Elections
How do people win office?
Election cycles, primaries and caucuses, the Electoral College, ballot measures and how a person runs for office.
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When are US elections held?
Federal general elections fall on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. The whole House is elected every 2 years, the president every 4 and about one-third of the Senate every 2.
Elections
What are primaries and caucuses?
Primaries and caucuses narrow the field before the general election. Learn how open, closed and top-two primaries differ, and how party caucuses work.
Elections
How does the Electoral College elect the president?
Voters choose electors, electors vote in December and Congress counts in January. See how the 538 electors are awarded and what happens if no one gets 270.
Elections
How does someone run for public office?
From meeting the legal requirements and getting on the ballot to winning, certification and the oath, here are the steps to running for public office.
Elections
What are ballot initiatives and referendums?
Ballot measures let voters decide laws directly. Learn how initiatives, referendums and legislative referrals differ, and which states allow each one.