It is your right and your responsibility to vote, but with caucuses, primaries, and debates, the race to the White House can get a little confusing. All this political speak and different dates and events can turn away voters from voting. However, it is your right and your responsibility to vote, so let me give you a quick rundown of the election season.

How do the Democratic and Republican parties select their presidential nominees?

The results of the primaries and caucuses bind convention delegates to particular candidates. Then, at the respective conventions, there is a vote that formally nominates a presidential candidate.

What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?

Primaries are more organized and direct. They are a statewide voting process. Voters go to their local polling place and cast secret ballots. Caucuses are little more scattered than that. They are local gatherings where voters decide which candidate to support and select. Caucuses allow participants to openly support their candidates and voting is done by raising hands and breaking into groups according to the candidate participants’ support.

Where are the first caucuses and primaries held?

The expected calendar for Republicans is:

• February 1: Iowa
• February 9: New Hampshire
• February 20: South Carolina
• February 23: Nevada

And for Democrats:

• February 1: Iowa
• February 9: New Hampshire
• February 23: Nevada
• February 27: South Carolina

After these, it will be Super Tuesday

What is Super Tuesday?

This is when another 12 states decide on their delegates. After this day, the number of candidates is definitely going to shrink!

How long do primaries last?

We're just at the beginning! There will be primaries and caucuses from February to early June 2016. The nominees will be well known long before the primaries are over and other candidates will withdraw when they cannot win primaries or caucuses. When they cannot win, it makes it difficult to gain support from voters and donors.

When are the National Conventions?

In mid-July we will arrive at the national conventions. Each party will hold a convention and formally nominate their candidates.

Then what?

The candidates will wear their best smiles and gear up for the main debates and face-off in mid-September.

I'm so pumped up! How do I register to vote?

I’m glad you asked. Here you go… do it now!

Now you know what's going on, I'll see you at the polls on November 8, 2016, to elect our next president of the United States.