American Institute in Taiwan

Want to See How Americans Will Vote on Tuesday

Americans will go to the polls on November 8 to cast their votes for the next president. That parts simple. But the steps to assure every vote is counted properly and that the process is fair and transparent is a bit more complicated. 

How America Elects: Becoming a Candidate

The path to becoming president is long and difficult. By the time a new president is inaugurated, it'll have taken well over a year. But just who can be president, anyway, and how do you go about it? 

How America Elects: Campaign Finance

Once you've declared your candidacy, you're officially on the path to becoming president. To get any further, you'll need to start raising money. But from where? 

How America Elects: Polls and Debates

Now that you've entered the presidential race, how can you tell if you're succeeding? One way is through polls, which measure public opinion. 

How America Elects: Caucuses & Primaries

The process of choosing a president formally begins with the primary election, when each party chooses a nominee. During this process, each state holds its own vote called either a primary or a caucus. 

How America Elects: Political Conventions

The purpose of a political convention is for each party to officially declare its presidential candidate. 

How America Elects: Political Parties

Since 1852, every U.S. president has been a member of one of the country's two major political parties: the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. But smaller parties can be factors in the race to become president. 

How America Elects: General Election Day

What happens once U.S. citizens go to the polls for the general election? Find out in this episode of How America Elects. 

How America Elects: Delegates

Who are delegates, and why are they so important to the U.S. political process? Find out! 

How America Elects: Convention Rules