Democrats' Iowa primary results to be released in March in 2024 election compromise
By Jarrett Renshaw
ST LOUIS (Reuters) — The Democratic Party's Rules and Bylaws Committee gave conditional approval on Friday for Iowa's revamped 2024 election primary plan that allows the state to collect mail ballots and still hold its «first in the nation» caucus in January, but delays finalizing the results until March.
The committee also warned that it will soon strip New Hampshire of some of its delegates if it fails to comply with the party's decision to weaken its place in the nominating calendar.
Iowa Democrats will now begin mail ballot registration on Nov. 1 and hold an in-person caucus — along with Republicans — on January 15. The results for the Democratic race will be released on March 5, on Super Tuesday.
THE TAKE
The compromise honors Iowa's traditional role while ceding influence to more diverse states like South Carolina and Michigan.
The move means Iowa will not face penalties, such as losing delegates or Biden not being on the ballot, which could have isolated a state once competitive for Democrats.
The threat against New Hampshire is only likely to deepen the divide between party leaders and the Granite State, which Biden will need to heal in the 2024 race.
CONTEXT
Iowa has held the first in the nation caucus for president on the Democratic Party's calendar since 1972. But President Joe Biden earlier this year replaced Iowa with South Carolina, a state with significantly more Black voters, and one that saved his 2020 presidential campaign.
The Democratic National Committee approved the move in February, giving Black voters a greater say in the nominating process and carving an easier path for Biden's expected re-election bid.
South Carolina will be followed by New Hampshire and Nevada one week
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