The majority of presidential contenders are members of two dominant political parties in America: The Republican Party and Democratic Party. Two candidates end up going head-to-head in the presidential election – but how do we choose who gets to compete? The candidates go through months of campaigning that serves, in part, as a weeding out process leading to each party’s nominating conventions, which are usually held in July. At these conventions, each party formally announces its presidential nominee.

But getting to the convention involves winning each U.S. state’s primary or caucus – in a manner determined by either the political party or state government.

Caucus

A caucus is organized by state political parties and is traditionally known as a “meeting of neighbors.” Voters assemble on one day to discuss who they believe is the best candidate that represents their political platform. At the end of the meeting a vote is called, and delegates are selected to attend a county or state convention. Delegates pledge to support the winner of the caucus. These delegates go on to then select delegates to attend the national convention, where the final nominee for president is chosen.

Primary

A primary is run much like a general election. There are two types of primaries: open and closed. In a closed primary, voters who are members of either the Republican or Democratic Parties must vote only for the candidate in their same party. Open primaries allow people to vote for any candidate of their choice. They are organized by the state’s government and voters cast a secret ballot for the candidate of their choice. Whoever receives the popular vote is the winner of the primary.

In a presidential primary, the winner is also afforded the majority of the state’s delegates to the nominating convention.

The Days to Watch

The state of Iowa holds its caucus in early February – the very first day of primaries and caucuses. They are followed by New Hampshire, and the two are usually a sign of how the rest of the country will vote. The biggest day is Super Tuesday, at the very beginning of March. This day is incredibly important, as 35.2% of delegates are up for grabs – the largest one-day tally of results. Many candidates begin dropping out after Super Tuesday.

By June, there is usually a clear winner heading to the nominating convention.