Voting Information Sources
Information about Presidential Primaries:
1) What it is: Both the Democratic and Republican Parties hold
primaries prior to the general elections so voters can select the
candidates who will run in the larger race.
2) How it goes down: Primaries are traditional ballot elections in
which voters pick their choices by entering a booth and pulling a
lever or pushing a button. Caucuses are communal affairs where
voters gather in gyms, libraries, and other meeting halls and vote
for their candidate by raising their hands or moving to one part of
the room.
3) What’s at stake: Candidates aren’t nominated until the party’s
national convention in the summer, but a victory in a state’s
primary or caucus means the delegates of that state have pledged to
support the nomination. The populous the state, the more delegates
are available. Although the nomination doesn’t become official until
the convention, victories in key primaries and caucuses can truly
help a candidate.
4) Who gets to decide: There are 3 types of primaries and caucuses:
Open caucus means any registered voter can participate in either
party’s process, regardless of party affiliation. Closed caucus
means only registered party members can participate. Modified caucus
means anyone can participate in either party’s vote, but by doing so
they automatically register with that party.
5) How one can register to vote and find out the process in your
individual state: visit the League of Women Voters website, as well
as any of the links below for more information.
Below are links related to voting; such as history, important legislation, and civic engagement of minority groups. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 4th!
Voter Registration Information
Civic Engagement: African American Community
Civic Engagement: Asian American Community