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Who is Running?
Candidates declare their intention to run for the office of president. -
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Independent Campaigning
Independent candidates campaign for public support. -
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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
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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
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Republican National Convention
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National Election Day
On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, voters choose presidential electors in a general election. -
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
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
On January 20, the new president and vice president are inaugurated.
