The United States of America will vote in their 57th quadrennial United States Presidential Election on November 6 this year. Here’s a dummy’s guide to the US Presidential election 2012…
 
What is the process for nomination of a candidate in the US presidential race?
In the United States, Democrats and Republicans form the two major parties. Independents and other parties are collectively called “third parties”. The five-month long nomination process begins with candidates hosted by each party fighting it out at elections to primaries and caucuses.

From January 3 to June 5, Americans will vote in nationwide state level primaries and caucuses.

In the pic: US President Barack Obama shakes hands upon his arrival in Miami, Florida February 23, 2012