First the candidates vie for their party's nomination. They need that for the money that is made available for their campaigns. Now each party will run it's guy against the others for the general election. Then the voters get to choose. At least we get to cast a vote, if the machines aren't rigged. LOL Each state then sends it's alloted delegates (electorial college) and those delegates elect the president. This system makes sure that even sparcely populated states get representation. That's why some states are so important to a candidate also. They have more delegates. So when you follow the results, the states and numbers, that is what is happening.

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Drapes birth certificate online