States Weigh Delaying Primaries to Save Cash

With money tight, some states may push their presidential primaries later, or even cancel them and hold party-run caucuses instead, skipping out on the race for visitors and media attention. Resigned to the influence of states like New Hampshire and Iowa, some lawmakers are making financial concerns their priority, Politico reports. Legislators in 10 states and DC say the move could save millions.

Measures floated in Alabama and California would move primaries in both states from February to June to coincide with other state elections, thus “looking after needs instead of wants,” said an Alabama lawmaker. The move would save Alabama $3.9 million, officials say. States like Massachusetts, Kansas, and Washington are considering switching to caucuses. “Ordinarily I would be the last to propose suspending an election,” says Washington’s secretary of state. “But these are not ordinary times.” (More state legislature stories.)