<P> Candidates for U.S. President who seek their party 's nomination participate in primary elections run by state governments , or caucuses run by the political parties . Unlike an election where the only participation is casting a ballot , a caucus is a gathering or `` meeting of party members designed to select candidates and propose policies . '' Both primaries and caucuses are used in the Presidential nomination process , beginning in January or February and culminating in the late - summer political party conventions . Candidates may earn convention delegates from each state primary or caucus . Sitting presidents generally do not face serious competition from their party . </P>
<P> Candidates for U.S. President who seek their party 's nomination participate in primary elections run by state governments , or caucuses run by the political parties . Unlike an election where the only participation is casting a ballot , a caucus is a gathering or `` meeting of party members designed to select candidates and propose policies . '' Both primaries and caucuses are used in the Presidential nomination process , beginning in January or February and culminating in the late - summer political party conventions . Candidates may earn convention delegates from each state primary or caucus . Sitting presidents generally do not face serious competition from their party . </P>
who votes to make someone a presidential party nominee
who votes to make someone a presidential party nominee
delegates
delegates