1. CHAPTER 7
ELECTORAL PROCESS

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

3. 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

4. Republican Candidates – pick 1

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Ballots (p. 197)