The election is an integral component of the election process. Being one of the biggest democratic countries in the world election here has a global impact. Elections in the United States of America are a complex process. The nation that prides itself on having one of the most mature democracies in the world, the United States, has a developing and quite rich electoral system as a background of its political structure. Indeed, starting with school boards up to the presidential elections, the democracy in the United States uses this complex mechanism to ensure people of the country are heard and that the nation is governed as per their wishes. The objective of this blog post is to give a clear idea regarding US elections, their history, how they work, what they are going through in transition, and what are the difficulties they face today.

Table of Contents

• Historical Context
• Levels of election
• Federal Elections
• State Elections
• Local Elections
• Presidential Election Process
• Primary Elections and Caucuses
• National Conventions
• General Election Campaign
• Election Day
• The Electoral College
• Congressional Elections
• House of Representatives
• Senate
• State and Local Elections
• Voter Registration and Participation
• Voting Methods
• Presidential Election 2024
• US Election for Nepalese Students
• FAQ’s

Historical Content

The origin of the elections in America can be traced back to the Americans immediately after the country was founded. The eleven former British colonies had weaknesses in monarchy and direct democracy and, therefore, resulted in a new kind of democracy known as the representative democracy. The constitution of the United States of America, which was ratified in the year 1788, formed the basis for the conducting of elections; however, the right to vote was restricted to only male property owners who were white.

Over the centuries US election system has changed and improved significantly:

• 1820s-1850s: Expansion of voting rights to all white males
• 1870: 15th Amendment granted voting rights to African American men
• 1920: 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote
• 1961: 23rd Amendment allowed residents of Washington, D.C. to vote in presidential elections
• 1964: 24th Amendment abolished poll taxes
• 1971: 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18

These amendments, along with landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, have shaped the inclusive electoral system we see today.

Levels of Elections

US elections occur at multiple levels of government:

Federal Elections:

• Presidential elections every four years
• Congressional elections (House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate) every two years

State Elections:

• Gubernatorial elections
• State legislature elections
• State judicial elections (in some states)

Local Elections:

• Mayoral races
• City council elections
• School board elections
• County official elections

Each level of election has its own rules, procedures, and impact on citizens' daily lives.

Presidential Election Process:

 In the United States, the process of selecting a president entails the most watched and arguably the most complicated race.

Primary Elections and Caucuses: 

 Every major political party needs to select its candidate for the preliminary to general elections. This is done in a sequence of presidential primary elections across the various states and caucuses, which commence in January and end in June of the election year. In this process, people of a certain party can choose their preferred candidate.

 National Conventions:

 After the Primaries, both parties meet to officially prescribe their presidential and vice-presidential candidates at a national convention.

 General Election Campaign:

The nominees then embark on the campaign trail, in this case, moving around the country performing activities such as debating, giving speeches, and getting their messages across in other ways, such as on radio or television.

Election Day: 

Taking place the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November every four years. People vote for a presidential candidate of their choice, but they are in fact, voting for the electors who shall be voting in the electoral college.

The Electoral College: 

This distinctive method distributes a state's number of electors relative to its overall number of representatives in Congress. Currently, all the states’ electoral votes follow the candidate who wins the respective state’s popular vote. The candidate with the most electoral votes, equal to or more than 270, clinches the presidency.

Congressional Elections

Each year, US Congress elections are held for all 435 members of the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the 100 senators.

House of Representatives:

Representatives serve two-year terms. The proportionality is reached because the number of representatives directly depends on the number of people living in a particular state.

 Senate:

Senators are elected for six years with once in every two years one-third of the Senators being elected. It has Senators; each state has two Senators irrespective of its population.

State and Local Elections:

While federal elections often garner the most attention, state and local elections have a significant impact on citizens' daily lives. These elections determine:

• Governors and state executives
• State legislators
• Mayors and city councils
• School board members
• Judges (in some jurisdictions)
• Local initiatives and referendums

The rules and procedures for these elections vary widely by state and locality.

Voter Registration and Participation

To vote in US elections, citizens must register, with requirements and deadlines varying by state.

• US citizenship
• Meeting residency requirements
• Being at least 18 years old by Election Day

Some of the states register the voters automatically while some accept same-day registration and online registration to increase participation. Despite the efforts, the number of voters remains less in the United States compared to other developed democratic nations, particularly in nonpresidential elections.

Voting Methods:

Traditionally, most voting in the US took place in person at polling stations on Election Day. However, alternative methods have become increasingly common:

Early Voting: Many states allow voters to cast ballots in person before Election Day.

Mail-in/Absentee Voting: Voters can request and submit ballots by mail. Some states conduct all elections entirely by mail.

Electronic Voting: Some jurisdictions use electronic voting machines, though concerns about security have led many to return to paper ballots or implement paper backup systems.

Presidential Election 2024:

The presidential election of the United States scheduled for November 5, 2024, is a critical point in democracy. This election has produced unusual features, the most significant of which is incumbent President Joe Biden's withdrawal and support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic party’s candidate. On the partners’ side, the Republicans rallied around former President Donald Trump for a second term in office in a non-consecutive bid despite legal battles around his eligibility. It also has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. due to his individuality and unconventional nature as an independent candidate. Some of them include abortion, immigration, climate change, democracy, economy, and health care. The election takes place within the emerging climate of the increased political polarization along with the questions regarding election fairness and the willingness to accept the result. Of course, such states as Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania are the most significant ones that usually define the results. This election also is concurrent with Congressional and state elections and the winners of the presidency are expected to take over on 20th January 2025.

US Election for Nepalese Students:

For Nepali students in the United States, it is important to comprehend the US election system to participate in civic activities and integrate into the culture. Unlike Nepal's parliamentary system, the US operates under a presidential system with a complex electoral process. Elections take place at federal, state, and local levels, with the presidential election, held every four years, being the most significant. Instead of a direct popular vote, the unique Electoral College system determines the president. Political campaigns in the US are protracted and often require substantial funds, featuring debates, rallies, and extensive media coverage. As international students, while you cannot vote in federal elections, you can still engage by staying updated with the news, attending political events, and having discussions with American peers. Understanding this system not only enhances your academic experience but also offers valuable insights into American culture and governance, which can be advantageous for your future, whether you intend to stay in the US or return to Nepal.

FAQs - Election in USA 2024

When was the last election in the USA?

The 2020 United States presidential election was the 59th quadrennial presidential election, held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Who served 3 times as president?

Roosevelt won a third term by defeating Republican nominee Wendell Willkie in the 1940 United States presidential election. He remains the only president to serve for more than two terms.

What are the qualifications to become US president?

The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency: the President must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.

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