Steps in electing a U.S. President
The president is elected every four years and can serve for only two terms. According to the Constitution, the president must be a native-born citizen of at least 35 years of age and a resident for at least 14 years
1 Nomination: Candidates campaign in primaries and caucuses to win their party's appointment at National Conventions
2 Aug, National Conventions: President Donald Trump (right) and Vice President Mike Pence (inset right) backed for second term. Former Vice President Joe Biden (left) selected as Democratic nominee with Kamala Harris (inset left) as his running mate
3 Sep 29: Trump and Biden go head-to-head in first of three live TV debates – among top political events of campaign
4 Oct 15, 22: Second and third TV debates. Average of 74 million people watched each matchup between Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016
5 Nov 3, Election Day: Voters cast single vote for preferred candidates for President and Vice President. When they do so, they are actually voting for electors – members of Electoral College – committed to support those candidates
6 Dec 14, Electoral College: 538 electors, equal to total membership of Congress – 435 Representatives and 100 Senators, plus three electors from DC – meet in their respective states. Each elector casts one ballot for President and one for Vice President. Electors sign Certificates of the Vote
7 Dec 23: Certificates of the Vote are sent to Congress
8 Jan 6, 2021: Congress meets in joint session to count electoral votes – candidate with 270 votes wins. If no candidate wins 270 majority, House of Representatives elects President by majority vote. Senate elects Vice President
9 Jan 20: President-elect takes Oath of Office and becomes President of the United States