South Carolina decided to bring their Republican presidential primary poll forward, a move that has caused additional changes in the US electoral calendar. Originally the primary was set for February 2 and now it will be held on January 19 according to the state’s Republican chairman.
These primaries are held by the state in presidential election years to choose Democratic and Republican nominees. During these early elections the candidates that don’t do well tend to drop out, which means that states that decide first get more say in the matter.
This change in electoral schedule is proving itself to be a test for the candidates since their campaigns have to decide where to focus their energy and their money. Some state will use primaries which is an election where voters indicate their preference for candidates and others will use a caucuses which is a party meeting to endorse candidates.
Many larger states such as California and Florida, who have previously held their primaries at a later time in the process have decided to move their elections forward. Florida will be holding their primary on January 29 while California will hold theirs on February 5.
For South Carolina, the Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson stated that the change was necessary to protect the South Carolina tradition of being the first southern state to hold a primary during election years. The South Carolina Democrats have already said they will keep their original date of January 29 for their primary. The shifting of the dates will no doubt have affects on other states as they attempt to become the first states to hold primaries.
For poll results updated daily,
http://www.usaelectionpolls.com
