Voters Starter Pack: The Presidential Election

Americans between 18 and 24 years old voted less than any other age group in the 2012 presidential election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But with Millennials now outnumbering the Baby Boomers, the 2016 presidential election could see a bigger, younger turnout.

It can be difficult to keep up with all the ins and outs of the political process. With election season now in full swing, it can be even more difficult. Knowing which candidates are still in the race, when your state’s caucuses or primaries are, and even knowing the difference between a caucus and a primary can be challenging for newcomers to the presidential election process.

Generally, a caucus is a meeting where party members and registered voters who identify with a particular party hold a public vote to select their favorite candidate and delegates. Only a handful of states still have caucuses, but every state and territory participates in primaries. A primary is run in a fashion very similar to a general election, with voters lining up to cast private ballots for candidates. Delegates then vote for the candidates at a party’s presidential convention, electing the official candidate of the respective party.

This post will help you make heads or tails of the 2016 race for the White House.

The Candidates

Democrat

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Hillary Clinton

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Bernie Sanders

 

 

 

 

 

Republican

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Donald Trump

 

Delegates won through May 4

Democrat

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2383 delegates needed to win nomination

Republican

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1237 delegates needed to win nomination

 Timeline of presidential caucuses, debates and primaries

Timeline

Timeline of presidential race

About Nicolas Lopez

I am a senior journalism student at Texas Tech. In the fall I plan to attend graduate school. When I run out of money to pay for college, I plan to work as a documentarian and photojournalist.