Every four years, citizens of the United States across the country mail in their absentee votes and run to ballot booths to exercise their democratic right to voice their opinion on who should run the country as president, arguably one of the most powerful positions in the world. This election cycle will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5. Presidential elections in the United States are often more complex than general elections. Here’s what to know about them.
Who can vote?
In order to vote in any election in the United States you must be 18 years of age or older on election day; a citizen of the United States (this includes individuals who are dual citizens); and meet the requirements of residency for the state you are registered in. Some states do not allow people who have been found guilty of a felony to vote.
How do I vote?
Voting can vary depending on state regulations, but every state requires citizens to register before they cast a ballot to vote. After registration, citizens will have three options for voting: First, in-person voting on election day in the specific county they reside in. Second, citizens have the option to cast an absentee ballot, or a mail-in ballot if they are out of state or the country at the time of the election. Finally, early voting is available in many states for individuals who would prefer to vote as soon as possible in person.
What does a ballot look like?
A ballot typically includes both presidential and local candidates that someone can vote for, it also has propositions for local policies. Ballots include options for straight ticket voting; for example, if someone is a registered Republican, they can choose to vote for all Republican candidates.
What is the Electoral College?
The electoral college is not a physical place, but rather a process within the presidential system. In general elections, candidates are put into office based on popular vote, this is not the case for presidential nominees, they are chosen by electors in the electoral college. According to the official website for the United States government, each state receives as many electors as it has members of Congress including both the House and Senate; two votes for its two U.S. Senators and one vote for every member in the House of Representatives. In total, there are 538 electors, and a 270 majority of electoral votes are required for a presidential candidate to win office.
For example, the state of Illinois has 19 electoral votes.
https://elections.inyocounty.us/how-is-the-u-s-president-elected/
