Election among candidates from the same party before the final elections are called

When a political party wants to choose a candidate to represent them in an upcoming election, they may hold an internal process called a primary. During a primary, members of the same political party compete against each other to earn the nomination of their party. Once a party's candidate is chosen, they may select a running mate, or someone who will run for office alongside them. The running mate is typically chosen to balance out the candidate's weaknesses and strengthen the party's chances of winning. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes during the primary, a second ballot may be held to narrow down the field of candidates. A party convention is another way for a political party to choose its candidate for an upcoming election. During a convention, party members from across the country gather to officially nominate their candidate and adopt a party platform. Finally, after the general election is held, electoral colleges meet to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.