Primaries

many states hold presidential primaries (which is what you are hearing about now). Presidential primaries are used to select delegates to the national conventions of the two major parties (as are caucuses in the states that do not require presidential primaries). The date of the individual primaries is a matter of state law. These primaries began earlier this month and will continue until early June. The delegates chosen in these primaries will meet in late August/Early September to choose the nominee of the two parties. Most of the delegates will be pledged to a certain candidate based on the results of the primary (or the caucuses) in their state. To be nominated, a candidate must receive the votes of a majority of the delegates. If no candidate receives a majority, additional ballots will be taken until some candidate receives a majority.