recent presidential election was November 3, 2020.</p><h3>Primaries, Caucuses, and Political Conventions</h3><p>The <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/presidential-election-process/">election process</a> begins with <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-37162">primary elections and caucuses</a>. These are two methods that states use to select a potential presidential <span class="tooltip-left dottedUnderline" role="tooltip" tabindex="0">nominee <img class="tooltip-icon-beta" src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"> <span class="tooltip-left-text">Nominee: the final candidate chosen by a party to represent them in an election.</span></span>. In general, 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 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-212585">nominating conventions</a>, during which political parties each select a nominee to unite behind. 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.</p><h3>What is the Role of the Electoral College?</h3><p>During the <span class="tooltip-left dottedUnderline" role="tooltip" tabindex="0">general election <img class="tooltip-icon-beta" src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"><span class="tooltip-left-text">General Election: a final election for a political office with a limited list of candidates.</span> </span>, Americans go to their <span class="tooltip-left dottedUnderline" role="tooltip" tabindex="0"> polling place <img class="tooltip-icon-beta" src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"><span class="tooltip-left-text">Polling Place: the location in which you cast your vote.</span></span> 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 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election#item-36072">Electoral College</a>. 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.</p><h3>What is a Typical Presidential Election Cycle?</h3><p>The presidential election process follows a typical cycle:</p><ul><li><p>Spring of the year before an election – Candidates announce their intentions to run.</p></li><li><p>Summer of the year before an election through spring of the election year – Primary and <span class="tooltip-left dottedUnderline" role="tooltip" tabindex="0">caucus <img class="tooltip-icon-beta" src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"> <span class="tooltip-left-text">Caucus: a statewide meeting held by members of a political party to choose a presidential candidate to support.</span></span> debates take place.</p></li><li><p>January to June of election year – States and parties hold <span class="tooltip-left dottedUnderline" role="tooltip" tabindex="0">primaries <img class="tooltip-icon-beta" src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"><span class="tooltip-left-text">Primary: an election held to determine which of a party's candidates will receive that party's nomination and be their sole candidate later in the general election.</span></span> and caucuses.</p></li><li><p>July to early September – Parties hold nominating conventions to choose their candidates.</p></li><li><p>September and October – Candidates participate in presidential debates.</p></li><li><p>Early November – Election Day</p></li><li><p>December – <span class="tooltip-left dottedUnderline" role="tooltip" tabindex="0">Electors <img class="tooltip- icon-beta" src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/sites/all/themes/usa/images/Icon_Tooltip_sm02.png" alt="tooltip"> <span class="tooltip-left-text">Elector: a person who is certified to represent their state's vote in the Electoral College.</span></span> cast their votes in the Electoral College.</p></li><li><p>Early January of the next calendar year – Congress counts the electoral votes.</p></li><li><p>January 20 – Inauguration Day</p></li></ul> </article> <article role="complementary" aria-labelledby="item-37162"> <header> <h2 id="item-37162">Presidential Primaries and Caucuses</h2> </header><p>Before the general election, most candidates for president go through a series of <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.voanews.com/a/how-us-presidential-primary-caucus-process-works/3181800.html">state primaries and caucuses</a>. Though primaries and caucuses are run differently, they both serve the same purpose. They let the states choose the major political parties’ nominees for the general election.</p><h3>How State Primaries and Caucuses Work</h3><ul><li><p>State primaries are run by state and local governments. Voting happens through secret ballot.</p></li><li><p>Caucuses are private meetings run by political parties. They are held at the county, district, or precinct level. In most, participants divide themselves into groups according to the candidate they support. Undecided voters form their own group. Each group gives speeches supporting its candidate and tries to get others to join its group. At the end, the number of voters in each group determines how many delegates each candidate has won.</p></li><li><p>Both primaries and caucuses can be “open,” “closed,” or some hybrid of the two.</p><ul><li><p>During an open primary or caucus, people can vote for a candidate of any political party.</p></li><li><p>During a closed primary or caucus, only voters registered with that party can take part and vote.</p></li><li><p>“Semi-open” and “semi-closed” primaries and caucuses are variations of the two main types.</p></li></ul></li></ul><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/primary-types.aspx">Learn which states have which types of primaries.</a></p><h3>Awarding Delegates From the Primaries and Caucuses</h3><p>At stake in each primary or caucus is a certain number of delegates. These are individuals who represent their state at national party conventions. The candidate who receives a majority of the party’s delegates wins the nomination. The parties have different numbers of delegates due to the rules involved in awarding them. Each party also has some unpledged delegates or superdelegates. These delegates are not bound to a specific candidate heading into the national convention.</p><p>When the primaries and caucuses are over, most political parties hold a national convention. This is when the winning candidates receive their nomination.</p><p>For information about your state's presidential primaries or caucuses, contact your <a href="/web/20230127135126/https://www.usa.gov/election-office">state election office</a> or the political party of your choice.</p> </article> <article role="complementary" aria-labelledby="item-212587"> <header> <h2 id="item-212587">U.S. Constitutional Requirements for Presidential Candidates</h2> </header><p>The president must:</p><ul><li><p>Be a natural-born citizen of the United States</p></li><li><p>Be at least 35 years old</p></li><li><p>Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years</p></li></ul><p>Anyone who meets these requirements can declare their candidacy for president. Once a candidate raises or spends more than $5,000 for their campaign, they must <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-candidate/">register with the Federal Election Commission</a>. That includes naming a principal campaign committee to raise and spend campaign funds.</p> </article> <article role="complementary" aria-labelledby="item-212585"> <header> <h2 id="item-212585">National Conventions</h2> </header><p>After the primaries and caucuses, most political parties hold national conventions.</p><h3><strong>What Happens at a National Political Convention?</strong></h3><p>To become the presidential nominee, a candidate typically has to win a majority of delegates. This usually happens through the party's state primaries and caucuses. State delegates go to the national convention to vote to confirm their choice of candidates.</p><p>But if no candidate gets the majority of a party's delegates during the primaries and caucuses, convention delegates choose the nominee. This happens through additional rounds of voting.</p><h3><strong>Types of Delegates at a National Convention</strong></h3><p>There are two main types of delegates.</p><ol><li>Pledged, or bound delegates must support the candidate they were awarded to through the primary or caucus process.</li><li>Unpledged delegates or superdelegates can support any presidential candidate they choose.</li></ol><h3><strong>Contested and Brokered Conventions</strong></h3><p>In rare cases, none of the party's candidates may have a majority of delegates going into the convention. The convention is then considered "contested." Delegates will pick their presidential nominee through one or more rounds of voting.</p><ul><li>In the first round of voting, pledged delegates usually have to vote for the candidate they were awarded to at the start of the convention. Unpledged delegates can vote for any candidate.</li><li>Superdelegates cannot vote in the first round unless a candidate already has enough delegates through primaries and caucuses to get the nomination.</li><li>If no nominee wins in the first round, the convention is considered "brokered." The pledged delegates may choose any candidate in later rounds of voting. Superdelegates can vote in these later rounds.</li><li>Balloting continues until one candidate receives the required majority to win the nomination.</li></ul><p>At the convention, the presidential nominee officially announces their selection of a vice presidential running mate.</p> </article> <div id="sm-share"><span id="share-page">Share This Page:</span> <div> <a id="fcb" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.usa.gov/election&v=3" aria-labelledby="fcb share-page"> <img src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/images/Icon_Connect_Facebook.png" alt="Facebook"/> </a> <a id="twr" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=webclient&text=Presidential Election Processhttps://www.usa.gov/election" aria-labelledby="twr share-page"> <img src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/images/Icon_Connect_Twitter.png" alt="Twitter"/> </a> <a id="em" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230127135126/mailto:/?subject=Presidential Election Process&body=https://www.usa.gov/election" aria-labelledby="em share-page"> <img src="/web/20230127135126im_/https://www.usa.gov/images/Icon_Connect_Email.png" alt="Email"/> </a> </div> </div>  <div id="cntctbx"> <h2 id="">Do you have a question?</h2> <p> Ask a real person any government-related question for free. 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