In November, voters will choose the next President of the United States. First, voters will decide the nominees. Nominees are people chosen to represent a political party in an election. The United States has two major parties, Republicans and Democrats.
States hold elections to decide nominees for each party. Most states hold primaries. Some states hold caucuses. In both, voters choose a candidate. In primaries, a voter casts a ballot (a sheet of paper used to vote). In a caucus, voters can talk with one another before choosing. The nominees who win appear on the ballot in November. People vote in these elections to have a say in who will be on the ballot.
This month, the first primaries and caucuses take place. On January 15, Iowans vote. Then, on January 23, people in New Hampshire vote. Before election day, candidates will campaign. While campaigning, candidates will talk to voters. They will explain why people should vote for them.
Every four years, American voters decide who the next president will be. In November 2020, 155 million people voted. In 2024, a new race for president begins. This month, voters in Iowa and New Hampshire will be the first Americans to make their voices heard!
What Do You Think? Why do you think it’s important for people to vote in primaries and caucuses?
Photo Credits: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images
