Lecture 8-1

Nomination Process

• Caucus/Convention

• Primary

• Presidential Preference Primary

Types of Elections

• General

• Primary – Open, Closed, Blanket

Voter eligibility

• Age

• Other restriction including residency requirements

Registration

• Because registration reduces voting, it has long been the target of political reform

• Some advocate open registration on election day, meaning that no prior registration would be necessary

The voter’s perspective: How to Vote

Opinions about candidates are also strong actors

• Experience

• Leadership

• Attractive personal qualities

Issues

• More than ever, issues drive the public toward a particular electoral choice, especially in presidential contests

• Issues tend to be less important in congressional and local races.