As the United States gears up for the presidential election in November, the process of selecting candidates through a series of primaries and caucuses is already underway. This complex and evolving process is a crucial part of the country’s democratic tradition.
What is a Primary?
A primary is an election held to select candidates, typically from a specific political party, who will then appear on the general election ballot.
Who are the Primary Contenders?
For the Democrats, incumbent President Joe Biden is seeking re-election. Despite facing some competition from fellow Democrats like Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and author Marianne Williamson, Biden remains the leading candidate. On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump is the front-runner, with other potential candidates including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Who Can Vote in a Presidential Primary?
Voting eligibility in a presidential primary varies by state. Some states have “open primaries,” allowing any registered voter to participate, while others have “closed primaries,” where only voters registered with a particular party can vote in that party’s primary.
When do the Presidential Primaries Occur?
The presidential primary calendar kicks off on January 15 in Iowa with Republican Party caucuses. The Democrats will also gather in Iowa, but their vote for president will be conducted by mail ending on March 5. The primary calendar then spreads out to other states, with key dates including New Hampshire’s primary on January 23 and South Carolina’s primary on February 3.
How is the Presidential Candidate Determined?
Voters in the primaries are actually selecting delegates for the party conventions. These delegates can be apportioned through a winner-take-all system or proportionally to the primary election results. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party’s nominee.
What Happens if No Candidate Gets a Majority of Delegates?
If no candidate secures a majority of delegates, the convention may go to additional rounds of voting, leading to a “brokered convention.” This is a rare occurrence, with the last instance happening in 1952.
How Did This Process Evolve?
The primary election process has evolved over the course of U.S. history. The first political conventions for party members took place in 1832. The focus on primary elections and democratizing the system began after the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Where and When are the 2024 Conventions?
The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee, while the Democratic National Convention will take place August 19-22 in Chicago.
Are There Non-Partisan Primaries?
While non-partisan primaries are becoming more common in statewide races for Senate, governor, and House races, they are not used in the presidential election.
Will There Be Third-Party Candidates?
Yes, third-party candidates from the Green Party and the Libertarian Party are expected to be on the ballot. However, the last time a third-party or independent candidate secured electoral votes in a general election was in 1968.