Super Tuesday: What is this day's significance in 2024 US elections?

Trump won eight states in 2016 and nearly every GOP presidential nominating contest this year

Web Desk

March 05, 2024

A voter takes a sticker after casting their ballot during early voting, a day ahead of the Super Tuesday primary election, at the San Francisco City Hall voting centre in San Francisco, California, US March 4, 2024. — Reuters

The phrase "Super Tuesday" has been making headlines in the United States for the past week, but why is a Tuesday being talked about so much and why are people eagerly looking forward to it?

According to CBS News, Super Tuesday, March 5, is when the largest number of states will hold presidential primaries or caucuses. Over a third of all the available delegates for Republican and Democratic nominations are at stake on Super Tuesday.

President Joe Biden leads the Democratic nomination with no significant primary challenge, while former president Donald Trump leads ex-United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in the Republican nomination race.

While Republicans are concerned over Trump facing federal and state charges in Washington, Florida, New York, and Georgia, with trial numbers still unknown, Democratic concerns include Biden's age, handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and voter apathy.

Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump reacts on stage during a campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia, US March 2, 2024. — Reuters

How Super Tuesday works

Registered voters in 15 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia, will vote on March 5.

Additionally, Alaska and Utah will hold caucuses.

A voter casts their ballot during early voting, a day ahead of the Super Tuesday primary election, at the San Francisco City Hall voting centre in San Francisco, California, US March 4, 2024. — Reuters

Out of these 15 GOP primaries, 11 are open to more than just registered Republicans.

Trump won eight states in 2016 and nearly every GOP presidential nominating contest this year, losing only the DC Republican primary to Haley, showcasing his dominance in the race.

The Democratic primaries in the same states, except Alaska, and American Samoa, will be held. In contrast, Iowa's caucuses were held via mail in January, with results expected to be released on Tuesday.