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                   How US Presidential Primary Process Works

   by VOA News

   The U.S. presidential election cycle is split into two voting phases.

   First is the voting for the nomination in primary elections and
   caucuses, which take place on different days in different states. This
   is followed by the general election, which takes place on Election Day
   everywhere in the country.

   This is a look at the first phase and what it entails.

   How do the Democratic and Republican parties select their presidential
   nominees?

   Presidential primary elections or caucuses are held in each U.S. state
   and territory as part of the nominating process of U.S. presidential
   elections.  Some states only hold primary elections, some only hold
   caucuses, and others use a combination of both.

   The primaries and caucuses are staggered between January and June
   before the general election in November.

   What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?

   The primary elections are run by state and local governments, while
   caucuses are private events that are directly run by the political
   parties themselves.

   State governments fund and run primary elections in much the same way
   they do the general election in the fall. Voters go to a polling place,
   vote and leave.

   At a caucus, individuals who are viewed favorably within the party are
   identified as potential delegates. After a comprehensive discussion and
   debate, an informal vote is held to determine which individuals will
   serve as delegates at the national party convention.

   What are the types of primary elections and caucuses?

   The four most common types of primary elections are open, closed,
   semi-open and semi-closed. Each state must decide which type it wants
   to adopt.

   Open primaries and caucuses allow all registered voters, regardless of
   party affiliation, to vote in any party contest. Certain states that
   use this format may print a single ballot and the voter chooses on the
   ballot itself which political party's candidates they will select for a
   contested office.

   Closed primaries and caucuses require voters to register with a
   specific party to be able to vote for that party's candidates.

   Semi-Open primaries and caucuses allow any registered voter to vote in
   any party contest, but when they identify themselves to election
   officials they must request a party's specific ballot.

   Semi-Closed primaries and caucuses follow the same rules as Closed, but
   they also allow voters who are not affiliated with a political party to
   vote.

   When are the votes held?

   While the dates for primary elections and caucuses can change each
   year, four votes typically occur before all of the others: the Iowa
   Republican and Democratic Caucuses followed shortly by the New
   Hampshire Democratic and Republican primary elections.

   This year, the caucuses in Iowa will take place on Monday, February 1,
   followed by the New Hampshire primary on February 9.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/how-us-presidential-primary-process-w
   orks/3167278.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/how-us-presidential-primary-process-works/3167278.html