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Understanding the US Elections
Explains the US election process, including voter eligibility, the electoral college, and vote counting procedures.
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PoliticsUs PoliticsGermany DemocracyUs ElectionsVotingElectoral College
DwPew Research Center
Kamala HarrisDonald TrumpHillary ClintonJoe Biden
- How can US citizens cast their vote?
- Voting can be done through mail-in ballots, early in-person voting, or on Election Day at a polling station. Many states offer early voting options.
- How does a candidate win the US Presidential election?
- The president needs a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) to win, not necessarily the popular vote. Swing states, where the vote is close, play a crucial role.
- Who is eligible to vote in the US Presidential election?
- Around 244 million US citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to vote, with exceptions for those convicted of serious felonies in some states.
- What other elections are held concurrently with the Presidential election?
- Besides the presidential election, the US citizens also elect members of Congress, including all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 of 100 Senate seats.
- What happens after the polls close and how long does it take to announce the results?
- After the polls close, votes are counted, with processes varying by state. The final result may take time to announce, especially in close races; the formal confirmation is in January.