What is a challenge faced due to frontloading?

Frontloading refers to the practice where a significant number of states schedule their primaries and caucuses early in the election cycle. This can lead to challenges, particularly one where election outcomes may appear to be predetermined. When many states hold their elections early, the results can create an initial momentum for candidates, often consolidating support behind a frontrunner before other states have the opportunity to weigh in. This can dissuade voters from supporting lesser-known candidates, as they may see the early results as indicating a clear winner, which can shape public perception and media coverage. Consequently, this could lead to a situation where a candidate feels they have a secure path to nomination based on early victories, potentially undermining the democratic process by limiting voters' choices later in the election cycle. This central issue illustrates how frontloading can impact the overall fairness and competitiveness of the electoral process.