January 16, 2020: The Iowa Caucus is traditionally seen as the start of the presidential campaign season. It will be held in a few weeks—on February 3—followed swiftly by the statewide primary in New Hampshire.
However, neither of those states will be the first place votes are cast this year. In just one day, voters in Minnesota will be able to cast a vote in their state’s primary.[1] Technically, Minnesota’s voting is scheduled for Super Tuesday, March 3.[2] But, early voting rules will allow Minnesota voters to get a head start well before the people in Iowa or New Hampshire.
Vermont voters can go to the polls in two days.[1]
It’s impossible to know how these changes will impact the nominating process. In other years, the early states have winnowed the field and helped clarify the choices for voters. This year, however, it is quite possible that many Super Tuesday votes will be cast well before results from the early contests are known.
For example, California—the biggest prize in terms of total delegates—will send out ballots by mail on the day of the Iowa caucus. Texas—another big state—will allow early voting to begin before the Nevada caucus and South Carolina primary.[1]
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