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Jan 3 - Feb 5: The When, What and Where of Primary and Caucus Voting

By Athena - Nov 17th, 2007 at 10:38 pm EST

Also listed in: Atheists for Obama | Open Letter To Obama

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Tags: caucus, Delegates, elections, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, PRIMARIES, south carolina, states

IOWA *

Date of voting: Jan. 3

Type of election: Closed Caucus

Deadline for registration: Can register at the caucus site

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: At the Caucus site

Caucus begins: 6:30 PM

Number of delegates: Pledged: 45 Not pledged: 11

MICHIGAN **

Date of Voting: Jaunary 15

Type of election: Proportional Modified Primary

Deadline for registration: 30 days before election date

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT REGISTERED with a political party

Deadline for changing parties: At the voting booth

Number of delegates: 128 Pledged: 128 Not pledged: 29

NEVADA

Date of voting: January 19

Type of election: Closed Caucus

Doors open: 11: AM

Deadline for registration: At Caucus site

Who can vote for Obama? Registered Democrats

Deadline for changing parties: ????

Number of delegates: 25 Pledged: 25 Not pledged: 8

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Date of voting: January 8

Type of election: Proportional Modified Primary

Deadline for registration: Meet with the Supervisors of the Checklist no later than the day prior to the filing period for the Presidential Primary

October 12, 2007): This is the last day you can change your party affiliation before the Presidential Primary.

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and “undeclared” voters, BUT undeclared voters MUST declare that they will vote democrat at the polling booth.

Deadline for changing parties: October 12, 2007

Number of delegates: 22 Pledged: 22 Not pledged: 8

SOUTH CAROLINA

Date of voting: January 26

Type of election: Proportional Open Primary

Deadline for registration: 30 days before the primaries

Who can vote for Obama? “Participation is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats. All voters in the primary and all participants in the precinct meetings and caucuses shall sign the following statement prior to voting: "I do solemnly swear or affirm that I am a registered voter of this precinct, I consider myself to be a Democrat, and I have not participated in the 2008 Presidential nominating process of any other political party".”

Deadline for changing parties: (see above)

Number of delegates: 45 Pledged: 45 Not pledged: 9

FLORIDA †

Date of voting: January 29

Type of election: Proportional Closed Primary

Deadline for registration: 29 days before the election

Who can vote for Obama? Only registered democrats

Deadline for changing parties:????

Number of delegates: 185 Pledged: 185 Not pledged: 25

FEBRUARY 5 STATES

ALABAMA

Type of election: Proportional Open Primary

Deadline for registration: ?????

Who can vote for Obama? Open – any party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A

Number of delegates: 52 Pledged: 52 Not pledged: 8

ALASKA

Type of election: Closed Caucus – 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Deadline for registration: between now and February 5, and to change parties

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats

Deadline for changing parties????

Number of delegates: 13 Pledged: 13 Not pledged: 5

ARIZONA

Type of election: Proportional Closed Primary

Deadline for registration: January 7

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties December 17

Number of delegates: 56 Pledged: 56 Not pledged: 11

ARKANSAS

Type of election: Proportional Open Primary

Deadline for registration: 30 days before the election

Who can vote for Obama? Open to all parties

Deadline for changing parties ?????

Number of delegates: 35 Pledged: 35 Not pledged: 12

CALIFORNIA

Type of election: Proportional Modified Primary

Deadline for registration: January 22

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT REGISTERED with a political party

Deadline for changing parties: January 22

Number of delegates: 370 Pledged: 370 Not pledged: 71

COLORADO

Type of election: Closed Caucus

Deadline for registration: January 7

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: December 5 (“to affiliate with a political party”)

Number of delegates: 55 Pledged: 55 Not pledged: 16

CONNECTICUT

Type of election: Proportional Closed Primary

Deadline for registration: By mail: January 31 (for new and unaffiliated voters to choose a party); in person: February 4

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: November 5, 2007

Number of delegates: 48 Pledged: 48 Not pledged: 13

DELAWARE

Type of election: Closed/Proportional Primary

Deadline for registration: January 12

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: October 31, 2007

Number of delegates: 15 Pledged: 15 Not pledged: 8

GEORGIA

Type of election: Proportional Open Primary

Deadline for registration: January 7

Who can vote for Obama? Any party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A

Number of delegates: 87 Pledged: 87 Not pledged: 17

IDAHO ††

Type of election: Open Caucus

Deadline for registration: January 12 or on Election Day

Who can vote for Obama? Any party

Deadline for changing parties N/A

Number of delegates: 18 Pledged: 18 Not pledged: 5

ILLINOIS

Type of election: Open Proportional Primary

Deadline for registration: January 8 (grace periods follow)

Who can vote for Obama? Any party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A

Number of delegates: 153 Pledged: 153 Not pledged: 32

KANSAS

Type of election: Closed Caucus

Deadline for registration: ????

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: ????

Number of delegates: 32 Pledged: 32 Not pledged: 8

MINNESOTA

Type of election: Open Caucus

Deadline for registration: ????

Who can vote for Obama? Any party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A

Number of delegates: 72 Pledged: 72 Not pledged: 16

MISSOURI

Type of election: Proportionate Primary

Deadline for registration: January 9

Who can vote for Obama? Any Party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A

Number of delegates: 72 Pledged: 72 Not pledged: 16

NEW JERSEY

Type of election: Proportional Modified Primary

Deadline for registration: January 15

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT REGISTERED with a political party

Deadline for changing parties: December 17

Number of delegates: 107 Pledged: 107 Not pledged: 20

NEW MEXICO

Type of election: Closed Caucus – Noon – 7:00 PM

Deadline for registration: January 4

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: January 4

Number of delegates: 26 Pledged: 26 Not pledged: 12

NEW YORK

Type of election: Closed Proportional Primary/ “Dual” Primary (delegates run too)

Deadline for registration: January 18

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats only

Deadline for changing parties: ????

Number of delegates: 232 Pledged: 232 Not pledged: 48

NORTH CAROLINA

Type of election: Proportional/Modified Primary

Deadline for registration:

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT REGISTERED with a political party

Deadline for changing parties ????

Number of delegates: 91 Pledged: 91 Not pledged: 19

NORTH DAKOTA

Type of election: Open Caucus

Deadline for registration? ????

Who can vote for Obama? Any Party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A Number of delegates: 13 Pledged: 13 Not pledged: 8

OKLAHOMA

Type of election: Closed/Proportional Primary

Deadline for registration: January 11

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats

Deadline for changing parties: Not allowed only from June through August of an even numbered year (otherwise, presumably, allowed.).

Number of delegates: 38 Pledged: 38 Not pledged: 9

RHODE ISLAND

Type of election: Proportional/Modified Primary

Deadline for registration: 30 days before the election

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT REGISTERED with a political party

Deadline for changing parties: also 30 days before the election

Number of delegates: 21 Pledged: 21 Not pledged: 11

TENNESSEE

Type of election: Proportional/Open Primary

Deadline for registration: January 7

Who can vote for Obama? Any Party

Deadline for changing parties: N/A

Number of delegates: 68 Pledged: 68 Not pledged: 17

UTAH

Type of election: Proportional/Modified Primary

Deadline for registration: January 7 (by mail) and January 29 (in person)

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT REGISTERED with a political party

Deadline for changing parties ????

Number of delegates: 23 Pledged: 23 Not pledged: 6

Sources: The New York Times, The Green Papers, Rock the Vote, various states' Election websites (many of which were sorely lacking in the most basic information), and some Democratic Party websites.

This has been extremely time-consuming information to gather because, for some unaccountable reason, there does not appear to be a central repository of factoids about presidential primaries - not even in Wikipedia. I was not able to obtain all the information I wanted, in addition to which some may not be accurate. Therefore, I would really appreciate any comments or corrections. If you have a correction to make, could you please provide the source so that I can include it? This will help all of us.

Key:
* = If you are 17 years old you can caucus, so long as you will be 18 by or on November 4, 2008.
† = Date and validity of votes in dispute
†† = Contradictory information
???? = Could not find information - need help on this.
Finally, here is an excellent website known as The Green Papers that explains in more detail how the different voting processes work and explains terms such as "Modified Primary" and "Proportional Primary." It also contains frequent updates about dates, etc...
http://www.thegreenpapers.com/

NOTE TO ALL: MY MAIN DIFFICULTY IS IN ANSWERING THE QUESTION: LAST DAY TO CHANGE PARTIES (SO THAT PEOPLE CAN VOTE FOR OUR CANDIDATE)

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Great Job! | Report to Admin

By Sharon Nov 18th 2007 at 12:28 am EST

Hi Athena:
Great job! The only thing that I would mention is that the New Hampshire date has not been determined for sure, but during a conference call today (National Call Team), a rep from NH said that they think it will be January 8 th.

Thanks for compiling the info.

Re: Great Job! | Report to Admin

By Athena Nov 18th 2007 at 12:31 am EST

Thanks! I will put TBD and Jan. 8 in brackets, then.

Re: Great Job! | Report to Admin

By Jim "Hussein" Nov 18th 2007 at 9:18 am EST

Thanks for the information.

Jim

thanks! | Report to Admin

By Katharine Stavrinou Nov 18th 2007 at 2:36 pm EST

Athena,
thanks for all the hard work! I don't see anything for Oregon, so Im assuming it's later. Interesting how many southern states have primaries open to any registered voter. I wonder what that might mean as the primaries heat up- I predict alot of Republicans will go with Obama!

Go Obama! | Report to Admin

By David Pearl Nov 18th 2007 at 12:52 am EST

Presidential Primary and Caucus Dates are changing almost every week, so if you wanna keep up on the latest, just click on the Presidential Primary and Caucus Dates link on my blog:
Link
By the way, I suspect that the Nov 13 revision has an error in Michigan note 2 referencing March 15 (should be January 15)

YES GREAT IDEA HERE.. | Report to Admin

By SDP Nov 18th 2007 at 10:06 am EST

I would add also that anyone who wishes to change their party temporarily to Democrat in order to vote for Obama in the Primaries...(at least here in California) can do so and then can change back to their party after they make their vote in the primaries and then still be able to vote for Obama in the major election. We have had three people come up to our tabling booth in Covina,California that once informed how to do this are now Obama supporters two for sure were Republicans..but are not anymore...:)

California Info | Report to Admin

By TCP (Tim Prudhel) Nov 18th 2007 at 11:08 am EST

Hey Athena,

Great info! Thanks for posting all of this.

Here's the scoop for California:

CALIFORNIA

Type of election: Proportional Modified Primary (Modified Closed Primary System)

Deadline for registration: January 22*

Who can vote for Obama? Democrats and those registered to vote but NOT SPECIFYING a political party (i.e., all dems and only those registered as "Decline to State." Decline to State voters are designated as "U" by election officials on the official voter rolls, and will only be given a dem ballot if they request one from their county elections official or at their polling place; otherwise they get a non-partisan ballot and cannot vote for a presidential candidate.

Deadline for changing parties Jan 22*

Number of delegates: 370 Pledged: 370 Not pledged: 71

*Normally, the Jan 22 date would be Jan 21 (15 days before the election), but Jan 21 is a state holiday, so for 2008 the deadline is Jan 22.

Hope this helps.

Anyone needing more info on important California election dates or regulations can email me and I'll get them the info.

Thanks again for compiling all of this, Athena!

Re: California Info - Source | Report to Admin

By TCP (Tim Prudhel) Nov 18th 2007 at 11:18 am EST

Oops...forgot to give you the link re: the source of the California info I posted. It's from the California Secretary of State's website at:

Link

Re: California Info | Report to Admin

By Lance Nov 18th 2007 at 9:04 pm EST

Tim and Athena... I'm not sure but, I don't think that what party your affiliated with is relevant in the primary election. I'm basing this only on this letter I received from the Registrar of Voters for Alameda County:

"Recently, you received a notice providing you the option to request a crossover ballot for the upcoming February Presidential Primary Election. the "Non-Partisan Voter's Request for Partisan Ballot" letter was mailed to you in error. The law permits qualified political parties to allow non-partisan voters to crossover and vote for their candidates (except for central committee members) in a Primary Election. The notice was intended to be mailed to only those voters who did not choose a qualified party when registering to vote.

While you received this letter in error it in no way affets your party affiliation or voter registration status. We appreciate and understand your concern and no further action is required on your behalf."

Again: this may or may not differ with your findings but, I just in case.....

Thanx!

Re: California Info | Report to Admin

By Athena Nov 18th 2007 at 11:00 pm EST

Lance: I was confused about this too in the beginning.

The way I understand it is that the primaries are closed to non-democrats who are already affiliated with other parties but OPEN to unaffiliated voters. GENERALLY, this means independent voters, but not always, as some states may have such a thing as Independent Party (or Green party).

This is why it is callewd a "modified promary." The link at the end of the blog, The Green Papers, really explains this well.

Re: California Info | Report to Admin

By TCP (Tim Prudhel) Nov 19th 2007 at 2:58 pm EST

Lance and Athena,

The party you’re registered with is absolutely critical for California’s primary election.

If you want to vote for Barack, you must be registered as a Democrat or as a “Decline to State” voter. Those are the only 2 registrations that can vote for a Democratic presidential candidate. Those registered as Independents, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians, etc. cannot vote a Democratic ballot unless they re-register as Democrats or as Declined to State voters by January 22.

The Alameda County letter really does confuse the issue.

For the Feb 5th primary, each registered party decides who can vote in their party's primary. The California Democratic Party is allowing only Democrats and those who are registered as Decline to State voters to vote in the Democratic primary.

Anyone registered with any other party affiliation (including Independents, Republicans, Greens, & Libertarians) cannot vote on the Democratic ballot (and thus cannot vote for Barack) unless they change their registration by January 22, 2008 to either Democrat or Decline to State.

Decline to State voters have to specifically request a Democratic ballot; otherwise they're given a non-partisan ballot (which doesn't have any presidential candidates on it). So what the various counties are supposed to be doing is mailing letters to all of the Decline to State voters (only), advising them that they can request a "partisan ballot" that includes the presidential candidates. If a Decline to State voter wants to vote for Barack, he needs to specifically request a Democratic ballot.

Apparently, Alameda County mistakenly mailed their letters to other than Decline to State voters.

I’m sure that will confuse lots of folks!

Re: California Info | Report to Admin

By TCP (Tim Prudhel) Nov 20th 2007 at 7:20 am EST

P.S. The deadline for changing parties (i.e., re-registering) is January 22, 2008. Postmarked registration forms are acceptable.

New York Info | Report to Admin

By Patty Nov 18th 2007 at 12:17 pm EST

All info is correct above. Here is the rule for changing parties, or selecting a party if you are registered with no party affiliation:

A change of enrollment takes effect following the first general election occurring at least 25 days after the form is filed.

Link

So, unfortunately, if you are not now a registered Dem, you will be unable to vote in Feb.5 Dem primary.

This was taken from the Monroe county board of election site, but applies state-wide.

Re: New York Info | Report to Admin

By Athena Nov 18th 2007 at 12:42 pm EST

Patty, thanks for this.

But can someone change parties late under a "no excuse" formula - which means that you're late, period (I've seen that in other states).

Or how about if you just moved to the state or moved elsewhere within the state? Is there a deadline in that case that people can still make?

Re: New York Info | Report to Admin

By Patty Nov 18th 2007 at 4:36 pm EST

well, I just went thro the 608 page NYS election law PDF

Link

and it seems there is not a "no excuse" formula that I could see.

Also if you are moving from another state, it seems that you would be considered a "new voter" and could register within the 25 day rule.
*although you must be a resident of the state for at least 30 days, so that would put you at a Jan. 4, 2008 registration date(not the 5th or 6th-which are Sat.& Sun.) to vote in the Feb.5,2008 primary.

as far as moving within the state, you have to follow the regular rules of party enrollment change listed above.

Re: New York Info | Report to Admin

By Athena Nov 18th 2007 at 5:48 pm EST

Bummer! Thanks!

Re: New York Info | Report to Admin

By Patty Nov 20th 2007 at 9:48 am EST

Just an update~

-If you have sent in your form to register to vote-

MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM YOUR COUNTY VERIFYING YOUR REGISTRATION

If you have not heard from them within 1-2 weeks~ *******BE SURE TO CHECK*********

Here is a voter registration form to download and print(with the different county addresses & phone #)

Link

***This must all be done by January 11*****

I sent in a voter form for my daughter in early Oct. I just called to check and it seems "it got lost in the mail" So we are going down in person tomorrow.

If you are a college student - take care of all of this when you are home on break for Christmas

You also can ask for an absentee ballot when registering or call the office directly

If there is any way you can get home on that Tues. Feb 5th to vote in person, that would be great!!

Otherwise, your absentee ballot must reach them by Feb. 4th.

Have any more specific questions about voting in New York State- email me at- pattyforobama@yahoo.com

REMEMBER We have to work EXTRA hard to get Senator Obama a win in NY(since many will be supporting Hillary)

Iowa Caucus | Report to Admin

By Dude for Hope who is really, really proud to be an Iowan Nov 18th 2007 at 7:18 pm EST

Hi Athena,
You might want to note that here in Iowa, republicans and independents can caucus for Senator Obama if they are willing to temporarily change their party affiliation to Democrat for the evening. We are being told that they can fill out a form at the caucus site when they arrive and then fill out another form when they leave to restore their affiliation to whichever they prefer. We are encouraging our republican friends to come and caucus for Obama. Some say they will vote for him if he is the democratic nominee, but can't quite take the step of changing their affiliation. I'll keep trying until Jan 3rd.

Fired Up! & Ready To Go!!!!

Re: Iowa Caucus | Report to Admin

By Rena Dec 30th 2007 at 11:55 pm EST

Please tell these Republican friends that people all over the country are counting on them to help us win Iowa. They can change their party affiliation back right after the caucus!! Those of you in Iowa have a greater power and thus greater responsibility to vote for *the one* - the time is now! If I could beg them myself I would...

Thank you for all your work out there. Good luck!!

Athena: Excellent Info About Early Caucuses, Primaries | Report to Admin

By Jim "Hussein" Nov 21st 2007 at 10:02 am EST

Athena:

Thanks so much for your excellent compilation of the...

1. What
2. When
3. How
4. Where
5. Etc.

....INFORMATION regarding early Caucuses and Primaries.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Jim

please post in more places! | Report to Admin

By marti Dec 9th 2007 at 12:04 am EST

I was looking for this info a while back. Never got anything back from the answer center. I have learned to rely on blogs for answers to most of my questions. I think you should get someone to post this on the myspace blog section, that is where I first learned a lot of info, until I got more situated here. I was worried about this very thing, as I remember years ago I lived in California and wanted to vote for a different party in the primariesand was shocked to learn I could not! And by then it was too late. More people need to see this, so many are just now getting involved in politics and I would hate for them not to be able to vote for Barack.

Great post! | Report to Admin

By Rena Dec 30th 2007 at 11:51 pm EST

One more that you missed... The Massachusetts legislature voted to move up the primary to super tuesday:

Massachusetts

Date of voting: February 5
Type of election: Primary
Doors open: ?
Deadline for registration: January 16th.
Who can vote for Obama? Registered Democrats and registered voters who are unenrolled (unaffiliated with a party).
Deadline for changing parties: January 16th.
Number of delegates: 121 total delegate votes - 61 district / 20 at large; 12 Pledged PLEOs; 26 Unpledged PLEOs; 2 Unpledged add-ons

Information about Cacuses, Primaries | Report to Admin

By Jim "Hussein" Jan 14th 2008 at 5:32 pm EST

Athena:

Do you have the link below:

Link

Jim

Content on blogs in My.BarackObama represents the opinions of community members and in no way should be interpreted as endorsed or approved by the campaign.