This translates into an enormous advantage for the better-known candidates, who could dominate in the areas of organization and fundraising. The recent explosion of media outlets, including the Internet, means candidates can reach into the homes of countless American voters, albeit at a very high cost. Both political parties, therefore, find themselves facing new challenges with respect to raising money and providing real opportunities for lesser-known candidates. Front-loading strongly benefits the party frontrunner because there is such a small window of opportunity for other candidates to build momentum between primaries. Poll numbers are flashed daily, and the frontrunner's status only seems to improve.
Voters get the sense that the decision has been made before their vote is even cast.
The trend of early primaries will be played out in full this year. Unfortunately, with so many of the states vying for early attention from the candidates, the primaries have done more to silence the voice of their voters than accomplish the intended goal of escalating their role. Too many states are taking the same approach and now find they are sharing the stage and competing for attention. Both parties acknowledge the need for some type of reform that will invigorate the public and bring U.S. voter participation back to a respectable level.