The Green Papers
The Green Papers
Statutory Election Information
of the Several states

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General Election only
Presidential Primary only
State Primary only
Polling times only

State Statutory Election Information
Presidential Primary
Alabama
  • (--2006) Section 17-16-6. Presidential preference primaries and primary elections, except special primary elections ... shall be held on the first Tuesday in June....
  • (2007-2011) Section 17-13-100 (a) Primary elections for the purpose of determining the preferred candidates for President of the United States shall be held the first Tuesday in February each year in which a President is to be elected beginning in the year 2008. (c) (2) Qualified electors in Mobile County, Baldwin County, and any county that recognizes Mardi Gras as a county holiday may vote in the presidential preference primary on the Wednesday preceding the first Tuesday in February. (4) When early voting is provided, votes on that day shall be counted by poll workers at the voting centers and the results shall be sealed without disclosure... such results shall remain sealed until the first Tuesday in February, when the final tabulation and canvassing shall be conducted, after which all results shall be announced at the same time.
  • (2011-2015) Primary elections for the purpose of determining the preferred candidates for President of the United States shall be held the second Tuesday in March each year in which a President is to be elected beginning in the year 2012. [§17-13-100a]
  • (2015--) Primary elections for the purpose of determining the preferred candidates for President of the United States shall be held the first Tuesday in March each year in which a President is to be elected beginning in the year 2016. [§17-13-100a]
Alaska
  • (--1984) None... Presidential Primary legislation [AK Statutes 15.25.220-15.25.280] repealed, 1984
American Samoa
Arizona
  • (--2014) (NOTE: called a "Presidential Preference Election" in the Statutes)
    4th Tuesday in February of a Presidential Election year
    [AZ Revised Statutes 16-241A]...however,
    the Governor may- by proclamation- proclaim an earlier date provided that he/she does so prior to 150 days before the new date of the "Presidential Preference Election" as declared in his/her proclamation
    [AZ Revised Statutes 16-241B]
  • (2014--) (NOTE: called a "Presidential Preference Election" in the Statutes)
    A presidential preference election shall be held on the Tuesday immediately following March 15 of each year in which the President of the United States is elected ....
    [AZ Revised Statutes 16-241A]...however,
    the Governor may- by proclamation- proclaim a later date provided that he/she does so prior to 180 days before the new date of the "Presidential Preference Election" as declared in his/her proclamation
    [AZ Revised Statutes 16-241B]
Arkansas
  • (--2019) What the statutes call a "Preferential Primary Election" is required for the selection of delegates to any Party's quadrennial National Nominating Convention. [AR Code 7-8-201]...
    [NOTE: the clear implication being that the date of the resultant Presidential Primary would be the same as that of such a "Preferential Primary Election" as stated in AR Code 7-7-203(b). Hence, the "Preferential Primary Election" is held 3 weeks [AR Code 7-7-203(b)] prior to the 2nd Tuesday in June (for 2016, 3 weeks prior to the 4th Tuesday in March) "General Primary Election" [AR Code 7-7-203(a)].]
  • (2019--) ... on the 1st Tuesday after the first Monday in March [AR Code 7-7-203(b)(2)].
California
  • (--2004) at the same time as the State Primary [1st Tuesday in March in even-numbered years (CA Elections Code 1000c, 1201a)] in Presidential Election years
    [CA Elections Code 1000c, 1202]
  • (2005-2007) The first Tuesday after the first Monday in June in Presidential Election years [CA Elections Code 1000c, 1202].
  • (2007-2011) The first Tuesday in February of each year evenly divisible by the number four. [CA Elections Code 1000 (e)].
    The presidential primary shall be held on the first Tuesday in February in any year evenly divisible by the number four, and shall not be consolidated with the statewide direct primary held in that year. [CA Elections Code 1201]
  • (2012-2018) The presidential primary shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June in any year that is evenly divisible by the number four, and shall be consolidated with the statewide direct primary held in that year. [CA Elections Code Section 1202]
  • (2019--) The presidential primary shall be consolidated with the statewide direct primary in any year that is evenly divisible by four, and the consolidated primary shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March. [CA Elections Code Section 1202(a)]
Colorado
  • Friday next after 1st Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    [CO Revised Statutes 1-4-1202(1)]
  • (2011-2019) ... the precinct caucuses shall be held on the first Tuesday in March ... [CO Revised Statutes 1-3-102 (1) (a) (I)]
  • (2020--) In the 2016 general election, voters approved Proposition 107 which restores the presidential primary election. SB 17-305 1-4-1203: "A presidential primary election shall be held on a Tuesday on a date designated by the governor. The date selected for the primary must be no earlier than the date the national rules of the major political parties provide for state delegations to the party's national convention to be allocated without penalty and not later than the third Tuesday in March"
Connecticut
  • (--2007) 1st Tuesday of March in Presidential Election years
    (CT General Statutes 9-464)
  • (2007-2011) On the first Tuesday in February of each year in which the President of the United States is to be elected, each party shall conduct a primary in each town if the names of two or more candidates are to be placed on such party's ballot ... (CT General Statutes Section 1. Section 9-464)
  • (2011-2023) On the last Tuesday in April of each year in which the President of the United States is to be elected, each party shall conduct a primary in each town if the names of two or more candidates are to be placed on such party's ballot ... [CT General Statutes Section 1. Section 9-464]
  • (2023--) On the 1st Tuesday in April of each year in which the President of the United States is to be elected, each party shall conduct a primary in each town if the names of two or more candidates are to be placed on such party's ballot ... [CT General Statutes Section 1. Section 9-464]
Delaware
  • (--2011) ... a presidential primary election for major political parties shall be conducted on the first Tuesday in February in the calendar year of a presidential election. [Delaware Code, Title 15, Chapter 31, Subchapter V. § 3181 (a)]
  • (2011--) ... a presidential primary election for major political parties shall be conducted on the fourth Tuesday in April in the calendar year of a presidential election. [Delaware Code, Title 15, Chapter 31, Subchapter V. §3181 (a)]
  • (2024-2024) ... a presidential primary election for major political parties shall be conducted on the 1st Tuesday in April in the calendar year of a presidential election. [Delaware Code, Title 15, Chapter 31, Subchapter V. §3181 (a)]. This Act expires on May 1, 2024 ... [Senate Bill 149, Section 2. Signed 21 July 2023.]
District of Columbia
  • (2003-2011) ... the primary under ... shall be held on the 2nd Tuesday in January of each presidential election year. [D.C. Official Code Division I. Title 1. Chapter 10. Elections. Subchapter I. Regulation of Elections. §1-1001.01(4)]
  • (2012-2015) ... the primary under ... shall be held on the 1st Tuesday in April of each presidential election year. [D.C. Official Code Division I. Title 1. Chapter 10. Elections. Subchapter I. Regulation of Elections. § 1-1001.05(b)(1)
  • (2015-2019) ... the primary under ... shall be held on the 2nd Tuesday in June of each presidential election year. [D.C. Official Code Division I. Title 1. Chapter 10. Elections. Subchapter I. Regulation of Elections. § 1-1001.05(a)(1)
  • (2019--) ... primary elections ... 1st Tuesday in June in a presidential election year and on the 3rd Tuesday in June of each even-numbered non-presidential election year ... [D.C. Official Code Division I. Title 1. Chapter 10. Elections. Subchapter I. Regulation of Elections. § 1-1001.10(a)(3)(A)]
Florida
  • (--2007) 2nd Tuesday in March in each year which is a multiple of 4
    (FL Statutes 103.101)
  • (2008-2011) Last Tuesday in January in each year which is a multiple of 4 (FL Statutes 103.101)
  • (2011-2013) There shall be a Presidential Preference Primary Date Selection Committee composed of the Secretary of State, who shall be a nonvoting chair; three members, no more than two of whom may be from the same political party, appointed by the Governor; three members, no more than two of whom may be from the same political party, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and three members, no more than two of whom may be from the same political party, appointed by the President of the Senate. No later than October 1 of the year preceding the presidential preference primary, the committee shall meet and set a date for the presidential preference primary. The date selected may be no earlier than the first Tuesday in January and no later than the first Tuesday in March in the year of the presidential preference primary. [FL Statutes 103.101]
  • (2014-2015) ... The presidential preference primary shall be held ... on the first Tuesday that the rules of the major political parties provide for state delegations to be allocated without penalty. Any party rule directing the vote of delegates at a national nominating convention shall reasonably reflect the results of the presidential preference primary .... [FL Statutes 103.101(1)]
  • (2015--) ... The presidential preference primary shall be held ... on the third Tuesday in March of each presidential election year. Any party rule directing the vote of delegates at a national nominating convention shall reasonably reflect the results of the presidential preference primary .... [FL Statutes 103.101(1)]
    If ... a political party has only one presidential candidate, neither the name of the candidate nor the names of the candidate's delegates shall be printed on the ballot." [Florida Statutes 103.101, paragraph 4]
Georgia
  • (--2007) 1st Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    (Official Code of GA 21-2-191)
  • (2007-2011) As provided in this article, a presidential preference primary shall be held in 2008 and every four years thereafter for each political party or body which has cast for its candidates for President and Vice President in the last presidential election more than 20 percent of the total vote cast for President and Vice President in the state ... Such primary shall be held on February 5, 2008, and on the first Tuesday in February every four years thereafter. (Official Code of GA 21-2-191)
  • (2011--) ... a presidential preference primary shall be held in 2012 and every four years thereafter for each political party ... which has cast for its candidates for President and Vice President in the last presidential election more than 20 percent of the total vote cast for President and Vice President in this state.... Such primary shall be held ... on a date selected by the Secretary of State which shall not be later than the second Tuesday in June .... The Secretary of State shall select such date no later than December 1 of the year immediately preceding such primary. (Official Code of GA 21-2-191)
Guam
Hawaii
  • None.
Idaho
  • (--2011) same date as the State Primary [4th Tuesday in May in even-numbered years. (ID Code 34-601(1) ) ] in Presidential Election years.
    (ID Code 34-601(4) )
  • (2011-2012) Presidential primary elections shall be held in conjunction with the primary election, on the third Tuesday of May in each presidential election year. [Idaho Statutes Title 34 Chapter 1. 34-102. s/ 23 February 2011]
  • (2012-2015) Idaho House Bill H391, signed by Governor C.L. Butch Otter (Republican) on 1 March 2012 effective 1 March 2012 removes references to the Presidential primary from [Idaho Statutes Title 34 Chapter 1. 34-102].
  • (2015-2023) A presidential primary shall be held on the 2nd Tuesday in March in each presidential election year ... Any party that intends to participate shall notify the Secretary of State no later than the last Tuesday in the November. [Idaho Statutes 34-102 (2); also 34-106 (d); 34-601. (4); 34-731 (1); s/ 9 April 2015]
  • (2023--) Primary elections shall be held on the third Tuesday of May in each even-numbered year. [Idaho Statutes Title 34 Chapter 1. 34-102.]
    30 March 2023: HB 138 was thought to consolidate the presidential primary with the state Primary so that all primary elections are held on the 3rd Tuesday in May ... but it does not specifically add a Presidential Primary to the state primary on the 3rd Tuesday in May so it effectively eliminates the Presidential Primary.
Illinois
  • (--2007) same as date of State Primary [3d Tuesday in March in even-numbered years. (IL Compiled Statutes 10-5/2A-1.1(a) )] in Presidential Election years.
    (IL Compiled Statutes 10-5/7-5(a) )
  • (2007-2010) same as date of State Primary [first Tuesday in February in even-numbered years. (IL Compiled Statutes 10-5/2A-1.1(a) )] in Presidential Election years.
    (IL Compiled Statutes 10-5/7-5(a) )
  • (2010--) same as date of State Primary [3d Tuesday in March in even-numbered years. (IL Compiled Statutes 10-5/2A-1.1(a) )] in Presidential Election years. (IL Compiled Statutes 10-5/7-5(a) ) [17 March 2010: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed SB 355, which moves the primary from the first Tuesday in February to the third Tuesday in March.]
Indiana
  • Same date as the State Primary [1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in May in even-numbered years. (IN Code 3-10-1-3)] in Presidential Election years.
    (implied by the setup of the Primary Ballot required by IN Code 3-10-1-19)
Iowa
  • (for Political party precinct caucuses -Ed) Delegates to county conventions of political parties and party committee members shall be elected at precinct caucuses held not later than the fourth Monday in February of each even-numbered year. The date shall be at least eight days earlier than the scheduled date for any meeting, caucus or primary which constitutes the first determining stage of the presidential nominating process in any other state, territory or any other group which has the authority to select delegates in the presidential nomination. [Merged Iowa Code & Supplement 43.4]
Kansas
  • (--2011) on or before the 1st Tuesday in April in Presidential Election years
    (only if, by 1 November of the immediately preceding year, no "common date" shared with at least five other States holding presidential primaries or delegate selection caucuses or conventions has been adopted)
    [KS Statutes 25-4501]
  • (2011-2015) ... there shall be held a presidential preference primary election in the year 2016, and every fourth year thereafter. [KS Statutes 25-4501. (a)]
    On or before November 1, 2015, and ... every fourth year thereafter, the secretary of state shall certify ... a common date in the next succeeding year on which at least five other states will hold a presidential [primary... convention... caucus...] at which delegates to a national convention are selected. ... If the secretary of state determines that there is no common date ..., the secretary of state shall certify ... a date, which shall be on or before the first Tuesday in April of the next ... year, on which the presidential preference primary election shall be held. [KS Statutes 25-4501. (b)]
  • (2016--) Parties select their nominees by caucus: "Each political party ... shall have procedures to select a presidential nominee and shall select a presidential nominee in accordance with such party procedures for the 2016 presidential election, and every fourth year thereafter." [KS Statutes 25-3905 (e).6]
  • (2023-2025) On March 19, 2024, for each political party that is a recognized political party ... there shall be held a presidential preference primary ... this subsection shall not apply to any ... party ... that has submitted written notice ... on ... December 1, 2023, that such political party has elected to not participate ... [K.S.A. 25-4501a, Sec. 4., (b) (1) (2)].
Kentucky
  • ... the first Tuesday after the third Monday in May, in each presidential election year (KRS 118.561(1))
Louisiana
  • (2007-2011) A statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the second Saturday in February ... except when a legal holiday falls on the second Tuesday of February, in which case, the presidential preference primary election shall be held on the third Saturday in February. [RS 18:1280.21 A.] [The legal holiday refers to Mardi Gras. -Ed]
  • (2012-2014) A statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the third Saturday after the first Tuesday in March ... [RS 18:1280.21 A.]
  • (2014-2019) A statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the first Saturday in March ... [R.S. 18:402(C)(1) and 1280.21.(A)]
  • (2019-2023) ... the statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the first Saturday in April in 2020.... [R.S. 18:1280.21(A) and 1280.21.1. A.(1)]
  • (2023--) A statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the last Saturday in March in 2024 and every fourth year thereafter ... [LA Rev Stat § 18:1280.21 (2021) A.]
    No election of any kind shall be held in this state on any of the days of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, the first two days and the last two days of Passover, Shavuot, Tish'a B'Av, the two days preceding Labor Day or the three days preceding Easter. If the date of any election falls on any of the above-named days, the election shall be held on the same weekday of the preceding week. [LA Rev Stat § 18:402 (G)]
Maine
  • (2017-2019) "No later than November 1st of the year prior to a presidential election year, the Secretary of State shall set the date of the presidential primary election, which must be held on a Tuesday in March of the year in which a presidential election is held. Whenever the state committee of a party certifies that there is a contest among candidates for nomination as the presidential candidate, the Secretary of State shall consult with the state committee of each party to determine the date of the presidential primary." LD 1673, SP 685 Sec. 4. 21-A MRSA c. 5, sub-c. 7 §431. 1.
  • (2019--) "No later than November 1st of the year prior to a presidential election year, the state committee of each party shall certify whether there is a contest among candidates for nomination as the presidential candidate. Upon receiving the certification from one or more parties, the Secretary of State shall announce the parties that will have a presidential primary election, which must be held on the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in March of the presidential election year." [LD 1626, SP 523. Sec. 4. 21-A MRSA c. 5, sub-c. 8 §441.1.]
Maryland
  • (--2007) [Election Law ยง8 201] (a) (2) A primary election shall be held: (ii) in the year in which the President of the United States is elected, on the first Tuesday in March.
  • (2007-2011) [Election Law §8–201] (a) (2) A primary election shall be held: (ii) in the year in which the President of the United States is elected, on the second Tuesday in February.
  • (2012-2015) Election Law §8–201] (a) (2) A primary election shall be held: (ii) in the year in which the President of the United States is elected, on the first Tuesday in April.
  • (2015-2023) Election Law §8–201] (a) (2) A primary election shall be held: (ii) in the year in which the President of the United States is elected, on the 4th Tuesday in April.
  • (2023--) Election Law §8–201] (a) (2) A primary election shall be held: (ii) in the year in which the President of the United States is elected, on the 2nd Tuesday in May.
Massachusetts
  • Presidential primaries shall be held on the first Tuesday in March in any year in which presidential electors are to be elected. [The General Laws of Massachusetts, Title VIII, Chapter 53: Section 28.]
Michigan
  • (--2007) 4th Tuesday in February in Presidential Election years [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a (1)]
    A political party that received 5% or less of the total vote cast nationwide for the office of president in the last presidential election shall not participate in the presidential primary election. [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a (2)]
  • (2007-2011) ... a presidential primary shall be conducted under this act on January 15, 2008, and on the fourth Tuesday in February in each following presidential election year. [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a (1)]
    ... If the secretary of state determines that all participating political parties are using a method other than the results of the January 15, 2008 presidential primary, the secretary of state shall cancel the presidential primary ... [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a (2)]
    A political party that received less than 20% of the total vote cast in this state for the office of president in the last presidential election shall not participate in the presidential primary. [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a (3)]
  • (2011-2015) A statewide presidential primary election shall be conducted under this act on the fourth Tuesday in February in each presidential election year. [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a (1)]
  • (2015-2023) (1) A statewide presidential primary election shall be conducted under this act on the 2nd Tuesday in March in each presidential election year.
    (2) A political party that received 5% or less of the total vote cast nationwide for the office of president in the last presidential election shall not participate in the presidential primary election. [MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a]
  • (2024--) (1) A statewide presidential primary election must be conducted under this act on February 27, 2024, and on the fourth Tuesday in February in each presidential election year after 2024. (2) A political party that received 5% or less of the total vote cast nationwide for the office of President of the United States in the last presidential election shall not participate in the presidential primary election. [Public Act 2 of 2023, MI Act 116 of 1954-168.613a]
Minnesota
  • (--2017) There is no Presidential Primary. Instead, Minnesota holds caucuses:
    "In every state general election year, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ... there shall be held ... a party caucus ... [Minnesota Statutes 202A.14 § Subdivision 1. (a)].
    "The chairs of the two largest major political parties shall jointly submit to the secretary of state, no later than March 1 of each odd-numbered year, the single date on which the two parties have agreed to conduct their precinct caucuses in the next even-numbered year." [Minnesota Statutes 202A.14 § Subdivision 1. (b)(1)].
    "If the chairs of the two largest major political parties do not jointly submit a single date for conducting their precinct caucuses ... then for purposes of the next general election year, the first Tuesday in February shall be considered the day of a major political party precinct caucus." [Minnesota Statutes 202A.14 § Subdivision 1. (3)]
  • (2017--) (a) A presidential ... primary must be held each year in which a president ... [is] to be ... elected. (b) The party chairs must jointly submit to the secretary of state, no later than March 1 in a year prior ... the single date on which the parties have agreed to conduct the presidential ... primary ... 1. If a date is not jointly submitted by the deadline, the presidential nomination primary must be held on the 1st Tuesday in March ... No other election may be conducted on the date of the presidential nomination primary. [Session Law Chapter: 162] [Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 207A.11, signed by the Governor 20 May 2016, effective 1 July 2017]
Mississippi
  • A presidential preference primary may be held on the second Tuesday in March of each year in which a President of the United States is to be elected. (Mississippi Code Ann. § 23-15-1081.)
Missouri
  • (--2007) ... an election for a presidential primary held pursuant to sections 115.755 to 115.785 shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each presidential election year. [MO Revised Statutes 115.123.2]
  • (2007-2014) A statewide presidential preference primary shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February of each presidential election year. [MO Revised Statutes 115.755]
  • (2015-2022) A statewide presidential preference primary shall be held on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each presidential election year. [MO Revised Statutes 115.755]
  • (2022--) 29 June 2022: HB 1878 was signed into law by Governor Michael L. "Mike" Parson (Republican). It repeals the Presidential primary [Section 115.351, 115.776, and 115.904].
Montana
  • 13-10-401. ... a presidential preference primary election will be held on the same day as the primary provided for in 13-1-107 [the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June]. [Montana Code Annotated]
Nebraska
  • The statewide primary election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in May in even-numbered years. The statewide primary election shall be held for the purposes of ... (2) electing delegates to the county, state, and national political party conventions, if applicable, (3) in each presidential election year, voting on a preference for President of the United States, ... [State of Nebraska Statutes Section 32-401]
Nevada
  • (2021--) AB126 (2021) Sec. 43.1. ... a presidential preference primary election must be held for all major political parties on the 1st Tuesday in February of each presidential election year.
New Hampshire
  • (--2007) The presidential primary election shall be held on the second Tuesday in March or on a Tuesday selected by the secretary of state which is 7 days or more immediately preceding the date on which any other state shall hold a similar election, whichever is earlier, of each year when a president of the United States is to be elected or the year previous. [RSA 653:9]
  • (2007--) The presidential primary election shall be held on the second Tuesday in March or on a date selected by the secretary of state which is 7 days or more immediately preceding the date on which any other state shall hold a similar election, whichever is earlier, of each year when a president of the United States is to be elected or the year previous. [RSA 653:9] [The law no longer requires the primary to be held on a Tuesday in the year of the Presidential election. -Ed]
New Jersey
  • (2005-2007) The last Tuesday in February in Presidential election years (A30, SB1297 / S2402, 7 July 2005) [19:2-1]
  • (2007-2008) The first Tuesday in February in Presidential election years (S2193, 1 April 2007) [19:2-1]
  • (2009-2011) Presidential primary elections ... shall be held in each presidential year on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in February ... the Secretary of state may change the date ... if the date coincides with a period of religious observance ... the secretary shall inform the ... boards of election of the adjustment no later than the first working day in January of the year prior ... (A3186, 25 September 2008) [19:2-1]
  • (2011--) Primary elections for delegates ... to national conventions of political parties and for the general election shall be held in each year on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in June (A3777, 26 September 2011) [19:2-1]. Delegates ... to the national conventions of the political parties shall be elected at the primary election to be held on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in June in that year. (A3777, 26 September 2011) [19:3-3]
New Mexico
  • 1-8-54. Presidential primary; date of election. In the year in which the president and vice president of the United States are to be elected, the registered voters of this state shall be given an opportunity to express their preference for the person to be the presidential candidate of their party in either a presidential primary election or in accordance with the selection procedure for presidential candidates of each voter's party. The presidential primary election shall be held on the same date as the primary election is held in this state. [Statutory Chapters in New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978]
New York
  • (--2007) In each year in which electors of president and vice president of the United States are to be elected an additional primary election, to be known as the spring primary, shall be held on the first Tuesday in March unless otherwise changed by an act of the legislature, for the purpose of electing delegates to the national convention, members of state and county committees and assembly district leaders and associate assembly district leaders. [CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OF THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS, ELECTION LAW, Article 8, Title 1, Section 8-100. 1. (a)]
  • (2007-2011) In each year in which electors of president and vice president of the United States are to be elected, an additional primary election, to be known as the winter primary, shall be held on the first Tuesday in February unless otherwise changed by an act of the legislature, for the purpose of electing delegates to the national convention. [CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OF THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS, ELECTION LAW, Article 8, Title 1, Section 8-100. 1. (a)]
  • (2012-2015) In the year 2012 ... the Presidential primary, shall be held on April 24, 2012 ... for the purpose of electing delegates to the national convention [CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OF THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS, ELECTION LAW, Article 8, Title 1, Section 8-100. 1. (a)]
  • (2015-2019) In the year 2016 ... the Presidential primary, shall be held on April 19, 2016 ... for the purpose of electing delegates ... to the national convention [CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OF THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS, ELECTION LAW, Article 8, Title 1, Section 8-100. 1. (a)]
  • (2019--) In the year 2020 ... the Presidential primary, shall be held on April 28, 2020 ... for the purpose of electing delegates ... to the national convention [CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OF THE CONSOLIDATED LAWS, ELECTION LAW, Article 8, Title 1, Section 8-100. 1. (a)]
North Carolina
  • (1992-2013) On the Tuesday after the first Monday in May, 1992, and every four years thereafter, the voters of this State shall be given an opportunity to express their preference for the person to be the presidential candidate of their political party. [NCGA General Statutes - Chapter § 163‑213.2.]
  • (2013-2015) "the Tuesday after the ... South Carolina presidential preference primary ..." providing that "South Carolina holds its presidential primary before the 15th day of March".
  • (2016-2019) "On March 15, 2016, the voters of this State shall be given an opportunity to express the voters' preference for the person to be the presidential candidate of the voters' political party." [House Bill 373 SECTION 1.(b)]
  • (2020--) On the Tuesday after the first Monday in March, 2020, and every four years thereafter, the voters of this State shall be given an opportunity to express their preference for the person to be the presidential candidate of their political party.... [NCGA General Statutes - Chapter 163. § 163-1 (b)]
North Dakota
Northern Marianas
Ohio
  • (--2011) at the same time as the State Primary (Tuesday next after 1st Monday in March) in Presidential Election years
    [OH Revised Code 3513.12]
  • (2011-2011) Primary elections shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May ... [OH Revised Code 3501.01 (E) (1)] ... presidential primary elections are included in references to primary elections... [OH Revised Code 3501.01 (E) (2)] ... At a presidential primary election ... delegates ... to the national conventions ... shall be chosen ... [OH Revised Code 3513.12]
  • (2011-2012) On June 12, 2012, a primary election shall be conducted for the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of President and Vice-President of the United States ... candidates for at-large delegate and alternate to the national convention of a major political party, and candidates for district delegate and alternate to the national convention of a major political party. [HB 319 Section 3 (2)]
  • (2012-2012) In the year 2012 a single primary election shall be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March for the purpose of nominating candidates for all offices that are scheduled for election in 2012... [Section 3501.02 of the Revised Code]
  • (2015-2019) ... a presidential primary election, which shall be held on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March in the year 2016, and similarly in every fourth year thereafter ... [OH Revised Code 3513.12]
  • (2019--) In years in which a presidential primary election is held, all primary elections shall be held on the third Tuesday after the first Monday in March .... [OH Revised Code 3501.01 (E)(2)]
Oklahoma
  • (--2003) 2d Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    [OK Statutes 26-20-101]
  • (2003-2011) A. A Presidential Preferential Primary for recognized political parties shall be held on the first Tuesday in February in each of the years in which the President and Vice President of the United States are to be elected. B. If one or more states having a mutual boundary with this state establish a single date for a regional primary, the State Election Board is authorized to change the date of the Oklahoma primary to the date established for the regional primary
    [OK Statutes 26-20-101]
  • (2012--) A. A Presidential Preferential Primary ... shall be held on the first Tuesday in March in each of the years in which the President and Vice President of the United States are to be elected.
    B. If one or more states having a mutual boundary with this state establish a single date for a regional primary, the State Election Board is authorized to change the date of the Oklahoma primary to the date established for the regional primary, as long as the date is not before the first Tuesday in March. [OK Statutes 26-20-101]
Oregon
  • at the same time as the State Primary [3d Tuesday in May (OR Revised Statutes 254.056(2))] in Presidential Election years
    [implied by the language of OR Revised Statutes 248.315(1)]
Pennsylvania
  • at the same time as the State Primary in Presidential Election years (4th Tuesday in April... but see NOTE re: State Primary)
    [Unconsolidated PA Statutes 25-2753(a)]
Puerto Rico
  • (--2019) The presidential primary of the Republican Party will be held on the last Sunday of the month of February ... as long as it does not precede or coincide with the celebration of the presidential primary of the State of New Hampshire. If there is such a conflict, the presidential primary will be held on the first Sunday of March. The Democratic Party presidential primary will be held on the first Sunday of June.... [§ 1324.]
  • (2019-2023) The presidential primary of the Republican Party will be held on the last Sunday of the month of February ... as long as it does not precede or coincide with the celebration of the presidential primary of the State of New Hampshire. If there is such a conflict, the presidential primary will be held on the first Sunday of March. The Democratic Party presidential primary will be held on the last Sunday of March .... [§ 1324.] ... In the case of primaries for ... President ... the same may be held on any date after the 1st Tuesday of February ... and up to June 15th ... as determined by the local body of the party .... [Chapter 407 § 4119]
  • (2024--) En, y a partir de este ciclo, las primarias presidenciales se realizarán en las fechas que el presidente de cada uno de los Partidos Nacionales Estatales le notifique por escrito al Presidente de la Comisión, no más tarde de 1ro. de diciembre del año previo al de Elecciones Generales. La fecha seleccionada por los presidentes de los Partidos Nacionales Estatales siempre será dentro del año que corresponda a la próxima Elección General.
    ... the presidential primaries will be held on the dates that each of the ... parties notifies the ... Commission in writing, no later than 1 December of the year prior to the General Election. [Article 8.6.a. (16 L.P.R.A. § 4646) (2)]
Rhode Island
  • (1996-2011) 1st Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    [General Laws of RI 17-12.1-1]
  • (2011-2023) ... fourth Tuesday in April 2012, and every fourth year thereafter
    [General Laws of RI 17-12.1-1]
  • (2023--) 4th Tuesday in April 2012, and every fourth year thereafter [General Laws of RI 17-12.1-1(a)]. for the 2024 primary .. shall be conducted on April 2, 2024. [General Laws of RI 17-12.1-1.(b)]
South Carolina
  • NOTE: State Committee of Party wishing to hold a Presidential (either Preference or Advisory) Primary alone determines the date and polling hours of same
    [Code of Laws of SC 7-11-20 & 7-11-25]
South Dakota
  • at the same time as the State Primary [first Tuesday after the first Monday in June (SD Codified Laws 12-2-1)] in Presidential Election years
    [SD Codified Laws 12-5-3.11-- which provides that, in the absence of any other method of choosing National Convention delegates and alternates by a Party, said positions shall be elected in the State Primary]
Tennessee
  • (--2003) 2d Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    [TN Code 2-13-205]
  • (2003-2007) On the second Tuesday in February before presidential electors are elected, a presidential preference primary shall be held for each statewide political party.
    [TN Code 2-13-205]
  • (2007-2011) On the first Tuesday in February before presidential electors are elected, a presidential preference primary shall be held for each statewide political party.
    [TN Code 2-13-205]
  • (2011--) On the first Tuesday in March before presidential electors are elected, a presidential preference primary shall be held for each statewide political party.
    [TN Code 2-13-205]
Texas
  • 1st Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    [TX Election Code 41.007(c)]
Utah
  • (--2006) Friday next after 1st Monday in March of Presidential Election years
    [UT Code 20A-9-802(1)(a)]
  • (2006-2011) There is established a Western States Presidential Primary election to be held on the first Tuesday in February in the year in which a presidential election will be held. [UT Code 20A-9-802(1)(a)]
  • (2011-2016) "If there is no legislative appropriation for the Western States Presidential Primary ... a candidate for President of the United States who is affiliated with a registered political party and chooses to participate in the regular primary election ..." [Subsection (6)]
  • (2017-2019) A presidential primary election shall be held each year in which a presidential election will be held. A registered political party that wishes to nominate a presidential candidate for the general election may participate in a presidential primary election ... [UT Code 20A-9-810(1) and (2)]
  • (2019--) A presidential primary election shall be held throughout the state on the 1st Tuesday in March .... [UT Code Section 20A-1-201.5 (3)]
Vermont
  • 1st Tuesday in March of Presidential Election years
    [VT Statutes 2701]
Virgin Islands
Virginia
  • (2004-2011) Primaries for the nomination of candidates for the office of President of the United States to be voted on at the November 2004 general election, and the November general election in each presidential election year thereafter, shall be held on the second Tuesday in February preceding the November general election. [Code of Virginia § 24.2-544.A]
  • (2012--) Primaries for the nomination of candidates for the office of President of the United States to be voted on at the November 2012 general election, and the November general election in each presidential election year thereafter, shall be held on the first Tuesday in March preceding the November general election. [Code of Virginia § 24.2-544.A]
Washington
  • (--2011) 4th Tuesday in May of Presidential Election years... however, the Secretary of State may propose an alternative date no later than 1 August of the preceding year
    [Revised Code of WA 29.19.020(1) RCW 29A.56.020(1)]... or
    a Major Party state committee may propose an alternative date no later than 1 September of the preceding year
    [Revised Code of WA 29.19.020(2) RCW 29A.56.020(2)]... provided
    that any such alternative date then be approved by two-thirds vote of a committee- one consisting of the Secretary of State (who chairs said committee), the chair and vice-chair of each Major Party and the Party leaders of each house of the Legislature- no later than 1 October of the preceding year.
    [Revised Code of WA 29.19.020(3) RCW 29A.56.020(3)]
  • (2011-2019) 4th Tuesday in May of Presidential Election years... however, the Secretary of State may propose an alternative date no later than 1 August of the preceding year [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1. (1)]
    ... or a Major Party state committee may propose an alternative date no later than 1 September of the preceding year [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1. (2)]
    ... provided that any such alternative date then be approved by two-thirds vote of a committee- one consisting of the Secretary of State (who chairs said committee), the chair and vice-chair of each Major Party and the Party leaders of each house of the Legislature- no later than 1 October of the preceding year. [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1.(3)]
    ... No presidential primary may be held in 2012 ... [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1. (5)]
    ... Section 1 of this act expires January 1, 19 2013. [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 2. (1)]
  • (2019--) 2th Tuesday in March .... The Secretary of State may propose an alternative date .... no later than 1 September of the year before [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1. (1) and (2)(a)]
    ... or No later than the 15th day of September of the year before ... the state committee of any major political party ... may propose an alternative date .... [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1. (b)]
    ... provided that any such alternative date then be approved by two-thirds vote of a committee- one consisting of the Secretary of State (who chairs said committee), the chair and vice-chair of each Major Party and the Party leaders of each house of the Legislature- no later than 1 October of the preceding year. [Revised Code of WA - RCW 29A.56.020 Sec. 1.(3)]
West Virginia
  • at the same time as the State Primary [2d Tuesday in May of even-numbered years (WV Code 3-5-1)] in Presidential Election years
    [WV Code 3-5-3]
Wisconsin
  • (--2011) "Spring primary" ... means the primary held on the 3rd Tuesday in February to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at the spring election and to express preferences for the person to be the presidential candidate for each party in a year in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected. [WI Statutes 5.02(22)]
  • (2011--) "Spring election" means the election held on the first Tuesday in April to ... express preferences for the person to be the presidential candidate for each party in a year in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected. [WI Statutes 5.02(22)]
Wyoming
State Statutory Election Information
Presidential Primary
 

State and Local Government Outline


Modified .