Election 2008 400x300

Nomination and Election

  • Who is Running?

    Who is Running?

    Candidates declare their intention to run for the office of president.
  • Period: to

    Independent Campaigning

    Independent candidates campaign for public support.
  • Period: to

    Campaigning for Nomination

    Democratic and Republican candidates campaign for their party's nomination. Independent candidates circulate petitions to qualify for a certificate of nomination.
  • Primaries and Caucuses Begin

    Primaries and Caucuses Begin

  • Period: to

    Primary and Caucus Season

    Primary and Caucus Results 2008
    Each state holds a primary or a caucus to select the delegates at both the Democratic and the Republican national conventions.
  • Democratic National Convention

    Democratic National Convention

  • Republican National Convention

    Republican National Convention

  • National Election Day

    National Election Day

    On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, voters choose presidential electors in a general election.
  • Electors Cast Votes

    Electors Cast Votes

    On the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December, the electors from all 50 states vote for president and vice president.
  • Senate Counts Electoral Votes

    Senate Counts Electoral Votes

    On January 6, the President of the Senate counts the electoral votes. To win the election, a candidate must receive one half of the total votes plus one vote, or 270 votes.
  • Inauguration

    Inauguration

    On January 20, the new president and vice president are inaugurated.