What does "frontloading" refer to in the context of primaries?

Frontloading in the context of primaries refers to the practice of scheduling primaries and caucuses early in the election calendar. This trend has gained significance in the selection process for presidential candidates, as states aim to increase their influence in the nomination process by holding their elections before others. The rationale is that early primaries can attract more attention from candidates and media, as well as potentially impact the momentum of candidates’ campaigns.

Therefore, holding primaries on early dates allows states to play a crucial role in shaping the field of candidates competing for the nomination. This strategy can help ensure that voters in those states have a say in the early stages of the presidential selection process, thus maximizing their political visibility and relevance.