Government & Elections
Start with two questions
Which stage? A primary helps narrow or nominate candidates. A general election chooses officeholders.
Which office? Federal, state and local describe the level of government. A primary can involve any of those levels.
Choose a topic
Primaries & general elections ›
Federal, state & local elections ›
Follow one presidential election
Primaries or caucuses help select party convention delegates. Parties choose nominees. The general election determines which presidential electors are appointed under each state’s rules. Those electors vote for president and vice president.
Check the rules for your location
Registration deadlines, primary eligibility, district boundaries and election dates can vary. Your state or local election office provides the current rules for your address.
USAGov: voting and elections ›