CHAPTER 7 ELECTORAL PROCESS

Nominations v. Elections Spring (January – June) = Nominations Fall (November) = Elections

Nominating Processes Nominating Process is used to narrow down the field to one Republican and one Democrat running for the office. Primaries – Most states hold primaries to nominate candidates Nominate individually Caucus – Some states still hold caucuses Nominate as a group Self Announcement Usually only used in local elections Every state decides when to have their primary/caucus. They occur from January to June

Republican Candidates – pick 1

Primaries (map p. 191) Closed Primary Only registered members of a political party can vote They can only vote for their parties nominees in each office Open Primary (Indiana) Anyone can vote – including Independents You have to choose which party you are nominating for

Caucuses A closed door meeting of ONE party Democrats meet as a group and decide who to nominate Republicans meet as a group and decide who to nominate

Elections Always the same day for the entire country The Tuesday after the first Monday in November. States decide election times Ex. Indiana – elections are open from 6:00am-6:00pm If you know in advance that you are unable to vote on election day – you can vote Absentee Ballot

Ballots (p. 197)