Elections 2012: What Happens Next

Archive

August 2011

August 11: Iowa Republican Presidential Debate, Ames, IA

Sponsored by Fox News, the Washington Examiner, and the Iowa Republican Party, the Ames, Iowa Presidential Debate sets the stage for the Ames Straw Poll to be held two days later. The debate, to be televised by the Fox News Channel and hosted by reporter Bret Baier, will begin at 8:00 pm Central Daylight Time at Ames’ Stephens Auditorium.

August 13:  Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll, Ames, IA

Held every Presidential election cycle when a Republican President is not running for re- election, the “Ames Straw Poll” is the first test of a candidate’s organizational strength.

The poll is given extra attention because of its early place on the election calendar. While the results of the poll are not necessarily an indicator of a candidate’s popularity in the general Republican electorate, they do tend to measure a candidate’s ability to get out the vote. Participating campaigns must identify their voters and make sure they travel to Ames, buy tickets to the dinner, and vote in the straw poll.

As with most Presidential straw polls, primaries, and caucuses, a candidate’s success in the Ames Straw Poll is measured by expectations. If someone who has not invested much time or money campaigning in Iowa does reasonably well in the poll, he or she can benefit from the event. If a candidate is expected to do well in the poll, but falters, it could create a negative perception of that candidate’s chances. In past years, some politicians who fared poorly in the Ames Straw Poll have withdrawn from the race even before the caucuses and primaries began.

The Ames Straw Poll is essentially a fundraising event for the Iowa Republican Party. Voters must be at least 18 years old, residents of Iowa, and purchasers of a $30 ticket to the Republican Party’s fundraising dinner held on this date. Voters need not be registered Republicans. Those Presidential candidates who have bought spaces at a “meet and greet” area will be allowed to speak at the dinner. Spaces are auctioned off, starting at $15,000, with more desirable locations commanding higher prices.

August 23: Virginia Primary Election

Virginians go to the polls to nominate Democrat and Republican candidates for the State Legislature. These nominees will then face off in November’s general election. Currently, Virginia’s House of Delegates has a 59-39 Republican majority, with two Independents; the Senate has a 22-18 Democrat majority.

September 2011

September 5: The Palmetto Freedom Forum, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina

Rather than a debate, this Labor Day event sponsored by the American Principles Project will feature a unique format. Presidential candidates will appear one at a time to receive questions from Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), Congressman Steve King (R-IA), and Dr. Robert P. George, founder of the American Principles Project and a professor at Princeton University. David Stanton, a former South Carolina news anchor, will moderate. South Carolina’s ETV will televise the forum.

The object of the event, according to organizers, is to provide candidates with an opportunity for more than “30-second sound bites” to set forth their visions for the country. Only candidates who have achieved at least five percent support in Real Clear Politics’ compilation of Presidential polling, the “RCP Average,” on August 22 will be invited to attend.

September 7: National Republican Presidential Debate, Reagan Library, Simi Valley, CA

This debate of Republican Presidential candidates was originally scheduled for May 2, then was moved to September 14, and has now been firmly set for the Wednesday after Labor Day. Sponsored by the Reagan Library, NBC, and the Politico website, the event will be televised on MSNBC. NBC’s Brian Williams and Politico’s Editor-in-Chief John Harris will be co-moderators and a reporter from Telemundo, the Spanish language television network, will also be asking questions. A list of confirmed participating candidates is not yet available..

September 12: National Republican Presidential Debate, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL

Originating in the city of next year’s Republican Convention, this debate will be sponsored by CNN and the Tea Party Express. It will also be televised by CNN and moderated by Wolf Blitzer.

September 13: New York Special Election – 9th Congressional District

Representative Anthony Weiner (D) resigned on June 21, creating a vacancy in the 9th Congressional District of New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo called for this special election to be held on the same day as six other special elections that will fill vacant seats in the New York State Assembly.

The winner of this special election will serve the remainder of Congressman Weiner’s term.

September 13: Nevada Special Election – 2nd Congressional District

After Nevada’s U.S. Senator John Ensign (R) resigned last May, Governor Brian Sandoval (R) appointed Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District Representative Dean Heller (R) to fill the remainder of Senator Ensign’s term and called for a special election to fill Cong. Heller’s seat.

After some uncertainty on how a special election should be held, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled in July that rather than have an open ballot with up to 30 candidates listed, political parties could nominate single candidates. The ballot in this election will feature nominees from the Republican, Democrat, Independent American, and Libertarian Parties and four independent candidates.

The 2nd District, traditionally Republican, covers most of the state of Nevada, excluding the Las Vegas area. Whoever wins this election will have to run for a full term in November 2012.

September 22: Florida Republican Presidential Debate, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

This debate kicks off a three-day convention-style event called “Presidency 5” wherein 3,500 Republican Party delegates hear Presidential candidates debate on Thursday, listen to 20-minute candidate speeches on Friday, and vote in the Party’s straw poll on Saturday (see below).

The debate is sponsored by Fox News and the Republican Party of Florida and will be televised on Fox News.

September 24: Florida Republican Party Straw Poll, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

The Florida Republican Party’s “Presidency 5” event culminates with a straw poll. As with Iowa’s straw poll, Florida’s serves as a fundraiser for the state Republican Party. Whereas Iowa’s poll allows anyone from the Republican rank and file to vote, here only 3,500 party activists may take part. The participants are chosen at county caucus meetings held in June and July throughout the state. Attendees of “Presidency 5” pay $175, which covers the entrance to events and the ability to vote in Saturday’s straw poll.

September 23-25: Michigan Republican Party Straw Poll, Mackinac Island, MI

Michigan’s Republicans will compete with Florida’s for attention this weekend as they also hold a conference and straw poll.

This straw poll is different from Iowa’s and Florida’s in that it will not be conducted by Michigan’s Republican Party, but by National Journal Hotline, a Washington, DC-based, non-partisan publication that covers national and state politics. Attendees at the Michigan Republican Party’s 29th Biennial Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, where at least some GOP Presidential candidates will speak, will vote in the straw poll.

October 2011

October 4: West Virginia Special Election – Governor

In 2010, then-Governor Joe Manchin (D) was elected to fill the remainder of the late U.S. Senator Robert Byrd’s term. The winner of today’s special election will serve as West Virginia’s Governor until at least the next regularly scheduled gubernatorial election in November 2012.

October 7-9 Values Voter Summit Presidential Straw Poll, Washington, DC

Held annually each fall since 2006, the Family Research Council’s Values Voter Summit brings conservative activists from around the country to Washington, DC to hear from leading public officials and commentators. Co-sponsors this year include FRC Action, AFA Action, American Values, the Heritage Foundation, Liberty University, and Liberty Council.

While at the Summit, attendees also participate in a Presidential straw poll.

2010’s Summit drew almost 2,000 attendees.

October 11: National Republican Party Presidential Debate, Dartmouth College, New Hampshire

Sponsored by the Washington Post, Bloomberg News, and WBIN-TV, this debate will deal exclusively with economic issues. It will be carried live by Bloomberg Television and streamed over the internet at www.washingtonpostlive.com. Charlie Rose will host, with reporters from Bloomberg News and the Washington Post also asking questions.

This debate and next week’s discussion in Las Vegas (see below) will give candidates an opportunity to address directly voters from two of the first four primary/caucus states, New Hampshire and Nevada.

October 18: National Republican Party Presidential Debate, Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Hosted and televised by CNN, the debate will kick off the four-day Western Republican Leadership Conference. In the audience will be GOP leaders and activists from the 13 states and three territories that make up the Republican National Committee’s Western Region.

October 22: Louisiana Primary Election

Louisiana holds a “Cajun primary,” wherein all candidates for state office appear on the same ballot regardless of party. If one candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the primary, he is elected to the position he seeks. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, the top two vote getters compete in the November 19 runoff, even if they are members of the same party.

On the ballot this year are the offices of the Executive Branch, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Insurance Commissioner, and Agriculture Commissioner.

Also on the 2011 ballot are members of the state House and Senate, as well as some of the judges on the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

November 2011

November 5: Illinois Republican Party Presidential Straw Poll

In the past, the Illinois Republican Party has held Presidential straw polls at the summer State Fair. This year, the straw poll will take place one year and one day before next year’s Presidential Election and will be held in all of Illinois’ 102 counties. In addition to the in person voting to be held this day, Illinois residents may vote online between October 29 and November 5. To help prevent online ballot stuffing and to defray the cost of the poll, the Illinois Republican Party asks a $5.00 donation for each vote whether online or in person.

November 5: The Cain/Gingrich Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Held at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center in Houston, this 90-minute debate between GOP Presidential Candidates Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich is designed to allow longer, more thoughtful statements than the standard debate format. C-SPAN will televise the debate at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/5:00 p.m. Pacific.

November 8: Election Day in some states

Kentucky

On the ballot will be candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Auditor of Public Accounts, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Circuit Judge.

Mississippi

On the ballot will be candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Auditor, along with every seat in the State House of Representatives and State Senate.

Mississippi will also vote on three ballot initiatives this year, including Amendment 26.

Amendment 26 would amend Mississippi’s state constitution with the following words:

SECTION 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”

If Amendment 26, the Personhood Initiative, passes, abortion will be illegal in Mississippi and a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade will have been issued. The initiative qualified for the ballot with 130,000 signatures, 40,000 more than required by law.

New Jersey

 All seats in New Jersey’s General Assembly and State Senate are on the ballot in this election.

Oregon

The 1st Congressional District will hold a special primary election to determine the party nominees for the race to fill the remainder of resigned Congressman David Wu’s term. Winners of the primary will face off on January 31, 2012.

Virginia

 All seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates and State Senate are on the ballot this year.

November 9: Republican Presidential Debate – Michigan

CNBC and the Michigan Republican Party will co-host a debate with GOP Presidential candidates at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Televised by CNBC from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, the session is scheduled to focus on economic issues.

November 10: Republican Presidential Forum – New Hampshire

The Granite State Patriots Liberty political action committee will hold a presidential candidates forum at the One Liberty Lane Office and Conference Center in Hampton, New Hampshire. Moderator Paul Wescott of WGIR will talk with two candidates at a time in an effort, in the words of PAC chairman Jerry DeLemus, “to provide a meaningful dialogue that is civil and dignified, allowing each candidate to display his or her most positive attributes.” The forum will take place between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern.

November 12: Republican Presidential Debate – South Carolina

CBS, the National Journal, and the South Carolina Republican Party will co-host this Republican Presidential debate devoted entirely to national defense and foreign policy issues. The event will take place at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina and will be televised by CBS at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Moderating will be CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley and National Journal congressional correspondent Major Garrett.

November 19: Lousiana Run-Off Election Day

In some state legislative races, no candidate took at least 50% of the vote in last month's primary. The top two finishers in those contests will compete in this run-off election.

November 19: Thanksgiving Family Forum – Iowa

The FAMiLY LEADER, Citizen Link, and the National Organization for Marriage are co-sponsoring the Thanksgiving Family Forum – A Family Discussion with the Republican Candidates at the First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa. The event, moderated by pollster Frank Luntz, will not be a debate according to FAMiLY LEADER President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats, but an occasion “to learn about [candidates’] worldviews and to listen to their hearts on key family issues. The discussion will allow us to see a more personal side of the candidates.”

C-SPAN will televise the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

November 22: Republican Presidential Debate – Washington, DC

The American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and CNN will co-sponsor this second Republican presidential debate to focus on foreign policy and national security. CNN will televise the event from Washington, DC at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

December 2011

NOTE: The December 1 Presidential debate co-sponsored by CNN and the Arizona Republican Party has been rescheduled for February 22, 2012.

December 3: Mike Huckabee Presidential Forum

This special 90-minute edition of former Governor Mike Huckabee’s Fox News Channel show will feature the host and three state Attorneys General (Florida’s Pam Bondi, Virginia’s Ken Cuccinelli, and Oklahoma’s Scott Pruitt) asking questions of the candidates. The program will originate from Fox News’ New York studios, where the Presidential hopefuls will appear one-by-one to answer questions from the panel. There will be no studio audience.  The program will air at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

December 7: Virginia Senate Candidates Debate

The Virginia Capitol Correspondents Association and the Virginia Associated Press Managing Editors will host a debate between candidates for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator James Webb. The debate will take place at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

December 10: Republican Presidential Debate – Iowa

ABC News, ABC5/WOI-TV, Yahoo!, the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Republican Party are co-sponsoring this Presidential debate approximately three and a half weeks before the Iowa Caucuses on January 3, 2012. Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos will moderate the event, which will be held on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines and televised nationally in primetime on ABC from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm Eastern/Pacific. It will also be shown on the internet at ABCNews.com and Yahoo.com.

The Des Moines Register had previously announced a December 19 Presidential debate, but cancelled that event and became a co-sponsor of this debate.

December 15: Republican Presidential Debate – Iowa

Fox News and the Iowa Republican Party are co-hosting this GOP Presidential debate at the Sioux City Convention Center. Moderated by Fox News anchor Bret Baier, the program will be televised on the Fox News Channel and live-streamed on YouTube.com/FoxNews and FoxNews.com from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm Eastern.

December 27: Debate postponed

A Republican Presidential debate scheduled for this date was postponed by the sponsors, Newsmax.com and ION Television. Donald Trump was originally going to moderate this event, but announced on December 13 that he would not participate due to a “conflict of interest.” Trump said that he may still run for President as a third party candidate. Newsmax announced on December 16 that it would reschedule the debate.

January 2012

January 3: Iowa Caucus

28 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Iowans will gather in their own voting precincts this evening for a non-binding Presidential preference vote and to select delegates to local county conventions.

Voters will gather for about an hour and a half at a location in their local precinct around 7:00 p.m. to hear brief talks in favor of the various candidates. They will then vote for their preferred candidate by secret ballot. The results of these local precinct votes will then be transmitted to the state party and announced to the media.

The Republican primary is “closed,” meaning that one must be a registered Republican to participate. Voters, however, may register as Republicans at the caucus site.

Following the Presidential preference vote, caucus attendees will then elect precinct delegates to attend the County convention. County convention delegates will then elect Congressional district delegates, who will choose state convention delegates. Some of the delegates to the National Convention will be chosen at the Congressional conventions with the remainder selected at the state convention.

It’s important to repeat that while the announced results will reflect the general sentiments of Iowa voters, they will not be the basis for delegate selection to the Republican National Convention. Because the results of the Presidential preference election held today are non-binding on the selection of delegates, Iowa does not suffer any delegate reduction penalty from the Republican National Committee for moving its caucus date to January.

It should also be noted that while the winner of the Iowa caucus, more often than not, becomes his party’s nominee, winning Iowa is not a guaranty of success.

January 7: Republican Presidential Debate – New Hampshire

ABC News and WMUR-TV will co-host this debate on the Saturday before the New Hampshire primary. Moderated by ABC’s Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos and WMUR’s Josh McElveen, the forum will be held at Saint Anselm College and be televised by ABC and WMUR from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The debate will also be carried live on ABCNEWS.com and WMUR.com and broadcast on ABC News Radio stations.

January 8: Republican Presidential Debate – New Hampshire

This NBC Presidential debate will take place the morning after ABC’s. Co-sponsored by NBC News, Facebook, and the New Hampshire Union Leader, this event will actually be a special edition of Meet the Press, which starts at 9:00 am Eastern. It will be moderated by Meet the Press’ David Gregory at the Chubb Theatre at the Capital Center for the Arts in Concord. Msnbc.com will carry a live-stream of the debate and will also have it available on demand for later viewing.

January 10: New Hampshire Primary

12 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Just as Iowa always holds the first Presidential caucus, New Hampshire holds the first primary election. New Hampshire’s primary is not “open,” but not “closed” either. Registered Republicans and Democrats must vote in their own primaries, but independents, who comprise a large part of the electorate, may cast ballots in either party’s primary.

Nearly all polling places open between 7:00 am and 8:00 am and close at 7:00 pm, with the state’s 13 cities allowed to keep polls open until 8:00 pm. A few towns, most famously Dixville Notch (population 75), vote at midnight on Primary Day. It’s become a tradition for these small town voters to cast their ballots in the middle of the night, with the results announced to waiting television cameras as soon as everyone in the town has voted. You may hear early New Hampshire returns, then, before going to bed on Monday night.

Historically, the New Hampshire primary has been important in Presidential campaigns, but not necessarily determinative. As always, how a candidate performs relative to expectations is the key factor.

New Hampshire’s importance is reduced a bit this year as the state was penalized by the Republican National Committee for moving its primary to a date earlier than the committee approved. New Hampshire’s delegation to the Republican National Convention, then, has been reduced from 23 delegates to 12.

January 16: Republican Presidential Debate – South Carolina

Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party will co-host this GOP Presidential debate at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Fox News anchor Bret Baier will moderate, with Fox News televising the debate live between 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm Eastern. Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford is expected to be a part of the telecast as a Fox News contributor. The event will also be live-streamed on youtube.com/foxnews and carried on Fox News Radio, Fox News Mobile, and foxnews.com.

It’s expected that the field of candidates for this debate will be smaller than the ones in Iowa and New Hampshire, with some of the hopefuls having dropped out of the race.

January 19: Republican Presidential Debate – South Carolina

CNN and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference are co-hosting this “Presidential Town Hall Debate” in Charleston two days before Saturday’s primary election. The debate is actually part of the SRLC’s four-day meeting attended by GOP activists and elected officials from 14 Southern states.

CNN will televise the debate from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Eastern.

January 21: Nevada Democrat Caucus

Nevada Democrats will meet in local precinct caucuses to select delegates to their respective County Conventions. A non-binding Presidential preference poll will also be conducted. Voting begins at 12:00 noon Pacific time.

January 21: South Carolina Republican Primary

25 Delegates – Winner takes all

This “First in the South” primary is known as being a good predictor of Republican nominees; in every Presidential election cycle since 1980, the winner of the South Carolina GOP primary has gone on to win his party’s nomination.

Since South Carolina does not register voters by party, this will be an “open” primary; any voter may cast a ballot in the Republican primary. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

South Carolina would have sent 50 delegates to the Republican National Convention this year, but, like other states that moved their primaries to earlier-than-approved dates, the Republican National Committee reduced its delegate count by 50%.

The Democrats will hold their primary one week later than the Republicans.

January 23: Republican Presidential Debate – Florida

NBC News, the National Journal, the St. Petersburg Times, and the Florida Council of 100 are co-sponsoring this debate at the University of South Florida in Tampa. NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will moderate the panel along with St. Petersburg Times political editor Adam C. Smith and a representative of the National Journal.

NBC will televise the event live starting at 9:00 pm Eastern; Telemundo will broadcast it with simultaneous Spanish translation; msnbc.com, nationaljournal.com, usf.edu, and tampabay.com will stream the debate live over the internet.

January 26: Republican Presidential Debate – Florida

The Republican Party of Florida, the Hispanic Leadership Network, and CNN will co-sponsor this candidate debate at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

CNN will broadcast the event live from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Eastern, then replay it at 11:00 pm Eastern and again at 2:00 am, January 27.

January 28: South Carolina Democrat Primary

Democrats will go to the polls to select delegates to their National Convention in September. Voting is open to any registered voter who did not participate in the Republican Presidential primary the week before.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

January 31: Florida Primary

50 Delegates – Winner takes all

Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in both the Eastern and Central time zones in Florida. Only registered Republicans may vote in this “closed” primary.

Like other states that moved their primaries to dates earlier than what the Republican National Committee approved, Florida has seen its delegate count reduced by 50%, from 99 to 50.

January 31: Runoff Election, Oregon’s 1st Congressional District

Republican businessman Rob Cornilles and Democrat State Senator Suzanne Bonamici face off in this contest to fill the remaining year of the term of former Congressman David Wu, who resigned in August 2011. Oregon votes by mail; ballots must be received by 8:00 pm Pacific time.

February 2012

February 4: Nevada Republican Caucus

28 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Nevada’s registered Republicans will meet in closed local precinct caucuses this Saturday to vote for their choice for President. A candidate must receive at least 3.57% of the vote (1/28th) to win a delegate. The results of each precinct election will determine the delegates sent to the local County Conventions; the number of delegates for each candidate will be proportional to how that candidate fares in the precinct vote.

February 4-11: Maine Republican Caucus

24 Delegates – Maine’s delegates are sent to the Republican National Convention unbound to any candidate.

The results of a non-binding Presidential straw poll taken at Maine’s Republican caucuses, which will be held in the state’s various precincts during this week, will be announced on Saturday, February 11. The actual selection of delegates to the Republican National Convention will occur later, but Maine will not bind its delegates to any Presidential candidate.

February 7: Colorado Republican Caucus

36 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Republicans will gather this day at their local voting precincts to conduct a non-binding Presidential preference election. While this election will have no direct bearing on Colorado’s allotment of delegates to the Republican National Convention, the results will be released to the press.

Because Colorado’s Presidential preference election this day is non-binding, it suffers no delegate reduction penalty.

The non-binding election won’t be the only item on the agenda at these caucuses, however. The process for actually selecting delegates will begin here. Precinct caucus participants will elect delegates to the County Assemblies, which in turn will elect delegates to the District Conventions, which will elect delegates to the State Convention. It is at the District Convention and State Convention levels that delegates to the National Convention will be pledged to certain candidates.

February 7: Minnesota Republican Caucus

40 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Voters from any party may participate in the Minnesota Republican Caucus. At precinct meetings across the state, Republicans and others will gather to elect delegates to the next round of District Conventions. These voters will also participate in a non-binding Presidential preference poll, the results of which will be announced this day.

There is no formal correlation between the results of the Presidential preference poll and the number of delegates a candidate will win; it’s up to each precinct to decide how its delegates to the District Conventions will be divided among the various Presidential candidates.

Because today’s Presidential preference poll has no impact on delegate selection, Minnesota suffers no delegate reduction penalty for holding an event on this earlier-than-approved date.

February 7: Missouri Presidential Primary

52 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Missouri’s political parties will hold Presidential primaries today, but the Republican primary will be non-binding; that is, its results will not have any bearing on the allotment of delegates to the Republican National Convention.

For Republicans, the process for delegate selection will begin at the local caucuses held March 17. Because Missouri is officially waiting until March to begin choosing its delegates, it is not in violation of Republican National Committee rules and, therefore, suffers no delegate reduction penalty for holding this early event.

February 22: Republican Presidential Debate – Arizona

Originally scheduled for December 1, 2011, this debate will now occur six days before the Arizona primary. It will be co-hosted by the Arizona Republican Party and CNN at the Mesa Arts Center (the “MAC”) and will be televised by CNN at 6:00 p.m. local Mountain time, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

 February 25: Northern Mariana Islands Republican Presidential Convention

9 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Republicans in this Pacific island commonwealth of the United States will gather at their own convention this day to select delegates to the Republican National Convention.

February 26: Maine Democrat Presidential Caucus

The caucuses are open to Democrats and anyone who registers as a Democrat at a caucus meeting. Participants will elect delegates to the County Conventions, who will choose the delegates to the State Convention, who will ultimately select the National Convention delegates.

February 28: Arizona Presidential Primary

29 Delegates – Winner takes all

Arizona Republicans and Democrats will go to the polls to vote in Presidential primaries, although the Democrat primary will be non-binding on delegate selection. The primaries will be closed – voters must be registered in a political party in order to vote in that party’s primary.

Polls will be open from 6:00 am Mountain time to 7:00 pm

Normally, Arizona would send 58 delegates to the Republican National Convention, but because the state primary was moved to a date earlier than national party rules permitted, the state is penalized by losing half of its delegates.

February 28: Michigan Presidential Primary

30 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Michigan Republicans and Democrats will vote for President in their respective primaries today, but the Democrat primary will be non-binding on delegate selection. Technically, the primaries will be closed – only Republicans may vote in the Republican primary; only Democrats may vote in the Democrat primary. It should be noted, however, that registered voters may declare themselves to be Republicans at the polling place, vote in the GOP primary, and then be listed as Republicans on the voter rolls.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am Eastern and Central to 8:00 pm Eastern and Central. Because most of the state is in the Eastern time zone, television networks will likely make their vote projections after 8:00 pm EST.

Delegates to the Republican National Convention will be awarded proportionally based on the results of the primary voting. A candidate must receive at least 15% of the statewide vote, however, to receive any delegates. Normally, Michigan would have sent 59 delegates to the national convention, but its delegation was reduced 50% when it moved its primary to a date earlier than the national party approved.

February 9-29: Wyoming Republican Presidential Straw Poll

Wyoming Republicans will hold precinct caucuses during this 21-day period in which a non-binding Presidential poll will be conducted. The results of the poll/election will have no bearing on the selection of delegates to the Republican National Convention, who will be chosen at County caucuses on March 6.

March 2012

NOTE: The Republican Presidential Debates previously scheduled for March 1 in Georgia and March 5 in California have been cancelled.

March 3: Washington Republican Caucus

43 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Washington Republicans will gather this Saturday morning at 10:00 am Pacific time for Precinct Caucuses where they will elect delegates to County Caucuses, which are held from mid-March into April. Delegates to the County Caucuses will choose delegates to the May 31 State Convention, who will then choose the state’s delegates to the Republican National Convention.

While the caucuses are technically closed, with only Republicans allowed to participate, Washington does not register voters by party. To take part in the caucuses, a voter simply shows up and signs a document declaring that he’s a Republican.

Also on the Precinct Caucus agenda will be a non-binding Presidential straw poll. This unofficial election will be what the press covers this day, but it will have no direct bearing on the state’s allocation of convention delegates to the various candidates. Because this straw poll is non-binding, Washington did not suffer a delegate-reduction penalty for holding its caucuses earlier than the Republican National Committee wanted.

March 6: SUPER TUESDAY

Alaska Republican District Conventions

27 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Alaska’s Republicans gather at local District Conventions to vote for their choice for President. The results of this vote will be used to apportion 24 of the state’s 27 delegates to the various candidates. The state’s GOP National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the state party will attend the Republican National Convention as unpledged delegates.

Only Republicans may participate in the District Conventions, but non-Republicans may re-register on the day of the convention.

American Samoa Democrat Caucus

Voters of any or no political party will gather to choose six of American Samoa’s 12 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. The remaining six delegates will consist of party leaders and officials of the territory.

Colorado Democrat Caucus

Registered Democrats will gather at local precinct caucuses to conduct a Presidential straw poll and elect delegates to County Conventions. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be selected at the Congressional District and State Conventions.

Georgia Primary

76 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Georgia does not register voters by political party, so any voter may participate in either the Republican or Democrat primary. When a registered voter votes in a party’s primary, however, his participation in that primary becomes public record.

In the Republican primary, three delegates to the Republican National Convention are elected from each of the state’s 14 Congressional Districts. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in a Congressional District, he receives all three of that District’s delegates. If no candidate in a Congressional District receives a majority, the candidate receiving the most votes gets two delegates and the second place candidate receives one. There are 31 “at-large” delegates allotted proportionally to candidates based on the statewide vote, except that a candidate must receive at least 20% of the statewide vote to receive any of these delegates. Three delegates are automatically awarded to the candidate who receives the most primary votes statewide.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am Eastern to 7:00 pm.

Idaho Republican Caucus

32 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Only registered Republicans may participate in Idaho’s GOP caucuses, but voters may register as Republicans when they enter the caucus site.

Caucuses will be held in all of Idaho’s counties. Each caucus will have successive rounds of voting with the candidate receiving the fewest votes in each round eliminated. Voting will continue until either one candidate receives 60% of the vote or only two candidates remain on the ballot.

Delegates will be awarded proportionally based on the final voting in each caucus; however, if one candidate receives more than 50% of the delegates statewide, he will be awarded all of Idaho’s 32 delegates.

Massachusetts Primary

41 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Republicans must vote in the Republican primary and registered Democrats must vote in the Democrat primary, but independents may vote in either contest. Polls are open from 7:00 am Eastern to 8:00 pm.

Delegates to the Republican convention are awarded to each candidate based on his percentage of the statewide vote; candidates who receive less than 15% of the statewide vote, however, receive no delegates.

Minnesota Democrat Caucus

Democrats and independents who state that they agree with Minnesota’s Democrat Farm Labor Party’s principles participate in Organizing Unit Conventions held between March 6 and April 8. These Organizing Unit Conventions are considered the first official step in choosing delegates to the Democratic National Convention, who are selected at Congressional District Conventions held from April 9 to June 1.

North Dakota Republican Caucus

28 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

North Dakota does not register voters. Participation in the Republican caucuses is limited to those who are physically present and declare that they voted Republican in the last general election or plan to vote Republican in the next election. Voters cast secret ballots at the caucus sites, with the results reported to the state party headquarters no later than 9:00 pm Central time.

Candidates win delegates according to the percentage of caucus votes they receive statewide. If a candidate wins two-thirds of the vote, he is awarded all 28 delegates.

Ohio Primary

66 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

In addition to a Presidential primary, Ohio will be the first state to hold a primary for U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates.

Ohio’s primary is closed, meaning that only Republicans may vote in the Republican primary and Democrats may vote in the Democrat primary; however, if a registered voter wishes to switch political parties, he may do so at the polling place by filling out a form.

Polls will be open from 6:30 am Eastern to 7:30 pm.

Each of Ohio’s 16 Congressional districts will send three delegates to the Republican National Convention. The candidate receiving the most votes in a Congressional district wins its three delegates. Additionally, 15 at-large delegates will be awarded proportionally based on the statewide vote, except that if one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, he will win all 15 delegates. To receive any at-large delegates, a candidate must receive at least 20% of the statewide vote. Three state party officials will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

Oklahoma Primary

43 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Oklahoma’s primary is closed; only registered Republicans may vote in the GOP primary; only registered Democrats in the Democrat primary.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am Central to 7:00 pm.

Each of Oklahoma’s five Congressional districts will send three delegates to the National Convention. If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in a Congressional district or if only one candidate receives more than 15%, he wins all three of the district’s delegates. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, but at least two candidates receive more than 15%, the candidate with the most votes receives two delegates and the runner-up one. If no candidate receives at least 15% of the vote in a Congressional district, the top three vote getters each win one delegate.

Twenty-five at-large delegates will be awarded based on the statewide vote. If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, he wins all 25 delegates. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, delegates are awarded proportionally to every candidate with more than 15% of the vote. Three state party officials will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

Tennessee Primary

58 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Tennessee does not register voters by party; any voter may vote in either party’s primary.

Polls are open from 8:00 am Eastern to 8:00 pm.

Each of Tennessee’s nine Congressional districts will send three delegates to the Republican National Convention. A candidate will receive all three of a district’s delegates if he receives at least two-thirds of its votes or if he receives at least 50% of its votes and no other candidate wins 20%. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote and at least two receive 20%, the highest vote getter wins two delegates and the runner-up one. If only one or no candidate receives at least 20% of the vote, the top three finishing candidates each receive.

Fourteen at-large delegates will be awarded in the primary, as well. If any candidate receives more than two-thirds of the statewide vote, he receives all 14 delegates; otherwise the 14 delegates are divided proportionally among candidates who receive at least 20% of the vote.

Finally, 14 delegates are elected by the party’s State Executive Committee to attend the National Convention.

Vermont Primary

17 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome.

Vermont does not register voters by party. Any voter may vote in either the Democrat or Republican primary.

Polls may open as early as 5:00 am Eastern and close at 7:00 pm.

The candidate who receives the most votes in the primary automatically wins three delegates. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, he receives an additional 11 delegates. If no candidate wins at least 50% of the vote, the 11 delegates are divided proportionally among those who receive at least 20% of the vote. Three Republican Party officials will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

Virginia Primary

49 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome.

Virginia does not register voters by party. Anyone may vote in either the Republican or Democrat primary.

Because only two Republican Presidential candidates’ campaigns submitted enough signatures to qualify for the Virginia ballot, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney will be the only competitors for the state’s delegates.

Each of Virginia’s 11 Congressional districts will send three delegates to the Republican National Convention. The candidate winning the most votes in a Congressional district will win its three delegates. The candidate receiving 50% or more of the statewide vote will receive an additional 13 at-large delegates.

March 7: Hawaii Democrat Caucus

Hawaii’s Democrats will gather at precinct caucuses to begin the delegate selection process to their party’s National Convention. A Presidential preference poll will also be held at the caucuses.


March 6-April 8: Minnesota Democrat Organizing Units

This is the second level of organizing for the Minnesota Democratic Farm Labor party, but the first in terms of actual delegate selection. Participants in these meetings will choose 91 of Minnesota’s 107 delegates to the Democrat National Convention.

March 10: Guam Republican Caucus

9 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Guam’s Republicans will convene at a caucus/convention to choose six of the island territory’s nine delegates to the Republican National Convention. Three delegates, the National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Guam Republican Party will automatically attend the Convention as unpledged delegates.

March 10: Kansas Republican Caucus

40 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Republicans will meet in caucuses across the state this Saturday morning at 10:00 am Central time to elect all 40 of Kansas’s delegates to the National Convention.

In each of the state’s four Congressional districts, the candidate receiving the most votes in that district wins three delegates. An additional 25 delegates will be elected based on the statewide vote and will be awarded proportionally, except that a candidate must win at least 20% of the statewide vote to be eligible to receive any of these 25 delegates. Three delegates, the National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chair of the Kansas Republican Party, will automatically attend the convention, but will be pledged to the candidate who takes the most statewide votes.

March 10: Northern Mariana Islands Republican Caucus

9 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Republicans in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will hold a caucus/convention today to select six of their nine delegates to the Republican National Convention. The National Mariana Islands’ Republican National Committeeman, National Committeewomen, and the chairman of the Republican Party will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

March 10: Virgin Islands Republican Party Caucus

9 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Republicans in the U.S. Virgin Islands will meet on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John between noon and 6:00 pm Eastern time to elect six of the territory’s nine National Convention delegates.

Delegates appear on the ballot as pledged to one of the Presidential candidates; voters may vote for up to six delegates. The six delegates receiving the most votes will attend the National Convention. Three delegates, the National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Virgin Islands Republican Party will automatically attend the convention as unpledged delegates.

March 13: Alabama Primary

50 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Republicans and Democrats hold “open” primaries this day, meaning that any voter may vote in the party primary of his choosing. Polls will open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Central time.

In the Republican primary, 47 of Alabama’s 50 GOP National Convention delegates will be elected. Twenty-one delegates will be elected through Congressional district voting; that is, each of the state’s seven Congressional districts will elect three delegates. If a candidate receives at least 50% of the vote in a Congressional district or he is the only one to receive at least 20% of the vote, he wins all three of the district’s delegates to the convention. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote and more than one candidate receives over 20% of the vote, the candidate with the most votes gets two delegates from the Congressional district and the candidate in second place receives the third.

Alabama’s 26 at-large Republican delegates are chosen in a similar manner. If a candidate receives at least 50% of the vote statewide or is the only one to win at least 20%, he receives all 26 at-large delegates. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the 26 at-large delegates will be awarded proportionally to those candidates with more than 20% of the statewide vote.

The final three delegates, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party will attend the convention unpledged to any candidate.

March 13 – American Samoa Republican Caucus

9 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Any voter may participate in American Samoa’s Republican Caucus to select six of the territory’s nine GOP National Convention delegates. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the American Samoa Republican Party will attend the convention as unpledged delegates.

March 13 – Hawaii Republican Caucus

20 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Hawaiians will gather at caucuses between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm local time to elect 17 of the state’s 20 delegates to the Republican National Convention. While the primary is technically open only to Republicans, anyone may declare himself to be a Republican voter at a caucus site.

Three convention delegates will be elected from each of Hawaii’s two Congressional districts, while another 11 will be chosen based on the statewide vote. In both the Congressional district and statewide races, delegates will be awarded to candidates based on the candidate’s percentage of the vote. The National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party will serve as uncommitted delegates.

March 13 – Mississippi Primary

40 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Mississippi does not register voters by political party, so any voter may participate in the primary of his choice. The voter must agree, however, to support the nominee of the party in order to participate in that party’s primary. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Central time.

Each of Mississippi’s four Congressional districts will send three delegates to the National Republican Convention. The candidate receiving the most votes in each district will receive those three delegates. Twenty-five at-large delegates will be allocated based on the statewide vote. If one candidate receives at least 50% of the vote, he wins all 25 at-large delegates. If no candidate receives at least 50% of the statewide votes cast, the 25 at-large delegates will be awarded proportionally to those candidates receiving at least 15% of the vote.

March 13 – Utah Democrat Caucus

Utah’s delegate selection process for the Democratic National Convention begins with these precinct level caucuses. The process will continue at subsequent County and State Conventions.

March 18 – Puerto Rico Republican Primary

23 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on outcome

Any registered voter may participate in the Republican primary, where 20 of Puerto Rico’s 23 National Convention delegates will be chosen. If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, he will receive all 20 delegates; if no one receives more than 50%, delegates will be awarded proportionally.

Puerto Rico’s National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Republican Party will attend the convention as unpledged delegates.

March 19: Republican Presidential Debate – Oregon

Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Public Broadcasting System, National Public Radio, the Washington Times, and the Oregon Republican Party will co-host this debate to be held at the Portland studio of Oregon Public Broadcasting. NPR and PBS will broadcast the event live through member stations across the country at 9:00 pm Eastern/6:00 pm Pacific.

March 20 – Illinois Primary

69 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Illinois Republicans and Democrats go to the polls this day to elect delegates to their respective national conventions. A voter is not restricted by political party, he just declares at the polling place whether he wants to vote as a Democrat or Republican.

In the Republican primary, there is a statewide Presidential preference election where voters vote directly for the candidate of their choice. The results of the election, however, are not binding on any delegates selected.

Actual Republican delegate selection is done through Congressional district elections which occur today as well. Each of Illinois’ 18 Congressional districts are assigned two to four delegates based on each district’s level of support for the Republican Presidential nominee in 2008. Rather than have the Presidential candidates’ names on the Congressional district ballots, the names of people running for delegate are listed instead. Each delegate candidate, however, must declare his support for a Presidential candidate or run “uncommitted.” There is no law requiring that delegates actually vote at the National Convention for the candidate under whose banner they run in this primary, giving this unusual type of election the name “loophole primary.”

In the GOP primary, then, 54 of Illinois’s National Convention delegates are elected; an additional 12, who are officially unbound to any candidate, are selected at the State Convention. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and chairman of the Illinois Republican Party attend the convention as unpledged delegates.

March 15-24 – Missouri Republican Caucus

52 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Republicans meet in County Caucuses throughout this period to select delegates to the Congressional District Conventions. Delegates to the Congressional District Conventions will choose delegates to the State Convention, who will finalize the list of delegates to the National Convention.

The Missouri primary election held February 7 was non-binding and will have no direct correlation on how many delegates to the National Convention a candidate will receive. The number of delegates a candidate will ultimately receive will depend on how many of his supporters turn out at the County Caucuses.

In the February 7 Presidential preference primary, Rick Santorum took 55% of the vote, Mitt Romney 25%, and Ron Paul 12%. Newt Gingrich was not on the ballot for the February 7 election.

March 24 – Louisiana Primary

46 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Democrats and those voters not registered with another party may vote in the Democrat primary; only registered Republicans may vote in the Republican primary.

Twenty of Louisiana’s 46 Republican National Convention delegates will be elected in this primary and will be allocated in proportion to the each candidate’s percentage of the vote. A candidate must receive at least 25% of the statewide vote, however, to receive any delegates.

Another 18 Republican delegates will be chosen at Congressional District meetings to be held on April 28. Five delegates are chosen by the party’s Executive Committee. The final three delegates are the National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of Louisiana’s Republican Party.

March 29 to April 13 – Colorado Republican District Conventions

36 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered Republicans who were elected on February 7 to be delegates to these local district caucuses will meet during this two-week period to begin the official selection process for delegates to the National Convention.

There is no formal link between the results of Colorado’s February Presidential preference primary and actual delegate selection. Delegates to these local district caucuses/conventions are free to follow or ignore the results of the February 7 primary when making their delegate allocations to the candidates.

Each of Colorado’s seven Congressional districts is allowed to select three delegates to the National Convention. An additional 12 delegates are chosen at the Colorado Republican Party’s State Convention on April 14. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and chairman of the Colorado Republican Party attend the National Convention by virtue of their positions.

March 31 – Arizona Democrat Presidential Caucus

Registered Democrats meet at local caucuses this Saturday to select delegates to their National Convention. The Arizona Democratic Party did not request a Presidential primary this year.

April 2012

April 3 – District of Columbia Primary

19 Delegates – Winner-take-all

Registered Republicans and Democrats go to the polls today to vote their preference for President. Republicans will also elect their National Committeeman and Committeewoman.

Both parties will choose their nominee for Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sixteen of the District of Columbia’s 19 delegates to the Republican National Convention will be awarded to the candidate who wins the most votes in this primary. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and chairman of the DC Republican Party will attend the convention as unbound delegates.

April 3 – Maryland Primary

37 Delegates – 10 elected in winner-take-all statewide vote; most delegates elected by individual Congressional district votes

Registered Democrats and Republicans will take part in their respective parties’ Presidential primaries today.

Party voters will also choose their nominees for this fall’s U.S. Senate and Congressional races.

Ten delegates to the Republican National Convention will be awarded to the candidate who receives the most votes statewide. Twenty-four GOP delegates will be directly elected by Congressional district. Potential convention delegates’ names are on the ballot in their own Congressional district and are identified as supporting a particular Presidential candidate. The three delegates receiving the most votes in each of the eight Congressional districts will attend the National Convention.

The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Maryland Republican Party will attend the National Convention and are bound to the candidate receiving the most votes statewide.

April 3 – Wisconsin Primary

42 Delegates – 18 delegates awarded winner-take-all by statewide vote; 24 elected winner-take-all by Congressional district

Voters in Wisconsin do not register by political party and are free to vote in the party primary of their choice.

In the Republican primary, 18 delegates are awarded to the Presidential candidate receiving the most votes statewide. In each of Wisconsin’s eight Congressional districts, the candidate receiving the most votes in that district wins three National Convention delegates.

The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party will attend the National Convention, but are bound to the candidate receiving the most votes statewide.

Alaska Democrats and those voters wishing to participate as Democrats gather at district caucuses during this week to choose delegates to the party’s State Convention. Final National Convention delegate selection will occur at the State Convention.

April 9 to April 16- Alaska Democrat Caucuses

April 14 – Idaho Democrat Caucus

Any voter who did not participate in the March 6 Idaho Republican Caucus may participate in these Democrat caucuses held in each of the state’s counties. Attendees indicate their Presidential preference and elect delegates to the State Convention, where delegates to the National Convention are determined.

April 14 – Kansas Democrat Local Unit Conventions

Registered Democrats will meet at 2:00 pm local time at Local Unit Conventions to choose delegates to the Congressional District Conventions. Those who are not registered as Democrats and who wish to participate may register at the site of their Local Unit Convention. District Conventions meet on May 5; the State Convention on June 2. National Convention delegates are chosen at every step of the process, from the Local Unit to the Congressional District to the State Conventions.

April 14 – Nebraska Democrat Caucus

Democrats and those who wish to register as Democrats gather today at local Precinct Caucuses to vote for delegates to the County Conventions, which are held in June. Final National Convention delegate determinations are made at the State Convention on June 23.

April 14 – Wyoming Democrat Caucus

April 14 to April 21 – Minnesota Republican District Conventions

40 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

On February 7, Minnesota Republicans went to local caucuses for a non-binding Presidential preference poll. At those caucuses, delegates to the District Conventions were also elected.

It is at these District Conventions that most of the delegates to the Republican National Convention will be chosen. District Convention delegates are not legally bound to allocate delegates according to the results of the February 7 Presidential preference vote; it is up to each District Convention to determine how delegates will be awarded.

Thirteen additional National Convention delegates will be chosen at the State Republican Convention on May 4 and 5. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

Registered Democrats meet in County Caucuses, also called County Conventions, to begin the process of selecting delegates to the National Convention. Some National Convention delegates are chosen at the County Caucus level with the remaining delegates determined at the State Convention on May 26.

April 15 – Washington Democrat Caucus

Registered Democrats will gather at 1:00 pm at local precinct caucuses to select delegates to the Congressional District caucuses, the second tier of the National Convention delegate selection process. Congressional District caucuses will be held on May 20 and the State Convention on June 3, where the final list of National Convention delegates is determined.

While the caucuses are restricted to registered Democrats, anyone may register as a Democrat at the caucus site and participate that day.

April 17 – Arizona 8th Congressional District Special Primary Election

Voters will go to the polls to choose party nominees for the race to fill the remaining term of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who resigned her seat in January to recover from injuries suffered during an assassination attempt in 2011.

Party nominees selected in this primary election will face off in a June 12 special election.

April 24 – Connecticut Primary

28 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Registered Republicans and Democrats will go to the polls to vote in their respective parties’ primaries for President. No crossover voting is allowed.

In the Republican primary, there are ten at-large statewide delegates and 15 delegates chosen by Congressional district.

If a Republican candidate receives more than 50% of the statewide vote, he wins all ten at-large delegates. If no candidate takes more than 50% of the statewide vote, the ten at-large delegates are awarded proportionally among those candidates receiving at least 20% of the statewide vote.

The candidate receiving the most votes in a Congressional district wins three delegates. Connecticut has five Congressional districts.

The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Connecticut Republican Primary will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

April 24 – Delaware Primary

17 Delegates – Winner-take-all

Democrats and Republicans go to the polls to vote in this Presidential primary. Both parties’ primaries are closed. Democrats must vote in the Democrat primary; Republicans in the GOP primary.

All of Delaware’s 17 delegates to the Republican National Convention are awarded to the candidate receiving the most votes.

April 24 – NewYork Primary

95 Delegates – Awarded proportionally or winner-take-all, depending on the outcome

Registered Republicans and Democrats will vote in their own primaries this day to choose delegates to their national conventions. Both primaries are closed; no crossover voting is permitted.

In the Republican primary, 34 delegates are elected on a statewide, at-large basis; 58 are elected from New York’s 29 Congressional districts (based on the 2010 district boundaries).

If a Republican Presidential candidate wins more than 50% of the statewide vote, he takes all 34 at-large delegates. If no candidate wins at least 50% of the vote, the 34 at-large delegates are awarded proportionally to candidates receiving at least 20% of the statewide vote.

The candidate who wins the most votes in a Congressional district receives two delegates.

The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and chairman of the New York Republican Party will attend the National Convention as uncommitted delegates.

April 24 – Pennsylvania Primary

72 Delegates – Technically elected as “uncommitted”

Registered Republicans and Democrats vote in their own primaries to select delegates to their respective national conventions.

In the Republican primary, there are actually two separate elections. Participants will first vote for a Presidential candidate in a non-binding preference poll; then they will vote for delegates to the National Convention. Candidates for convention delegate are not listed on the ballot as being affiliated with any particular candidate and are officially uncommitted. Three convention delegates will be elected from each of Pennsylvania’s 18 Congressional districts, except that the five districts that have best supported Republican candidates will elect four delegates.

Ten at-large delegates are selected by the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party will attend the National Convention as uncommitted delegates.

April 24 – Rhode Island Primary

19 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Democrats and Republicans will vote in their own respective Presidential primaries this day. Independent voters may participate in either the Democrat or Republican primary.

In the Republican primary, each of Rhode Island’s two Congressional districts will elect eight delegates to the National Convention. Delegates will be awarded on a proportional basis among those Presidential candidates receiving at least 15% of the vote in a Congressional district.

The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party will attend the National Convention as unpledged delegates.

May 2012

May 1 to May 6 – Democrats Abroad Global Primary

Democrats living outside the country, either temporarily or permanently, may vote by fax, e-mail, postal mail, or, where possible, in person to elect 14 of the 19 Democrats Abroad delegates. The primary is open to anyone who declares that he has not and will not participate in any other primary or caucus during this election cycle.

May 5 – Florida Democrat Caucus

Florida Democrats will gather in county caucuses to elect delegates to the National Convention. The results of the non-binding presidential primary held on January 31 have no direct impact on the results of these caucuses.

May 5 – Guam Democrat Caucus

Guam’s Democrat caucuses are run like primaries. Voters go to the caucus site and cast their ballots between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm to elect seven of the territory’s 12 National Convention delegates.

May 5 – Maine Republican Caucus

24 Delegates – Unpledged

Maine Republicans will vote at district caucuses on May 5 to elect delegates to the State Convention on May 6 and the National Convention in August. The results of February’s presidential straw poll are not binding on the caucus delegate selection process. All of Maine’s delegates will be officially uncommitted to any candidate.

May 5 – Michigan Democrat Caucus

Michigan Democrats will attend local caucuses this day and elect delegates to the National Convention. The results of the caucus voting, not the non-binding presidential primary held February 28, will determine the allocation of Michigan delegates.

May 8 – Indiana Presidential and State Primary

46 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Indiana’s party primaries are open, so voters can choose the one in which they want to cast a ballot.

In addition to the presidential primary, there will be a state primary this day to select party nominees for Governor, U.S. Senator, Congress, and other races.

In the GOP presidential primary, the candidate receiving the most votes in each of the nine Congressional districts receives three National Convention delegates. An additional 16 delegates, officially unpledged, will be chosen at the Indiana State Republican Convention on June 8 and 9. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the Chairman of the Indiana Republican Party will also serve as officially uncommitted delegates.

May 8 – North Carolina Presidential and State Primary

55 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Democrats and Republicans will go to the polls in North Carolina to vote in their respective primaries.

In addition to the presidential primary, there will be a state primary to choose party nominees for Governor, Congress, and other contests.

In the Republican presidential primary, 52 of North Carolina’s 55 delegates to the National Convention will be awarded to candidates proportionally based on the statewide vote.

May 8 – West Virginia Presidential and State Primary

31 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

In West Virginia, Republicans vote in the Republican primary, Democrats vote in the Democrat primary, and independent voters may vote in either primary.

On the ballot will be not just the presidential candidates, but also those for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor, and other offices.

In the Republican primary, people vote for individual delegates who are listed on the ballot along with the presidential candidate they support. The three delegates receiving the most votes in each of West Virginia’s three Congressional districts are elected to be delegates to the National Convention along with the other top 19 vote getters statewide. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and the Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party attend the convention as officially unpledged delegates.

May 8 – Wisconsin Recall Election Primary

Wisconsin voters will go to the polls to nominate party candidates for the June 5 recall election. On the ballot will be the incumbent Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and four State Senators, all Republicans, along with candidates seeking to be their Democrat opponents.

May 15 – Idaho State Primary

Idaho voters will go to the polls to nominate candidates for the state’s two seats in the U.S. Congress.

May 15 – Nebraska State Primary

Voters will elect party nominees for the U.S. Senate and Nebraska’s three Congressional districts.

May 15 – Oregon Presidential and State Primary

28 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Republicans and Democrats will vote by mail for candidates for President, Congress, and statewide offices such as Attorney General and Secretary of State. All ballots must be received by officials no later than 8:00 pm this day.

In the Republican presidential primary, 25 of Oregon’s 28 delegates to the National Convention will be allocated to candidates based on their proportional share of the statewide vote. The National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, and Chairman of the Oregon Republican Party will attend the convention as officially uncommitted delegates.

May 22 – Arkansas State and Presidential Primary

36 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Registered voters will cast their ballots in either the Republican or Democrat primary. Both parties have open primaries, so any voter may vote in either primary.

Arkansas will also hold its state primary this day. On the ballot will be candidates seeking the nominations for the state’s four Congressional seats.

May 22 – Kentucky State and Presidential Primary

45 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Kentucky has closed primaries, so Democrats may only vote in the Democrat primary; Republicans only in the GOP.

Kentucky voters will also choose party nominees to represent the state’s six Congressional Districts.

May 29 – Texas State and Presidential Primary

155 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

Texas voters may cast their ballots in any party’s presidential primary, regardless of their party registration.

Texas’s state primary will also be held this day. Voters will choose nominees for the U.S. Senate and 36 Congressional Districts, four of which are newly added due to Texas’s population increase over the last ten years.

If no candidate for the U.S. Senate or Congress receives over 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held for the top two candidates in that race on July 31.

June 2012

June 5 – California State and Presidential Primary

172 Delegates – Winner-take-all in each Congressional District

Only Republicans may vote in the GOP primary, but both Democrats and registered Independents may cast ballots in the Democrat primary.

The Republican presidential candidate receiving the most votes in each of California’s 53 Congressional Districts receives the District’s three delegates to the National Convention. An additional ten at-large delegates are awarded to the candidate with the most votes statewide and three party officials automatically attend the National Convention.

California will also hold its state primary in which party nominees for the U.S. Senate and Congress will be chosen.

June 5 – Iowa State Primary

Iowa voters will choose nominees for the state’s five Congressional Districts.

June 5 – Montana State and Presidential Primary

Montana will hold its Democrat and Republican presidential primaries this day, but the Republican primary is non-binding. The state’s 26 delegates to the Republican National Convention will be chosen at the State Convention on June 14-16.

Montana voters will also choose their parties’ nominees for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor, and other state races such as Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.

June 5 – New Jersey State and Presidential Primary

50 Delegates – Winner-take-all

Republicans may only vote in the Republican primary; Democrats only in the Democrat primary; and Independents may vote in either.

All 50 delegates to the Republican National Convention will be awarded to the presidential candidate who receives the most votes statewide.

New Jersey will also hold its state primary where voters will choose party nominees for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

June 5 – New Jersey 10th Congressional District Special Primary

A special primary election will be held this day in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District to select nominees for the race to fill out the remainder of the late Congressman Donald Payne’s term. On November 6, 10th District voters will vote in two contests, one to elect someone to serve in Congress from November until January 2013 and one to elect someone to serve a full two-year term.

June 5 – New Mexico State and Presidential Primary

23 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

New Mexico’s primaries are closed; Democrats vote only in the Democrat primary; Republicans only in the Republican.

In the state primary, voters will choose nominees for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

June 5 – South Dakota State and Presidential Primary

28 Delegates – Awarded proportionally

South Dakota has closed primaries. Voters may vote only in the primary of the party in which they’re registered.

Voters will also select nominees for South Dakota’s at-large Congressional seat.

June 5 – Wisconsin Governor Recall Election

Voters will decide whether to retain their Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and four State Senators.

June 12 – Arizona 8th Congressional District Special Election

Arizonans living in the 8th Congressional District will elect a candidate to serve the remainder of retired Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ term.

June 12 – Arkansas Runoff Election

If no candidate for an office in the May 22 primary received 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held this day between the top two vote-getters.

June 12 – Maine State Primary

Maine voters will nominate candidates for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

June 12 – North Dakota State Primary

North Dakota voters will nominate candidates for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor, and other state offices.

June 12 – Nevada State Primary

Voters will select their parties’ nominees for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

June 12 – South Carolina State Primary

South Carolinians will nominate their parties’ candidates for Congress.

June 12 – Virginia State Primary

Voters will nominate candidates for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

June 26 – Colorado State Primary

Voters will pick their parties’ nominees for Colorado’s seven Congressional Districts.

June 26 – New York State Primary

New Yorkers will nominate candidates for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

June 26 – North Carolina Second Primary

If no candidate for an office in the May 8 state primary receives at least 40% of the vote, there will be a runoff election this day between the top two vote-getters.

June 26 – Oklahoma State Primary

Oklahomans will nominate candidates for Congress and State Corporation Commissioner.

June 26 – South Carolina Runoff Election

If no candidate for an office in South Carolina’s June 12 state primary wins at least 50% of the vote, a runoff between the top two candidates will be held today.

June 26 – South Dakota Secondary Election

If no candidate for an office in South Dakota’s June 5 primary receives at least 35% of the vote, a runoff will be held this day between the top two candidates.

June 26 – Utah State Primary and Republican Presidential Primary

40 Delegates – Winner-take-all

Republicans and unaffiliated voters may take part in the last Republican presidential primary in the nation.

The Republican candidate receiving the most votes statewide will win all of Utah’s 40 delegates to the National Convention.

Utah voters will also go to the polls to nominate their parties’ candidates for U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor, and other state offices.

July 2012

July 31 – Georgia State Primary

Georgians will go to the polls to nominate candidates for the state’s 14 Congressional Districts.

July 31 – Texas Runoff Election

If no candidate for an office in the May 29 Texas state primary received at least 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held today between the top two candidates.

August 2012

August 2 – Tennessee State Primary

Tennessee voters will nominate candidates for the United States Senate and the state’s nine Congressional seats. Tennessee has open primaries; voters may vote in the primary of their choice.

August 7 – Kansas State Primary

Kansas voters will go to the polls to nominate candidates to represent the state’s four Congressional districts. Republicans and unaffiliated voters may vote in the Republican primary; any voter may vote in the Democrat primary.

August 7 – Michigan State Primary

Voters will nominate candidates for the United States Senate and Michigan’s 14 Congressional districts. Michigan’s primary is open; voters pick the party primary in which they will vote.

August 7 – Missouri State Primary

Missouri voters will nominate candidates for Governor and other statewide offices, the United States Senate, and eight Congressional districts. Missouri voters do not register by party, so primaries are open.

August 7 – Washington State Primary

Washington voters will nominate candidates for Governor and other statewide offices, the United States Senate, and the state’s ten Congressional districts. Voters in the First Congressional District will also nominate candidates to fill out the term of Congressman Jay Inslee, who resigned in March.

Under Washington law, the two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary, regardless of party, will face each other in November’s General Election.

August 11 – Hawaii State Primary

Hawaii voters will nominate candidates for the United States Senate and their two Congressional districts. Hawaii does not register voters by party; primaries are open.

August 14 – Connecticut State Primary

Voters will nominate candidates for the United States Senate and Connecticut’s five Congressional seats. Primaries in Connecticut are closed. Democrats may only vote in the Democrat primary; Republicans in the Republican primary.

August 14 – Florida State Primary

Florida voters will nominate candidates for the United States Senate and 27 Congressional seats. Florida has closed primaries; voters may only cast ballots for the party in which they’re registered.

August 14 – Minnesota State Primary

Voters in Minnesota will pick candidates for the United States Senate and in eight Congressional districts.

August 14 – Wisconsin State Primary

Wisconsin voters will nominate candidates for the United States Senate and in eight Congressional districts. Wisconsin voters do not register by party; primaries are open.

August 21 – Georgia State Primary Runoff

In those Congressional districts where no candidate won more than 50% of his party’s vote, a runoff will be held today between the top two finishers in the July 31 party primary.

August 21 – Wyoming State Primary

Candidates for the United States Senate and Wyoming’s one Congressional seat will be on the ballot. While the primary is technically closed, registered voters may change their party affiliation on election day.

August 27-30 – Republican National Convention

Delegates selected in Republican Presidential primaries, caucuses, and state conventions will meet in Tampa, Florida to approve the party platform and nominate candidates for President and Vice President.

August 28 – Alaska State Primary

Voters will nominate candidates for Alaska’s at-large Congressional seat.

August 28 – Arizona State Primary

Arizona voters will nominate candidates for the United States and nine Congressional seats.

August 28 – Oklahoma State Primary Runoff

Voters will select party nominees in the Second Congressional District runoff, where no candidate received more than 50% of the June 26 primary vote.

August 28 – Vermont State Primary

On the ballot will be candidates for Governor and other statewide offices, United States Senator, and Congressman-at-Large for the state.

September 1 – Guam Primary

Guam voters will select nominees for Territorial Delegate to the United States Congress.

September 4-6 – Democrat National Convention

Delegates chosen in Democrat Presidential primaries, caucuses, and state conventions will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina to approve the party platform and nominate candidates for President and Vice President.

September 5 – Michigan Special Primary – 11th Congressional District

Voters in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District will elect nominees to finish the term of Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, who resigned in July.

September 6 – Massachusetts State Primary

On the ballot will be candidates to be nominees for the United States Senate and nine Congressional seats.

September 9 – Virgin Islands Primary

Voters will elect nominees for Territorial Delegate to the United States Congress.

September 11 – New Hampshire State Primary

The state with the first Presidential primary has one of the last state primaries. On the ballot will be candidates for Governor and the state’s two Congressional seats.

September 11 – Rhode Island State Primary

Candidates for United States Senator and Rhode Island’s two Congressional seats will be on the ballot.

September 11 – Delaware State Primary

Delaware voters will select nominees for Governor and other statewide offices, United States Senator, and Congressman-at-Large. Primaries in Delaware are closed; voters must vote for candidates in their own party.

October 2012

October 3 – Presidential Debate

President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney will debate at the University of Denver.

Topic: Domestic policy
Air Time: 9:00-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Sponsor: Commission on Presidential Debates
Moderator: Jim Lehrer (Host of NewsHour on PBS)

Debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as all cable news channels including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC among others.  Debate will also be streamed live online.

October 11 – Vice Presidential Debate

Topics: Domestic and foreign policy
Air Time: 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Center College in Danville, Kentucky
Sponsor: Commission on Presidential Debates
Moderator: Martha Raddatz (ABC News Chief Foreign Correspondent)
Format: Nine 10-minute question/answer segments between moderator and candidates

The debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as all cable news channels including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC among others. It will also be live-streamed on the internet at http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2012-presidential-debate-schedule/.


October 16 – Presidential Debate

Topics: Domestic and foreign policy
Air Time: 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York
Sponsor: Commission on Presidential Debates
Moderator: Candy Crowley (CNN Chief Political Correspondent)
Format: Town hall meeting where an audience of undecided voters, who will be selected by the Gallup Organization, asks the questions.

Debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as all cable news channels including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC among others. It will also be live-streamed on the internet at http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2012-presidential-debate-schedule/.