In all American states, the governor is directly elected by the people.
Voters in the state usually register with one party (Republican, Democrat, or Independent), and during <u>primaries</u>, cast their vote for the candidate who will run for governorship for this party.
During the following <u>general election</u>, the winners of these primaries face the winners for the other parties.
A governor's term is 4 years, except in Vermont and New Hampshire, where it is 2 years. In most states, there is a limit of 2 consecutive terms.