As the 2024 general election looms in the distance, the upcoming primary season is about to kick off. A fierce election cycle has already begun, with a wide range of Republican candidates competing for a chance at the White House. Former President Donald Trump maintains a strong lead despite facing legal challenges and being noticeably absent from the first three debates. Meanwhile, other candidates like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis are struggling to appeal to the Trump base while establishing their own identity.
While the candidates are battling it out, primary dates have already been set. Here’s what you need to know about the Republican primary in your state.
What is a caucus?
Some states conduct primaries, while others hold caucuses. While primary elections are governed by state and local authorities, caucuses are organized by political parties. A standard primary election resembles the general election, with voting carried out through private ballots.
A caucus, on the other hand, involves voters aligning themselves with a particular candidate, convincing others to join their group. At the end of the caucus, the number of members in each group determines the delegates allotted to each candidate.
Each caucus and primary will determine the allocation of a specific number of delegates. These delegates will attend each party’s national convention, with the nominee being chosen based on the majority of delegates.
Dates for Republican Primaries
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Nevada (caucus) – January 15
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Virgin Islands (caucus) – January 23
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Idaho (caucus) – February 8
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Missouri (caucus) – February 27
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Alabama – March 5
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Arkansas – March 5
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 Republican primary schedule: When the election is in your state
