The United States is getting ready for its next big presidential election. What makes this election so important? It’s all about understanding the complex process from primaries to the Electoral College. Knowing these details is key for every voter who wants to make a difference.
So, what are the main things you should know about this critical event? It’s what will decide who leads the country next.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 presidential election saw a 7-percentage-point increase in voter turnout, with 66% of eligible U.S. citizens casting a ballot1.
- Joe Biden secured a 306-232 victory in the Electoral College and a 4-point margin in the popular vote1.
- Demographic shifts in 2020 included gains for Trump among Hispanic voters without college degrees and strong support for Biden from Black voters1.
- A record number of voters, nearly half, cast ballots by mail in 2020, including many first-time mail-in voters1.
- The 2024 election is projected to have over 162 million ballots cast if turnout reaches 2020 levels2.
Becoming the Presidential Candidate
To become a presidential candidate, you must meet certain legal requirements. You need to be a natural-born US citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the United States for 14 years3. Then, you go through primary elections and caucuses. These are how political parties pick their nominees4.
Requirements for Running
When you spend or raise over $5,000 for a federal office, you become a candidate3. You must set up a campaign committee within 15 days of starting your campaign. This is done by filing a Statement of Candidacy or Form 23. All candidates, even those already in office, must register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for each election cycle3.
Primary Elections and Caucuses
Starting in February, Primaries and Caucuses begin. These events lead to the selection of delegates who will speak for the people at the conventions4. The results from Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina are key in picking the final nominee for each party4. In 48 states, delegates are chosen through primaries or caucuses. The candidate with the most votes in each state gets the nomination5. Early primaries are important because they set the tone for the election and affect other state races5.
“In the first year of primary elections for presidential candidates in 1912, nine states elected delegates supporting Theodore Roosevelt, with William Howard Taft winning only one primary election. However, despite Roosevelt winning the popular vote, Taft received the Republican nomination because only 42% of convention delegates had been chosen through primary elections.”5
Candidates from the Democrats and Republicans start their campaigns a year before the election4. They also take part in televised debates during the campaign4. Each party has a national convention to choose their final nominee4.
In the general election, people across the country vote for one President and Vice President4.435
National Conventions and Nominee Selection
Every four years, major political parties in the U.S. hold national conventions. These events are key for picking their presidential and vice presidential candidates6. They help the parties pick their nominees and build support for the election6. Since 1832, the national convention has been the main way to choose presidential nominees, moving away from earlier methods6.
In a brokered convention, if no candidate gets a majority, all delegates can change their vote6. Since 1972, most delegates are chosen in state primaries6.
The Democratic and Republican parties hold these conventions every four years. Some minor parties like the Green and Libertarian also do this6. In 2020, the conventions went virtual due to COVID-196.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be in Chicago from August 19-227. The Republican Convention will be in Milwaukee from July 15-197. The Green Party’s convention will be online from July 11-147. The Libertarian Convention was in Washington, D.C. from May 24-267.
The Republican National Convention will officially nominate former President Donald Trump from July 15-188. Trump will likely accept the nomination on July 188. Over 50,000 people and hundreds of journalists will attend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin8. Wisconsin is important as it has picked the winning candidate in the last four elections8.
The Democratic Party will hold their convention in Chicago from August 19-228.
| Party | 2024 Convention Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | August 19-22, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Republican | July 15-19, 2024 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Green | July 11-14, 2024 | Online |
| Libertarian | May 24-26, 2024 | Washington, D.C. |
“The Republican Party’s platform committee approved a 16-page platform that embraces Trump’s views on abortion being a state-level issue, a missile defense shield, large deportation of illegal immigrants, tax cuts, and other policy positions.”
The Presidential General Election Process
In the United States, the presidential general election happens every four years. It’s a key event to pick the next President and Vice President9. Eligible American voters vote for the candidates they like, without caring about party or past votes.
Voting Eligibility and Methods
To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen and registered in your state9. You can vote in many ways, like on Election Day, by absentee or mail-in ballots, or early voting. Each state has its own rules for these methods.
Many people choose to vote in person on Election Day, which is usually the first or second Tuesday of November9. Others prefer absentee or mail-in ballots to vote from home. Early voting lets people vote before Election Day.
| Voting Method | Description |
|---|---|
| In-Person Voting | Casting a ballot at a designated polling place on Election Day |
| Absentee Ballots | Voting by mail or in person before Election Day for those unable to vote on Election Day |
| Mail-In Ballots | Voting by mail, often used by those who cannot or choose not to vote in person |
| Early Voting | Casting a ballot in person at a designated location before Election Day |
No matter how you vote, it’s crucial to take part in the election. This way, your voice is heard and your choice matters in the outcome9.
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
– The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
The Electoral College System
The United States presidential election is not decided by the popular vote. Instead, it’s through the electoral college system. This system has 538 electors10 who choose the president and vice president. Each state gets electors based on its Congress members, and the District of Columbia gets 3 electors10.
To win, a candidate needs 270 electoral votes10. Most states give all their electoral votes to the winning candidate10. But Maine and Nebraska do it differently, using a “proportional representation” system10.
| Electoral Vote Outcomes | 2020 Presidential Election |
|---|---|
| Electoral Votes Needed to Win | 270 |
| Joe Biden’s Electoral Votes | 306 |
| Donald Trump’s Electoral Votes | 232 |
Electors vote on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December10. These votes are counted in Congress on January 6th10. The president is inaugurated on January 20th10.
The electoral college has been around since the start of the country. Some people don’t like it because it can lead to a president not winning the popular vote11. Others worry about “faithless electors” who might not follow their state’s vote11. Still, the electoral college is a key part of U.S. presidential elections.
“The Electoral College is a system, not a physical place. It is the group of presidential electors required by the Constitution to form every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president.”
– National Conference of State Legislatures
Voter Eligibility and Turnout Statistics
The United States presidential election is a key event that shapes the country’s politics. It’s vital to understand voter eligibility and turnout to grasp the democratic process and the voice of the people12.
About 240 million citizens could vote in the 2020 election. Of these, 66.1% cast their ballots, making a total of 158,427,986 votes12. That year, Joseph Biden got 81,283,501 votes, Donald Trump 74,223,975, and others 2,920,51012.
Since 1932, voter turnout has varied from 52.6% to 79.21% of eligible voters12. Factors like voting rights, registration ease, and election competitiveness affect turnout12. Midterm elections usually see lower turnout than presidential ones12.
| Country | Voter Turnout (Voting-Age Population) |
|---|---|
| Uruguay (2019 Presidential Election) | 94.9% |
| Turkey (2018 Presidential Election) | 89.0% |
| Peru (Last Presidential Election) | 83.6% |
| United States (2020 General Election) | 62.8% |
| Switzerland (2019 Parliamentary Election) | 36.1% |
In the U.S., voting-age turnout and registered-voter turnout can differ significantly. In 2020, 62.8% of voting-age people turned out, while 94.1% of registered voters did13.
The Constitution lets states manage voting rights and election processes. This leads to differences in voter turnout across states12. For example, turnout ranged from 54.43% in Oklahoma to 79.21% in Minnesota in 202012.
Historical events have shaped voter turnout in the U.S. Universal white male suffrage came in the early 19th century, followed by African American male suffrage in the 1870s12. The Fifteenth Amendment in 1870 gave African American men the vote, increasing eligible voters12. Thomas Mundy Peterson was the first African American man to vote after this amendment in 1870 in New Jersey12.
Recent elections have focused on voter turnout. The 2020 election saw a 66% turnout, the highest since 190014. The 2018 midterm had a 49% turnout, the highest since 191414. The 2022 election had a 46% turnout, the highest since 197014.
70% of eligible U.S. adults voted in at least one of the 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections14. Yet, 48% of those who vote sometimes or not often lean Democratic, while 46% lean Republican14.
Understanding voter eligibility and turnout is key to analyzing U.S. democracy. The data shows how complex and dynamic voter participation is, with differences across states and demographics. These insights can help shape future election policies and efforts to make voting more inclusive121314.
Ballot Finalization Deadlines
As the 2024 presidential election gets closer, it’s key for voters to know the deadlines for ballot finalization. Federal law says military ballots must go out 45 days before Election Day. This means the presidential primary ballot in every state is set by early April15. It gives active-duty service members and overseas citizens enough time to vote in the federal primary elections.
The deadline for the general election ballots is early September. But, ongoing legal issues might push this back15. This deadline is vital for election officials to prepare and send out ballots. It also gives voters enough time to vote, either in person or by mail.
- Primary Election for the 2024 presidential election is set for August 20th, 202415.
- The last day to register for the Primary Election is July 22nd, 202415.
- Early Voting for the Primary Election starts on August 5th to August 18th, 2024, from 9 AM to 7 PM15.
- The General Election for the 2024 presidential election is on November 5th, 202415.
- Last day to register for the General Election is October 7th, 202415.
- Early Voting for the General Election is from October 21st to November 3rd, 2024, from 8 AM to 8 PM15.
- Testing of voting equipment for the Primary Election is on July 26th, 2024, at 9 AM15.
- Testing of voting equipment for the General Election is on October 11th, 2024, at 9 AM15.
- You must return a Vote-by-Mail ballot by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day if not submitted earlier15.
- Voters must vote at their assigned Polling Location on Election Day15.
- Checking signatures is key in the voting process; they verify ballots15.
Florida, a crucial swing state, has its own deadlines and rules for the 2024 presidential16 election. Florida holds a closed primary election16. The Primary Election is 11 weeks before the General Election16. At the national convention, Florida’s delegates choose the preferred presidential candidate16. To vote in a primary, you must be registered with a Florida political party16. All voters can vote in a primary for offices with no opposition16.
Across the country, states have their own rules for checking election results17. For example, in Alabama, officials count votes on the second Friday after the election17. In Alaska, counting ballots ends the day after the election17. These rules highlight the need to stay informed and active in voting.
Potential Policy Changes and Risks
Small changes to election policies can make a big difference in democracy. But big changes during an election can cause confusion and make people lose trust18. For example, switching from machine counting to hand counting might slow down results and make people doubt the system18.
Ballot Counting Methods: Risks and Considerations
In 2020, the ACLU stopped the Trump administration from changing the election process several times18. If Trump wins again, he might not count votes from certain groups like Latinx and Asian communities18. This could affect their rights and resources for years18. The ACLU is prepared to fight in court to protect the election18.
The ACLU has taken over 430 legal actions against Trump from 2017-202119. They work for laws that make it easier for everyone to vote19. They’re watching out for threats like the citizenship question, voting limits, and less access to voting19.
In the 2016 election, the winner in some states won by a tiny margin20. If just a small number of people in key states believed false stories, the election could have turned out differently20. This pattern happened again in 2020, where false news could sway the election in certain states20.
The Electoral College makes some voters very powerful, making them easy targets for false information20. The ACLU says a second Trump term would be bad for elections, calling for everyone to stand up for democracy18.
“A second Trump administration’s attempts to remove noncitizens from the census count could be deemed unlawful under the Fourteenth Amendment.”18
The ACLU is teaming up with Congress to pass laws that protect voting rights18. These laws are key to stopping racial voting discrimination and making sure everyone can vote19.
Pre-Election Day Ballot Processing
The 2024 presidential election is getting closer, making pre-election day ballot processing a big topic21. In states like Massachusetts, voters can vote by mail, and they send out applications 45 days before the election21. These mail-in ballots must be in by 8 pm on Election Day for primaries and 5 pm three days later for general elections. They need a postmark on or before Election Day21.
But, how ballots are processed before Election Day changes a lot from state to state22. Some places like California and Massachusetts start processing ballots weeks early. Others, like Pennsylvania, wait until Election Day22. This difference can affect when we see early results, with some states taking longer to share them22.
The 2020 election showed us a big change, with23 more people voting in person than by mail23. Trump voters were more likely to vote in person, while Biden voters were more likely to vote by mail23. Also, most people who voted by mail sent their ballots back a week early23.
As we get closer to the 2024 election, how we process ballots before Election Day will be very important. It will affect the election and how we see early results. Everyone needs to stay updated and careful to keep the election fair and open.
| State | Pre-Election Day Ballot Processing Start Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 7 a.m. on Election Day |
| California | Twenty-nine days before Election Day |
| Florida | Upon completion of public testing of tabulating equipment |
| Georgia | Signature verification upon receipt, processing begins at 8 a.m. on the third Monday before Election Day |
| Kentucky | 14 days before Election Day, with a requirement to start by 8 a.m. on Election Day |
| Louisiana | Before the polls close on Election Day, but not later than 8 p.m. on Election Day |
| Massachusetts | Upon receipt, with results to be ready by an hour after polls close on Election Day |
| Michigan | Jurisdictions with at least 5,000 people may start processing 8 days before Election Day |
| New Jersey | Signature verification upon receipt, prohibits releasing results before polls close |
| Pennsylvania | 7 a.m. on Election Day |
| Oregon | Results may not be made public until after 8 p.m. on Election Day |
“As the 2024 election approaches, the processes and timelines for pre-election day ballot processing will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the overall electoral landscape and the reporting of unofficial results.”
Election Administration Standards
Election administration has gotten better over the years, but it’s not the same everywhere in the U.S. The Bipartisan Policy Center suggests basic standards for voter registration, casting ballots, and counting results. These standards help states get federal funding24. Georgia and Colorado are the only ones that meet all these standards. But 26 other states do well in three out of these areas24.
To build trust in elections, the report stresses the need for ethical rules24. It lists seven key principles. These include following the law, being open, honest, fair, and professional24.
The report was made with input from election officials from places like Maricopa County and Los Angeles County24. Big names like Charles Stewart III, Bob Bauer, and Ben Ginsberg led the effort24.
| State | Meets Minimum Standards |
|---|---|
| Georgia | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| 26 Other States | At Least Three-Quarters |
The Bipartisan Policy Center wants to set the same rules for election management. But, each state has its own way of doing things. State laws say who does what, like county clerks and election boards25.
In California, elections are different in each county. Some have a county clerk, and 13 have a registrar of voters25. The state helps voters by offering registration in many languages and programs for young people26.
The aim is to make elections fair, open, and trusted by everyone. We’ve made progress, but we still need to do more. We want a system that works for all eligible voters24.
Unofficial Results and the Risk of Misinformation
Election results aren’t final on Election Day. States have different deadlines to certify results, from two to 29 days after the election27. This time between the election and official results can lead to misinformation. Such misinformation can harm trust in our democracy27.
Right-wing groups profit from spreading false information about voting and elections27. The 2022 elections were harder for voters than in 2020, despite getting used to new voting ways during the pandemic27. The tech industry’s focus on making money and competing with each other has led to less strict rules for what content is allowed online27.
Election denial is often driven by racial bias among Republicans, and by conspiracy theories, racial bias, and Christian nationalism among independents27. In the last month of the 2020 election, Donald Trump and 25 other influencers spread a lot of false information about voter fraud27. Political podcasts also helped spread these false stories, as found by the Brookings Institution27.
But, studies of the 2020 election in Arizona and Pennsylvania show the democratic process is strong. In Maricopa County, Arizona, only six votes for Donald Trump were found to be incorrectly counted out of 27,869, showing a very small mistake rate of 0.37%28. In Pennsylvania, Joe Biden’s win was confirmed, with no big problems found in counting votes29.
Even with efforts to doubt the results, the 2020 election has been checked and confirmed by many authorities. This shows the election was fair. As we wait for final results, it’s important to trust credible sources and facts to keep faith in our democracy2829.
“The integrity of our elections is the foundation of our democracy. We must remain vigilant against attempts to undermine public trust, and focus on the facts to uphold the will of the people.”
presidential election
The 2024 presidential election in the United States is set to be a key moment for democracy. Voters need to know how the election works, from picking candidates to the Electoral College’s role30.
In the U.S., people don’t directly vote for the president. Instead, they choose Electoral College members who then vote for the president and vice president. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win30. This system, set by the Constitution, has led to surprises, like in 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016, where the winner didn’t get the most votes30.
The 2024 election is shaping up to be intense, with many candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties31. Donald Trump and Joe Biden are likely nominees, possibly facing off again after 202031. But, the race has seen many changes, with some candidates dropping out31.
Voters need to know about key issues like abortion, border security, healthcare, and more32. The 2024 election’s outcome will greatly affect the country. It’s crucial that everyone who can votes does, making their voice heard in this important election323031.
Local Vote Certification Challenges
Lately, the process of certifying vote totals has been delayed by lawsuits. This could put Americans’33 votes at risk. The Electoral College deadlines are strict, and delays could affect the election outcome.
In November 2022, Cochise County, Arizona, didn’t certify the election results, affecting 47,000 votes33. Several counties, like Otero County, New Mexico, and Esmeralda County, Nevada, also delayed or threatened to delay certification due to election denialism33. Even after the January 6 incident, the Colorado Republican Party advised counties not to certify election results in November 202333.
Before 2020, it was rare for local officials to challenge election results. But in 2022, officials in North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico refused to certify34. That year, 10 instances of officials refusing to certify were recorded in four states. Most times, the state didn’t take action34. Two cases led to criminal investigations, with officials facing possible removal34.
Since 2020, officials in five key states have tried to block vote tallies. So far, they haven’t succeeded35. Delaying certification could change the election outcome, especially if it affects a state’s electoral votes35. If certification is delayed, a state’s votes might not be counted during Congress’s joint session on Jan. 635.
State certification processes are strict to prevent manipulation33. This article aims to help election officials, candidates, and advocates deal with certification challenges. It uses historical and current insights.
| Jurisdiction | Reason for Refusal to Certify | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cochise County, Arizona | Election denialism | Court order to certify, criminal investigation |
| Otero County, New Mexico | Election denialism | State election authority intervention, eventual certification |
| Esmeralda County, Nevada | Election denialism | State election authority intervention, eventual certification |
| Coffee County, Georgia (1899) | Minor procedural flaws | Rogue local officials obstructing certification |
Trying to hold officials accountable for not certifying elections is challenging34. In Nevada and New Mexico, some Republican officials refused to certify, but were later ordered to do so34. Nevada and New Mexico chose not to punish these officials, focusing on certifying the elections34. In New Mexico, the issue was limited to two officials, with no major concerns for future elections34.
A 1899 case in Coffee County, Georgia, shows how minor issues can cause certification delays33. Today, Republicans control 28 of the 50 state delegations in the House35. Groups supporting Trump’s election efforts are funding challenges to the current election results35.
Electoral Deadlines and Litigation Risks
Finalizing the presidential election results is complex, with many deadlines and risks of lawsuits. The Electoral Count Reform Act sets federal deadlines, but not all states follow these rules36. This could lead to legal fights if recounts and challenges go into December, affecting the election’s outcome36.
Each state has its own rules for filing election lawsuits and challenging results36. For example, in Alabama, you must start lawsuits in county circuit court within 20 days after results are certified36. In Arizona, you have five days after the results are certified to challenge any office36.
In swing states like Pennsylvania, the 2020 election led to a lot of legal battles37. There could be disputes over drop boxes and mail ballots, possibly going to the U.S. Supreme Court37. Experts think Pennsylvania might see even more legal action than before37.
Recently, former President Donald Trump was banned from running in Maine and Colorado because of the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot38. This decision has sparked different opinions, and the Supreme Court might have to step in38.
As the 2024 election gets closer, voters and officials face a complex mix of deadlines and legal risks. Knowing these rules and keeping up with legal changes is key to a fair election36.
| State | Deadline for Contesting Election Results |
|---|---|
| Alabama |
|
| Alaska | Action may be brought in superior court within 10 days after the completion of the state review |
| Arizona | All offices: 5 days of the completion of the canvass and certification of results |
| Arkansas |
|
| California |
|
These deadlines and legal risks show why it’s vital to understand the complex election process and keep up with legal issues in the 2024 presidential election36.
“The failure to certify results may lead to chaos and further litigation, according to legal scholars.”37
State vs Federal Deadline Conflicts
The presidential election in the U.S. has a complex mix of state and federal deadlines. This mix can risk the election’s integrity39. These conflicts could lead to long delays and hurt trust in the election’s outcome. Ongoing legal issues add to the uncertainty.
States must send Certificates of Ascertainment by December 11, 2024, six days before electors meet39. Electors will vote on December 17, 2024. They must send their votes by December 25, 2024, by the fourth Wednesday of the month3940.
State and federal deadlines could clash further. By January 3, 2025, the Archivist must give Congress the Certificates. A joint session of Congress will count the electoral votes on January 6, 2025, unless changed by law3940.
The Inauguration is set for January 20, 2025, at noon, despite any legal issues40.
There’s ongoing debate and lawsuits over state and federal deadlines. The National Conference of State notes most Electoral College reform bills from 2001 to 2006 wanted a district system. None passed, but the U.S. Supreme Court said “faithless elector” laws are okay41.
As the 2024 election nears, everyone must watch out for state and federal deadline conflicts. Following established timelines and working together will help ensure a smooth election3940.
| Deadline | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| December 11, 2024 | State officials have a deadline for issuing and sending Certificates of Ascertainment, at least six days before the meeting of the electors. | 3940, |
| December 17, 2024 | Electors vote, which occurs on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December. | 39 |
| December 25, 2024 | Electoral votes must arrive, no later than the fourth Wednesday in December. | 3940, |
| January 3, 2025 | The Archivist transfers Certificates to Congress for the new Congress to assemble. | 3940, |
| January 6, 2025 | Congress meets in a joint session to count the electoral votes, unless a law is passed to change the date. | 3940, |
| January 20, 2025 | Inauguration day when the President-elect and Vice President-elect take the Oath of Office. | 40 |
“The potential for conflicts between state and federal deadlines has been a topic of ongoing discussion and litigation.”
State and federal election deadlines bring big challenges. Clear communication and teamwork are key to a fair election. As the 2024 election comes closer, staying alert and taking action is vital for a smooth power transfer.
Conclusion
The US presidential election is a complex process that shapes the country’s leadership. This article has given key info on the election stages, from picking candidates to the final results. It aims to help US voters understand this important democratic event42.
The American political scene is mainly ruled by the two-party system. The Republican and Democratic Parties stand for different beliefs42. Even though some voters are unsure or have mixed feelings, the democratic process is key to the nation’s leadership43. As the 2024 election gets closer, people are keeping an eye on the news and political events43. Third-party candidates also try to gain support if people are unhappy with the top candidates44.
The US presidential election shows the power and strength of democracy. By learning about the election process, from picking candidates to counting votes, voters can make better choices. This article has tried to give a full view of the election. It helps readers know how to vote and be active citizens424344.
FAQ
What are the requirements for becoming a presidential candidate?
To be a presidential candidate, you must be a US citizen by birth. You also need to be at least 35 years old. Plus, you should have lived in the US for 14 years before running.
How do the primary elections and caucuses work in the presidential nomination process?
Primary elections and caucuses are key in picking the nominees. Political parties use these events to choose their candidates. They help pick the president and vice president.
What is the role of the national conventions in the presidential election?
National conventions are where parties officially pick their nominees. They are big events. Here, parties finalize their tickets and get ready for the general election.
Who is eligible to vote in the presidential general election, and what are the different voting methods?
US citizens who register can vote in the general election. They can choose from any presidential and vice presidential candidates. Voting can be done in person, by absentee, mail-in, or early voting, depending on where you live.
How does the Electoral College system work in determining the outcome of the presidential election?
The Electoral College, not the popular vote, decides the president. Each state and the District of Columbia has electors who vote for president and vice president.
What are the voter eligibility and turnout statistics for the presidential election?
About 244 million Americans can vote in the 2024 election. In 2020, a record 66.6% of eligible voters cast their ballots, with over 162 million votes.
What are the deadlines for finalizing presidential election ballots?
States must send military ballots 45 days before Election Day. This sets the primary ballot in each state by early April. Ballots for the 2024 election must be set by early September, despite ongoing legal issues.
What are the potential risks and policy changes related to the presidential election process?
Small changes to election policies can greatly improve the process. But big changes during an election can cause confusion and lower trust. A big risk is switching to hand counting ballots, which could slow down results and increase distrust.
How does pre-Election Day ballot processing affect the reporting of unofficial results?
Forty states process absentee and mail-in ballots before Election Day. This can lead to quicker unofficial results. But states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin wait until Election Day, making results slower.
What are the election administration standards and their impact on the presidential election process?
Election administration has gotten better, but not everywhere. The Bipartisan Policy Center suggests standards for voting and counting results. Georgia and Colorado meet these standards, while 26 others meet some of them.
How can the spread of misinformation impact the finalization of the presidential election results?
Election results aren’t final on Election Day. States have different deadlines to certify results, from two to 29 days after. This time can be when misinformation spreads, hurting trust in democracy.
What are the risks associated with local vote certification challenges in the presidential election?
Challenges in certifying vote totals can be long and risky. Legal issues can delay the process, threatening the election outcome. The Electoral College deadlines are strict, adding to the risk.
What are the potential conflicts between state and federal election deadlines, and how do they impact the presidential election process?
State and federal deadlines don’t always match. If recounts and challenges go into December, legal fights could affect the election. These conflicts can risk the integrity of the election.
Source Links
- Behind Biden’s 2020 Victory – https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/
- Ten Things to Know about the 2024 Presidential Election | Bipartisan Policy Center – https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/10-things-to-know-2024-presidential-election/
- House, Senate and presidential candidate registration – FEC.gov – https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-candidate/house-senate-president-candidate-registration/
- Summary of the U.S. Presidential Election Process – https://kz.usembassy.gov/summary-of-the-u-s-presidential-election-process/
- Political Primaries: How Are Candidates Nominated? | The Presidential Election Process | Elections | Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress | Library of Congress – https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/presidential-election-process/political-primaries-how-are-candidates-nominated/
- United States presidential nominating convention – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_nominating_convention
- Conventions – https://ballotpedia.org/Conventions
- Explainer-What to Expect at the Republican National Convention – https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2024-07-09/explainer-what-to-expect-at-the-republican-national-convention
- Microsoft Word – PL_Presidential Election_explainer[1].docx – https://www.aucd.org/docs/PlainLanguage_PresidentialElection.pdf
- What is the Electoral College? – https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about
- The Electoral College Explained – https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/electoral-college-explained
- Voter turnout in United States presidential elections – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout_in_United_States_presidential_elections
- Turnout in U.S. has soared in recent elections but by some measures still trails that of many other countries – https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/11/01/turnout-in-u-s-has-soared-in-recent-elections-but-by-some-measures-still-trails-that-of-many-other-countries/
- 1. Voter turnout, 2018-2022 – https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/07/12/voter-turnout-2018-2022/
- Election Calendar | Orange County Supervisor of Elections – https://www.ocfelections.com/election-calendar
- PDF – https://files.floridados.gov/media/706369/voterregvotingguide-eng-2024-election-cycle-20230120-final.pdf
- Election Certification Deadlines – https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/election-certification-deadlines
- How Donald Trump’s Election Lies and Other Anti-Voter Policies Will Continue to Impact Our Democracy | ACLU – https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/how-donald-trumps-election-lies-and-other-anti-voter-policies-will-continue-to-impact-our-democracy
- ACLU Releases Roadmap to Combat Voting Rights Threats Posed by a Second Trump Term | American Civil Liberties Union – https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-releases-roadmap-to-combat-voting-rights-threats-posed-by-a-second-trump-term
- How the Electoral College increases disinformation risks | Brookings – https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-the-electoral-college-increases-disinformation-risks/
- Massachusetts Voting Information – https://www.vote411.org/massachusetts
- When Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing and Counting Can Begin – https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/table-16-when-absentee-mail-ballot-processing-and-counting-can-begin
- 3. The voting experience in 2020 – https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2020/11/20/the-voting-experience-in-2020/
- Bipartisan Working Group Issues Ethical Standards for Election Administration | American Law Institute – https://www.ali.org/news/articles/bipartisan-working-group-issues-ethical-standards-election-administration/
- Election Administration at State and Local Levels – https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/election-administration-at-state-and-local-levels
- Elections and Voter Information :: California Secretary of State – https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections
- PDF – https://www.commoncause.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UndertheMicroscopev5.pdf
- Countering Lies about the 2020 Presidential Election – States United Democracy Center – https://statesuniteddemocracy.org/resources/countering-lies-about-the-2020-presidential-election/
- Election results under attack: Here are the facts – https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/interactive/2020/election-integrity/
- United States presidential election – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election
- Presidential election, 2024 – https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_election,_2024
- 2024 United States presidential election – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_presidential_election
- Election Denial Can’t Overcome Election Certification Protections – https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/election-denial-cant-overcome-election-certification-protections
- Some Election Officials Refused to Certify Results. Few Were Held Accountable. – https://www.propublica.org/article/election-officials-refused-certify-results-few-held-accountable
- Trump allies test a new strategy for blocking election results – https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/26/certification-2024-election-results/
- Contested Election Deadlines – https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/contested-election-deadlines
- Pa. was deluged by election lawsuits in 2020. Experts say 2024 will be even more intense – https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-election-2024-lawsuits-mail-ballots-voter-registration-joe-biden-donald-trump-josh-shapiro/
- Risks of US electoral chaos deepen after Trump is barred from another state ballot | CNN Politics – https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/29/politics/trump-maine-ballot-2024-election/index.html
- 2024 Electoral College, Key Dates and Events for State Officials – https://www.archives.gov/files/electoral-college/state-officials/state-officials-key-dates.pdf
- Key Dates and Events for State Officials and Points of Contact – https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/state-officials/so-key-dates
- The Electoral College – https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/the-electoral-college
- Presidential Elections and the American Political System – https://dk.usembassy.gov/usa-i-skolen/presidential-elections-and-the-american-political-system/
- Election 2024 Archives – https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/politics-policy/us-elections-voters/election-2024/
- An expensive, personal, very close presidential race careens toward an uncertain end – https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/biden-trump-presidential-race-six-months-polls-uncertainty-rcna150417