Nominating Process of Political Parties

Nominating Process Most important function of parties First step in electing candidates Sets practical limits on voter choices

Self-Announcement Announce your own candidacy Usually no party Ross Perot, 1992 Ralph Nader, 2004

Caucus Meeting of citizens of one party Iowa

The Direct Primary  Most similar to an election  Average Voters choose candidate  New Hampshire is First state  Closed Primary – only registered party members vote  Open Primary – everyone votes all ballots count  Runoff Primary – top two finishers will compete again

Party Convention Party members from across the country gather to choose candidates Week long Media event

Ohio’s Primary System  Open Primary  Declare party when you show up  Can change parties from year to year  Your party is determined by your vote  Our Presidential Primary is in March  Super Tuesday

Name and number Paper 1 thru 3 1. Name ONE reason the Nominating Process is the most important function of a party? 2. What state is the first state to hold a Caucus? 3. What state is the first state to hold a Primary? 4. When is Ohio’s Primary?