precedent, president

Precedent or precedent ( press eh dent ) means something that happened before, used as an example for something current--
The court's ruling acknowledged the precedent set in a similar case last year.
The judge worked late looking for a precedent that would support his opinion in the case.
A precedent may be "set" in current time ( now ). It will become the example used in future cases--
This ruling will set a new precedent.
The new ruling sets a dangerous precedent.

President or president ( prez ih dent ) means the chief executive officer or decision-maker--
We will have another election for president next year.
He ran for class president in his junior year.
The president of the firm will retire next year.

Now that you know that, you can say:
"The procedure for counting the votes for president follows a precedent set in the last election."

Note--"presidents" is the plural ( more than one ) form of "president"--
Several former presidents are pictured on the money.
"President's" is the possessive  ( belonging to ) form of "president"--
The president's car is coming into view.
"Precedence" means a claim of greater rank or importance--
The need for security takes precedence over any campaign issues.
"Presidential" is the modifier ( describing ) form of "president"--
The presidential election is next week.
"Precedential" is the modifier ( describing ) form of  "precedent"--
This court ruling may be precedential.
"Precedential" is also a modifier  ( describing ) form of "precedence"--
His place in the ceremony is precedential to mine.