Click on the question below to see the answer to common questions about the general election.
General Election FAQ
The general election is the process by which voters elect their representatives in government, typically held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year's election will be held on November 5, 2024.
U.S. citizens aged 18 and over who are registered to vote can participate in the general election.
Voter registration can usually be completed online, by mail, or in person at designated government offices. The specific process varies by state. Click HERE to find your state’s information.
Positions include the president, vice president, members of Congress (senators and representatives), and various state and local offices (governors, secretary of state, mayors, and council members).
The Electoral College is the body that elects the president and vice president. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and most states use a winner-take-all approach to allocate their electors. Click HERE to learn more about the electoral college.
Early voting allows voters to cast their ballots before election day. The availability and procedures for early voting vary by state. Click HERE to find your state’s information.
Absentee voting allows eligible voters to cast their ballots by mail if they cannot vote in person on Election Day. Eligibility criteria differ by state. Click HERE to find your state’s information.
Measures include voter ID laws, electronic voting systems with paper trails, audits, and cybersecurity protocols to protect against fraud and interference.
Local election offices report the results, and state election authorities certify them. The certification process includes counting and verifying votes.
Voters can contact local election officials, the Election Protection Hotline, or legal advocacy groups if they experience issues such as long wait times, malfunctioning equipment, or voter intimidation.
Political parties hold primary elections and caucuses in various states to select delegates who support specific candidates. These delegates then vote at the party's national convention to officially nominate their candidates for president and vice president.
A swing state, or battleground state, is one where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters. These states are crucial in determining the outcome of the Electoral College and often receive significant attention from candidates.
The popular vote reflects the total number of votes cast by individuals across the country. The Electoral College vote determines the winner of the presidential election based on electors allocated to each state.
Voter ID laws require individuals to present certain forms of identification when voting. These laws vary by state and can affect voter turnout, especially among minority and low income populations. Click HERE to find your state’s information.
A provisional ballot is used when there are questions about a voter's eligibility. It allows the voter to cast a ballot that will be counted once the eligibility issue is resolved.
Voters can find their polling place and hours of operation by checking their state or local election office's website or using online tools provided by civic organizations. Click HERE to find your state’s information.
Deadlines include voter registration, requesting absentee ballots, early voting periods, and the date of the general election. These vary by state and are critical for ensuring timely participation. Click HERE to find your state’s information.
Recounts occur when the initial vote tally is very close or when there are discrepancies. Challenges can be made through legal processes if there are allegations of fraud or errors. State laws determine the specific procedures.