Running mate facts for kids

A running mate is a person who runs for an election together with another person. They are both on the same "ticket." Think of a ticket like a team for an election.

The term is often used for the vice presidential candidate who runs with a presidential candidate. But it can also mean both people on the ticket. For example, Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla were running mates in the Indonesian presidential elections in 2014.

What is a Running Mate?

A running mate is like a partner in an election race. When people vote for a president, they often also vote for a vice president at the same time. These two people are a team. They run together to win the election.

Why Do Candidates Have Running Mates?

Candidates choose running mates for many reasons. One main reason is to make their "ticket" stronger. A running mate can help the presidential candidate get more votes. They might appeal to different groups of voters.

Balancing the Ticket

Sometimes, a presidential candidate chooses a running mate who is different from them. This is called "balancing the ticket." For example, if the presidential candidate is from a certain region, their running mate might be from another. This can help them get support from more parts of the country.

Experience and Skills

Running mates often bring different experiences or skills. A presidential candidate might choose someone with a lot of experience in government. Or they might pick someone with a strong background in business or law. This helps show voters that the team is well-rounded and ready to lead.

Appealing to Voters

A running mate can also help a candidate connect with more voters. They might be popular with a group of people that the main candidate struggles to reach. For instance, they might be younger or older, or from a different background. This can make the election team more appealing to a wider range of citizens.

Running Mates in the United States

In the United States, the president and vice president are elected together. The vice president is always the running mate of the presidential candidate. This system has been in place for a long time.

The Election Process

When you vote for president in the U.S., you are also voting for their running mate. If the presidential candidate wins, their running mate becomes the vice president. The vice president's job is to help the president. They also take over if the president cannot do their job.

Famous Running Mate Pairs

Many famous pairs have run together in U.S. history. For example, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate. They won the election in 2008 and again in 2012. Another example is Bill Clinton and Al Gore, who won in 1992 and 1996. These pairs worked together to lead the country.

Running Mates Around the World

The idea of running mates is not just in the U.S. Many countries have similar systems. In some places, a president might have a vice president. In others, a prime minister might have a deputy prime minister. The goal is often the same: to have a strong team leading the country.

Different Roles

The exact role of a running mate can be different in various countries. In some places, they might have a lot of power. In others, their role might be more about supporting the main leader. But in all cases, they are an important part of the election team.