What is Super Tuesday, and why is it a big deal?

The 2024 United States presidential election is fast approaching, and candidates from both parties are preparing for the final stages of the nomination process.

One of the most significant dates in the lead-up to the election is Super Tuesday.

While the day is typically high-stakes, this year is expected to look a little different.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Super Tuesday?

Super Tuesday is a day during an election year in the US when the largest number of states hold their primaries and caucuses.

The difference between the two is detailed but, in essence, primaries are managed by state and local governments while caucuses are run by the parties themselves. Voting processes between the two also differ.

Differences notwithstanding, at both primaries and caucuses delegates are selected to represent their states at Democratic or Republican conventions and vote for presidential nominees.

On the Republican side, more than a third of delegations are up for grabs on Super Tuesday, and almost a third of Democratic delegates will also be decided.

In short, Super Tuesday selects delegates, and delegates go on to select presidential candidates.

When is Super Tuesday?

Super Tuesday can fall in February or March, with the exact date changing year to year.

In 2024, it will be on 5 March.

Tens of millions of Americans are eligible to vote in primaries and caucuses. Source: AAP / Sipa USA

Where did Super Tuesday come from?

The term Super Tuesday became popular in the 1980s when states began moving their primaries in an attempt to have more influence in the election.

Super Tuesday has not always achieved that goal, but it is typically a make-or-break moment for candidates as the race for the White House narrows.

Which states are in Super Tuesday?

Fifteen states and one territory will head to the polls on Super Tuesday.

The states are Alabama, Alaska (for Republicans), Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and American Samoa.

In Alaska, Democrats will vote on 6 April.

What can we expect on Super Tuesday?

With so many states and a territory voting across different time zones, it could take a while for the full results to be clear.

In years past, success on Super Tuesday has required a tremendous ground game, top-notch fundraising and serious momentum.

But this year, things are different.

On the Republican side, Super Tuesday is seen as the last real chance for challenger Nikki Haley to upend former president Donald Trump’s march towards becoming the party’s flagbearer once again.

Trump has steamrolled past his Republican challengers in early primaries, with only Haley, his former UN ambassador, left standing.

Haley has only won one Republican primary so far, in Washington DC, with Trump winning all others.

There is even less high-stakes drama on the Democratic front, as

has been running without any serious challengers.

What happens next?

Haley has previously pledged to stay in the race through Super Tuesday – though another slate of losses could doom her campaign.

She has argued that most voters are opposed to a rematch between “chaos” candidate Trump and Biden — two men aged 77 and 81 respectively — who she says

.

Trump’s campaign predicts he will win at least 773 delegates on Super Tuesday and surpass the magic number needed to secure the nomination.

Biden is

for the job by his party, likely setting up a rematch with Trump.

The Republican National Convention will be held from 15-18 July, while the Democratic National Convention will be held from 19-22 August.

The presidential election will be held on 5 November.

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