In November, Americans will participate in a significant election to choose their next president, an event that will attract global attention. Voters will also select members of Congress, whose decisions greatly influence American legislation and daily life. The presidential election is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with the elected president beginning a four-year term in January 2025.

While the president can enact certain laws independently, collaboration with Congress is often necessary for broader legislation. On the international front, the president has substantial authority to represent the United States and shape foreign relations.

The two dominant political parties in the U.S. select their presidential candidates through state primaries and caucuses. In the Republican Party, Donald Trump secured his position as the nominee with significant support during a convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. For the Democrats, Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race after President Joe Biden withdrew, facing no challengers from her party. Her vice-presidential candidate is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Independent candidates are also in the race, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his campaign in late August and endorsed Trump. The Democratic Party advocates for civil rights, social welfare programs, and climate change initiatives, while the Republican Party focuses on lower taxes, reduced government size, gun rights, and stricter immigration and abortion regulations.

The election process does not simply hinge on popular votes nationwide; instead, candidates aim to win state-level contests. Each state has a designated number of electoral college votes based on its population—totaling 538—with a candidate needing at least 270 to win. Most states operate under a winner-takes-all system, where the candidate with the most votes in a state receives all its electoral votes.

While most citizens aged 18 or older can vote in this election, voter registration processes vary by state. Except for North Dakota, every state requires registration ahead of time. Citizens living abroad can still participate by registering and requesting absentee ballots through official channels.

As voters focus on selecting their president, they will also be electing new members of Congress—435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 Senate seats are up for grabs. Currently, Republicans hold a majority in the House while Democrats lead in the Senate. This legislative body plays a critical role in shaping policies and provides checks on presidential actions when disagreements arise.

Although results are typically announced on election night, some elections—like that of 2020—may require additional time for vote counting. If there is a change in presidency following the election, there is a transition period for appointing cabinet members before the official inauguration ceremony takes place in January at the Capitol building in Washington D.C.