Have you not watched the latest presidential debate? Are you unsure what candidates are still in the running? Did you even know 2016 is the year we vote for the president? If not, don’t worry! Read this quick update on the presidential race and you will be an informed voter in no time!
Background
On November 8th, 2016, Americans will vote for the 45th president of the United States (you still have time to learn what’s going on!). Whoever wins the presidential election will take over for Barack Obama and be officially sworn into office on January 20, 2017.
Candidates (still in the running)
The Republicans:
Jeb Bush, Former Florida Governor
Ben Carson, Retired Neurosurgeon
Ted Cruz, United States Senator
Donald Trump, Real Estate Mogul
Marco Rubio, United States Senator
John Kasich, Ohio Governor
Jim Gilmore, Former Virginia Governor
The Democrats:
Hillary Clinton, Former Secretary of State
Bernie Sanders, United States Senator
Questions and Answers:
Why do United State Presidential Elections seem like they go on forever?
A nominee for each party, Republican and Democrat, is chosen through a contest in each of the U.S. states and territories. This began in February and will last for up to five months.
So, when do I vote?
After a candidate has been chosen for both parties, the campaigning will continue until the general election. This will take place on November 8th, 2016.
Why do I keep hearing about Iowa and New Hampshire?
Iowa uses a caucus system, while New Hampshire has a primary. These are the first two states to vote and their results are extremely important as they portray the popular candidate and generally provide a guideline as to how the remainder of the election season will go.
Wait, what’s a primary and a caucus?
These are the two methods through which votes are collected. A primary is exactly how you think of voting. You go to the local voting place in your town and cast your ballot, simple as that! A caucus is a little more involved — it is an event that consists of debate and participation between people in a public space. Voters will decide what candidate they will support and choose delegates for future nominating conventions.
This is a lot! But, when will we know the final nominees?
Usually the nominee for both the republican and Democratic party will be released in late Spring. However, it will not be officially decided upon until the National Party Convention, which takes place in the summer.
Latest Breaking News
-Carly Fiorina and Chris Christie dropped out of the race
-Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders saw victories in the New Hampshire Primary
-Ted Cruz released a TV ad in South Carolina targeting Marco Rubio’s stance on illegal immigration
-The Hillary Clinton Foundation had records subpoenaed by State Department Investigators
Upcoming Events
February 20th-Nevada Democratic Caucus
February 20th-South Carolina Republican Caucus
February 23rd-Nevada Republican Caucus
February 25th-Republican Debate in Houston, Texas
Don’t forget to register to vote (if you haven’t already), and remember to become informed about what’s going on in your country! This is our future leader we are talking about!