What is the starting point of the presidential nomination process?

The presidential nomination process technically begins with the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire primary, which are the first events in the presidential primary calendar. These two events play a crucial role in shaping the race for the presidential nomination, as they serve as the initial tests for the candidates' support and viability among voters.

The outcome of the Iowa Caucus, which typically occurs in January, can significantly influence media coverage and the momentum of candidates, while the New Hampshire primary follows shortly after and holds significant weight due to its tradition and status as the first primary in the nation. Both of these events aid in establishing frontrunners and can impact the strategies of candidates moving forward in the primary season.

The summer convention, the general elections, and the campaign announcements are important aspects of the electoral process, but they take place after the nomination process has started, making them not the starting point.