NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL ELECTIONS IN THE USA

The United States Election Process

The President

President and Vice President serve a four year term

Maximum of two termsPresident elected through the electoral

collegeGets nominated through the primary election

or incumbency

The Electoral College

A body of people representing the states of the US, who cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

Number of electors equals the number of senators and representatives in Congress

We vote for these electors, not the president directly

Possible to win popular vote, but lose electoral votes

U.S. Senators and Congressmen

Representatives – two year termSenators – six year termNo limit on the number of terms a

Representative or Senator can runTypically nominated through a primary

election or incumbencyDirectly elected

Pennsylvania Elections

State Senators – four year termState Representatives – two year termGovernor

Term Length – four years Term Limit – two, but are re-eligible after four years

out of officeNumber of state congressmen and length of

term varies from state to stateAll state officials are directly elected

Local Elections

Positions, term length, and term limits vary widely across jurisdiction, but are all directly elected

Examples of local offices are Mayors Township supervisors City Council County Council School boards District Judges