The 2024 US presidential election, slated for November 5, is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most significant global political events. Every four years, the United States embarks on a unique election process with several stages, culminating in the final decision on who will lead the nation.
Here’s a breakdown of the path that candidates must navigate to reach the White House.
Primary elections and party nominations
The journey begins with primaries and caucuses, where political parties select their nominees. Each state holds its own primary or caucus, awarding delegates who pledge support for specific candidates.
The goal for each candidate is to amass enough delegates to secure their party’s nomination at the national convention. By the end of the convention, each party’s candidate and running mate are set, and the stage is prepared for the general election campaign.
General election campaign
Following the conventions, the Democratic and Republican nominees embark on a cross-country campaign. Candidates focus heavily on swing states—key battlegrounds that could tip the scales on Election Day.
Debates offer a unique opportunity for candidates to engage in direct discourse, helping voters compare their positions on critical issues. From economic policies to healthcare, these debates help voters make informed choices.
On November 5, citizens cast their ballots in the popular vote. However, in the US, this does not directly determine the president.
Electoral college: America’s deciding factor
The US employs an Electoral College system, comprising 538 electors from each state based on its congressional representation. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of at least 270 electoral votes. In most states, it’s a winner-takes-all scenario, but Maine and Nebraska use a proportional approach, awarding votes based on congressional district results.
From voting to inauguration
After the general election, electors meet in December to cast their official votes. Congress then counts these votes in early January, with the president of the Senate formally announcing the results. Finally, on January 20, Inauguration Day, the president-elect swears an oath, officially beginning their term in office.
The US election process is complex and steeped in tradition, with each stage playing a crucial role in selecting the country’s next leader. With 2024’s election approaching, the political landscape promises to keep citizens and observers alike on edge.
Key features and differences
Swing states: These are states where the election outcome is uncertain, and they receive significant attention from candidates. Winning these battleground states can be crucial.
Popular vote vs. electoral college: A candidate can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote. This has happened five times in US history, most recently in 2016.
State-managed elections: Unlike countries with a central election authority, US elections are managed by state governments.
The basics of electoral vote allocation
Population-based distribution: Each state’s number of electoral votes is based on the most recent Census. The current distribution is based on the 2020 Census.
Overrepresentation vs. Underrepresentation:
Smaller states: Have more electoral votes per capita. For example, in Wyoming, one electoral vote represents about 195,000 people.
Larger states: Are underrepresented. In states like Texas, Florida, and California, one electoral vote represents over 700,000 people.
The presidential election in the United States is a multifaceted procedure that integrates popular voting with the Electoral College framework. Although citizens cast their votes for their chosen candidate, they are, in fact, voting for electors who are committed to that candidate.
The final outcome is determined by the Electoral College, which underscores the importance of how electoral votes are allocated among the states. Congress will formally certify the electoral results by January 6, and the inauguration of the president is scheduled for January 20.