New Delhi, Jan. 6 -- Americans head to the polls later this year in what will be a closely watched presidential election. Here is the way the process will play out between now, November's vote and next year's swearing-in. Primarie The voting calendar plays an outsized role in the country's long primary season as state-by-state contests commence this month. A clear winner will likely emerge by the spring -- meaning states that vote early can have more influence than states that vote later. Republican voters in Iowa will have the first chance to whittle down the pack of White House contenders, on January 15, during that state's caucus. Though a caucus functions slightly differently than a primary, it will be the first contest in the race, sha...