THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (in 10 simple steps)

1) Eligibility requirements

The Constitution states that in order to become President, a candidate must be a citizen of the U.S. or its territories, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the U.S. for 14 years. Eight of the 42 U.S. Presidents were born in Virginia, which is sometimes referred to as “the mother of presidents”. We are still awaiting a president from Guam. . .

2) Declaring Candidacy

- Candidates must first fill out paper work with the Federal Election Commission (so that you can legally fundraise), and hire key campaign staff.

- After registering and pay filing fees to the national party, the candidate usually has a formal campaign announcement.

- The candidate then hires the rest of his campaign staff and consultants for national campaign, hires staff and establishes headquarters in key states, and starts fundraising.

- Candidates must then register with each state’s party and pay the requisite filing fees to so that they become eligible candidates in that state’s primary or caucus.

3) Campaign for Party nomination

- The campaign starts up to a year out from the first primaries and caucuses. Candidates establish campaign chairs and offices in each state and seek endorsements from local political leaders. Candidates travel primarily to early primary and caucus states, meeting voters and seeking endorsement from local political leaders.

- Fundraise, Fundraise, Fundraise! In addition to campaign events, candidates must also hold fundraising events to get money necessary to continue their campaigns. Fundraising events are held all over the country, and even some events are held outside of the US. Only US citizens or green card holders can contribute to US election campaigns.

- Candidates participate in many debates sponsored by network and cable television outlets.

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