United States presidential election facts for kids
The election of the President and Vice President of the United States is an indirect vote in which citizens cast ballots for a set of members of the U.S. Electoral College. These electors then cast direct votes for the President and Vice President. If both votes result in an absolute majority, the election is over. If a majority of electors do not vote for President, the House of Representatives chooses the President; if a majority of electors do not vote for Vice President, the Senate votes. Presidential elections occur quadrennially on Election Day, which since 1845 has been the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, coinciding with the general elections of various other federal, state, and local races. The most recent United States presidential election was held on November 8, 2016.
Eligibility
To be eligible to be president, a candidate must:
- Be a natural-born citizen of the United States
- Be at least 35 years old
- Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years
Images for kids
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A 2016 general election ballot, listing the presidential and vice presidential candidates
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The hand-written copy of the natural-born-citizen clause as it appeared in 1787
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A 2008 Democratic caucus meeting in Iowa City, Iowa. The Iowa caucuses are traditionally the first major electoral event of presidential primaries and caucuses.
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The floor of the 2008 Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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A Texas voter about to mark a selection for president on a ballot, 2008 Election Day
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John Adams was the first of 26 presidents who have been lawyers.
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Popular vote percentage
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