2024 Presidential Nominating Process: Frequently Asked Questions

"The presidential nominating process is one of the most complex aspects of American politics. This report provides brief answers to selected frequently asked questions about that process in 2024. In some cases, the topics addressed herein are developing rapidly and are subject to change..

Both major parties select their presidential and vice-presidential nominees every four years through an extended process that can involve caucuses, conventions, primary elections, or a combination thereof. Each party establishes its own rules about how nominees are selected and how state parties may participate in that process, culminating in the quadrennial national nominating conventions. These meetings are important occasions in the nation’s political life and traditionally mark the end of the nomination phase of the presidential campaign season for their respective parties. For 2024, the Democratic Convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, IL. The Republican Convention is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee, WI.

Democrats and Republicans use different methods to select their delegates within states and to allocate their votes at the national conventions. These include a combination of delegates who are pledged to particular candidates and selected at state nominating events, as well as those who are automatic delegates by virtue of their party positions. Both parties may penalize states that do not adhere to party rules surrounding delegate selection and allocation.

Both major parties award delegates based at least partially on a state’s previous support for the party’s presidential nominees. For 2024, Democrats expected to allocate a total of 4,521 delegates, and Republicans expected to allocate a total of 2,429 delegates.

The presidential nominating process is a political one, not a governmental one. Political parties are private entities and are generally free to set their own rules for how they select presidential and vice-presidential nominees. Federal or state election laws set some boundaries, particularly those guaranteeing fundamental voting-rights protections (e.g., through the Voting Rights Act). Federal campaign finance law also regulates all aspects of fundraising and spending affecting presidential campaigns, including during the nomination phase.

Congress does not have formal institutional roles in the presidential nominating process, which is governed by political parties. Congress typically does not legislate on the nomination process itself. Individual Members of Congress can and often do choose to be actively involved, in their unofficial capacities, in presidential campaigns and to attend presidential nominating conventions as delegates. Policy matters related to the nominating process could arise as part of the House and Senate’s elections oversight or appropriations duties, such as through providing funding for convention security or considering of federal election legislation.

This report provides general policy information about the nomination process. It does not provide detailed discussion of party rules, which the parties alone interpret and enforce. Members of Congress or staff members who are participating in the nominating process or serving as convention delegates often consult with their state or national party committees regarding their individual roles and responsibilities, and interpretation of party rules..."
Presidential Nominating Process