Louisiana’s presidential primary was again delayed until July 11 the second time the state rescheduled the contest. Voters in the state can request an absentee ballot if they’re at a higher risk for COVID-19, have tested positive or been advised by a doctor to self-quarantine.
The big picture: Since Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the 2020 race, establishing former Vice President Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee, the remaining 22 presidential primaries have been rendered largely inconsequential.
The White House is recommending, for now, that Americans practice social distancing and gather in groups of no more than 10 people. Over 20 states have stay-at-home orders in place.
States that have delayed primaries:
- Connecticut rescheduled its 2020 primary to June 2, per Gov. Ned Lamont (D).
- Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced the state will postpone its May 5 primary until June 2.
- Maryland’s election was postponed from April 28 to a primarily mail-in election on June 2.
- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) said that every county has opted to expand mail-in voting for the state’s June 2 primary, which is not expected to be delayed. Options outside of mail-in ballots are still available to constituents.
- Pennsylvania’s presidential primary is set to be postponed until June 2, AP reports, after the state’s lawmakers voted to delay the election due to rising novel coronavirus cases.
- Rhode Island will push its primary from April 28 to June 2.
- Georgia’s election will be postponed until June 9, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said.
- West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) rescheduled the state’s May 12 primary election to June 9, citing fears surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, AP reports.
- Kentucky will postpone its May 19 primary election to June 23, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams announced.
- Mississippi will postpone its March 31 congressional runoff to June 23.
- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order to postpone the state’s primary election until July 7.
- Louisiana postponed its primary from April 4 to July 11. It was the second time the primary was rescheduled.
The other side: New York state’s Democratic presidential primary will again be held on June 23, after a federal district judge reinstated the contest on Tuesday. New York Attorney General Letita has appealed the decision to hold the primary.
- Wisconsin held in-person primaries on April 7, after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers was unsuccessful in his attempt to delay the state’s election to curb the spread of COVID-19 at polling places.
- Arizona, Florida and Illinois held primaries as scheduled, though turnout took a significant hit.
- Ohio and Wyoming conducted mail-in contests.
- Maryland held a special election on April 28 to fill the late Rep. Elijah Cumming’s seat, which was won by former Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D).
What to watch: Americans should vote in the 2020 general election by mail if physically going to the polls remains unsafe, the commissioner of the Federal Election Commission said in a statement.
- New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said the state would allow mail-in ballots for the November general election.
Go deeper: FEC commissioner recommends voting by mail to safeguard against coronavirus
This story will be updated with future announcements by states.
