1. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH

2. STEPS IN PROCESS I.Announce candidacy SET UP EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE APPOINT A CAMPAIGN MANAGER BEGIN FUNDRAISERS

3. II. PRIMARY/CAUCUS PERIOD Each state holds either a primary or caucus election to narrow the field of candidates AND New Hampshire – 1 st primary Iowa – 1 st caucus Delegates are chosen to attend national convention

4. III. NATIONAL CONVENTION Selection of presidential nominee Party Platform adopted Announcement of Vice-presidential candidate – “balance the ticket” Unify the party behind its candidates

5. IV. GENERAL ELECTION November – Tues. after the 1 st Monday of even-numbered years Voters cast ballots – popular votes totaled Electoral votes projected

6. V. ELECTORAL COLLEGE December Electors meet in state capitals to cast their official ballot.

7. VI. ANNOUNCEMENT OF PRESIDENT Electoral votes are counted in a joint session of Congress. Official winner announced. Jan. 20 th – President is inaugurated into office – oath of office. From General Election to Jan. 20 th if the current president is leaving office, this is referred to as a “lame duck” period.