Why is voting in the primaries important?

In recent elections, voter turnout for primaries has been abysmal — many states had fewer than 10% of eligible voters participate, compared to around 60% in the General Election. Because voter turnout in primaries is so low, your vote matters even more!

And remember this: Primaries are Bernie vs. Hillary, not Bernie vs. Trump! Primaries are between candidates of the same party, unlike in the General Election. The winner of the Democratic Primary is nominated by the Democratic Party to go head-to-head against the winner of the Republican Primary.

Don’t get me wrong, voting in the General Election is still very important, and if Bernie wins the Primary Election, you’ll need to vote for him again on November 8th for the General Election, but in this particular instance, the Primary Election is even more important! If Bernie does not win the Democratic Primary Election, you can’t vote for him in the General Election! And that would be bad, because it could mean the Presidency going to the GOP. Bernie already polls well against GOP candidates — even better than Hillary — but Hillary has the deck stacked in her favor, and the only way for a candidate like Bernie to win the primary is massive voter turnout.

That being said, there is a significant hurdle that might prevent Bernie from facing off against the GOP nominee, which is that the typical Bernie supporter doesn’t vote! A significant number of Bernie’s supporters are young. Pollsters often don’t even bother to ask their opinion simply because they don’t get out to the ballots. We are going to change that in 2016!

‘Too Long; Didn’t Read’ Version:

Voter turnout in primaries is incredibly low, so your vote really matters. Bernie can win the General Election, but he needs to win the Primary first! Let’s flood the ballots with our votes and elect Bernie Sanders as the 45th president of the United States of America!

Your next step

Find your state below (or in the map above) to learn how to vote. It typically takes less than 10 minutes. Whatever you do, please please please please please do not wait until the last moment to register or cast your vote. Registration is open in every state right now. Many states offer online registration, 32 states (+ Washington DC) offer no-excuse early in-person voting, and some states also offer vote-by-mail (called ‘absentee voting’) so you don’t even need to leave your home!

No excuses. Let’s win this election!

Alabama has open primaries.

Alabamians can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Alabama

Online Registration Available!

Note The deadline for registration in-person is Feb 12th, but you can register online until Feb 15th!

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 15, 2016

Alaska has closed caucuses.

Alaskans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie! However, you can register and/or change your affiliation the day of the caucus.

How to vote in Alaska

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus On

March 26, 2016

Register By

March 26, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Arizona has closed primaries.

Arizonans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Arizona

Online Registration Available!

Note: This is for the Presidential Preference Election which takes place before the primary on August 30.

Primary On

March 22, 2016

Register By

February 22, 2016

Arkansas has open primaries.

Arkansans can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Arkansas

Did you know? In Arkansas, absentee and overseas ballots can be requested as late as February 29, 2016 if the request is made in person.

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 1, 2016

California has semi-closed primaries.

Californians must register as democrat or 'No Party Preference' to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in California

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

June 7, 2016

Register By

May 23, 2016

Colorado has closed caucuses.

Coloradans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Colorado

Online Registration Available!

Not a democrat? The deadline to affiliate as a democrat to participate in the Colorado caucus has passed. If you are not currently registered as a Democrat, you can not vote for Bernie. The only exception is voters turning 18 between Jan. 1st, 2016 and March 1st who may still register and affiliate, including on the day of the caucus.

Caucus On

March 1, 2016

Register By

January 4, 2016

Connecticut has closed primaries.

Nutmeggers must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Connecticut

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Note Unaffiliated voters for Bernie must change their party to Democrat by April 25th at 12:00pm

Primary On

April 26, 2016

Register By

April 21, 2016

Affiliate By

January 26, 2016

Delaware has closed primaries.

Delawareans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Delaware

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Note: The deadline for new voters is April 2, but existing voters must be registered as a democrat by February 26

Primary On

April 26, 2016

Register By

April 2, 2016

Affiliate By

February 26, 2016

Washington, DC has closed primaries.

DC residents must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Washington, DC

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

June 14, 2016

Register By

May 23, 2016

Affiliate By

May 16, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Florida has closed primaries.

Floridians must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Florida

Primary On

March 15, 2016

Register By

February 16, 2016

Georgia has open primaries.

Georgians can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Georgia

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 1, 2016

Hawaii has closed caucuses.

Hawaii residents must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Hawaii

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Note After you get registered to vote, be sure you also sign up with with the formal Democratic Party of Hawaii, which is a requirement to vote for Bernie!

Caucus On

March 26, 2016

Register By

March 26, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Idaho has semi-open caucuses.

Idahoans can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party, except those that participate in Idaho's Republican party or Constitution Party primary on March 8th, 2016.

How to vote in Idaho

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus On

March 22, 2016

Register By

March 22, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Illinois has open primaries.

Illinoisans are able to request a Democratic ballot to vote for Bernie on election day

How to vote in Illinois

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

March 15, 2016

Register By

February 16, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Indiana has open primaries.

Hoosiers can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Indiana

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

May 3, 2016

Register By

April 4, 2016

Iowa has semi-open caucuses.

Iowans registered as a republican cannot vote for Bernie Sanders! However Iowans may update party affiliation at the caucus.

How to vote in Iowa

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus Locations Find out where to caucus here

Caucus On

February 1, 2016

Register By

February 1, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Kansas has closed caucuses.

Kansans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie! However Kansans may register/update registration to democrat on the day of the caucus.

How to vote in Kansas

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus Locations — Find your caucus location here (you can find your district here)

Caucus On

March 5, 2016

Register By

March 5, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Kentucky has closed primaries.

Kentuckians must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Kentucky

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

May 17, 2016

Register By

April 18, 2016

Affiliate By

December 31, 2015

Louisiana has closed primaries.

Louisianans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Louisiana

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

March 5, 2016

Register By

February 3, 2016

Maine has closed caucuses.

Mainers must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Maine

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Not registered? Mainers that are unaffiliated or unregistered may register/affiliate at the caucus, but expect long lines. We encourage early registration if possible!

Caucus On

March 6, 2016

Register By

February 19, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Maryland has closed primaries.

Marylanders must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Maryland

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

April 26, 2016

Register By

April 5, 2016

Massachusetts has semi-closed primaries.

Bay Staters must register as democrat or undeclared to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Massachusetts

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 10, 2016

Michigan has open primaries.

Michiganders do not declare a party when registering, but must request a Democratic ballot to vote for Bernie

How to vote in Michigan

Primary On

March 8, 2016

Register By

February 8, 2016

Minnesota has open caucuses.

Minnesotans can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Minnesota

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Minnesotans only need to be eligible to vote to participate in the Caucus. You must still register to vote in the Primary, which happens after the Caucus.

Find your caucus location here.

Caucus On

March 1, 2016

Register By

March 1, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Mississippi has open primaries.

Mississippians can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Mississippi

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

March 8, 2016

Register By

February 6, 2016

Missouri has open primaries.

Missourians can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Missouri

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

March 15, 2016

Register By

February 17, 2016

Montana has open primaries.

Montanans can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Montana

Primary On

June 7, 2016

Register By

May 9, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Nebraska has closed caucuses.

Nebraskans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie! However Nebraskans may register/update registration to democrat on the day of the caucus.

How to vote in Nebraska

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus On

March 5, 2016

Register By

March 5, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Nevada has closed caucuses.

Nevadans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie! However Nevadans may register/update registration to democrat on the day of the caucus.

How to vote in Nevada

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus On

February 20, 2016

Register By

February 20, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

New Hampshire has semi-closed primaries.

New Hampshirites must register as democrat or undeclared to vote for Bernie! However, new and undeclared voters are able to register and change party at election ballots.

How to vote in New Hampshire

Note: The deadline to update affiliation was October 30th, 2015.
Check your current affiliation here — if you are currently registered to vote and not as a Democrat or undeclared, you will not be able to vote for Bernie in the primary.

Primary On

February 9, 2016

Register By

January 30, 2016

Affiliate By

October 30, 2015

Same-Day Registration!

New Jersey has closed primaries.

New Jerseyans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie! However, undeclared voters are able to change party at election ballots.

How to vote in New Jersey

Primary On

June 7, 2016

Register By

May 17, 2016

Affiliate By

April 13, 2016

New Mexico has closed primaries.

New Mexicans must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in New Mexico

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

June 7, 2016

Register By

May 10, 2016

New York has closed primaries.

New Yorkers must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in New York

Online Registration Available!

Deadline has passed The deadline to register as a Democrat was March 25th for new voters. If you are not registered as a democrat, you will not be able to vote for Bernie on April 19th. Canvass and Phonebank instead!

Primary On

April 19, 2016

Register By

March 25, 2016

Affiliate By

October 9, 2015

North Carolina has semi-closed primaries.

North Carolinians must register as democrat or undeclared to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in North Carolina

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

March 15, 2016

Register By

February 19, 2016

North Dakota has open caucuses.

There is no voter registration in North Dakota: Just show up!

How to vote in North Dakota

Caucus On

June 7, 2016

Ohio has semi-open primaries.

Ohioans do not declare a party when registering to vote, but registration is required.

How to vote in Ohio

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Note: You'll need to request a democratic ballot at the primary to vote for Bernie.

Primary On

March 15, 2016

Register By

February 16, 2016

Oklahoma has semi-closed primaries.

Oklahomans must register as democrat or Independent to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Oklahoma

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 5, 2016

Oregon has closed primaries.

Oregonians must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Oregon

Online Registration Available!

Did you know? In Oregon, you may be able to donate up to $50 and get it all back on your taxes!

Primary On

May 17, 2016

Register By

April 26, 2016

Pennsylvania has closed primaries.

Pennsylvanians must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Pennsylvania

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

April 26, 2016

Register By

March 28, 2016

Puerto Rico has open primaries.

Although Puerto Ricans are currently not able to vote in general elections, residents are able to vote for Bernie in their primaries.

How to vote in Puerto Rico

Online Registration Available!

Puerto Rico was previously going to be a closed caucus, but the new plan changes it to an open primary.

Primary On

June 5, 2016

Register By

April 16, 2016

Rhode Island has semi-closed primaries.

Rhode Islanders must register as democrat or undeclared to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Rhode Island

Primary On

April 26, 2016

Register By

March 27, 2016

Affiliate By

January 27, 2016

South Carolina has open primaries.

South Carolinians can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in South Carolina

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

February 27, 2016

Register By

January 27, 2016

South Dakota has semi-closed primaries.

South Dakotans must register as democrat or undeclared to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in South Dakota

Primary On

June 7, 2016

Register By

May 23, 2016

Tennessee has open primaries.

Tennesseans can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Tennessee

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 1, 2016

Texas has open primaries.

Texans can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Texas

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 1, 2016

Utah has open caucuses.

Utahns can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Utah

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus On

March 22, 2016

Register By

March 22, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Vermont has open primaries.

Vermonters can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Vermont

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 24, 2016

Virginia has open primaries.

Virginians can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Virginia

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

March 1, 2016

Register By

February 8, 2016

West Virginia has semi-closed primaries.

West Virginians must register as democrat or undeclared to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in West Virginia

Online Registration Available!

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the primaries!

Primary On

May 10, 2016

Register By

April 19, 2016

Wisconsin has open primaries.

Wisconsinites can vote for Bernie Sanders regardless of their registered party

How to vote in Wisconsin

Online Registration Available!

Note: Wisconsin allows registration at the polling place with proof of at least 28 days residency.

Primary On

April 5, 2016

Register By

April 1, 2016

Same-Day Registration!

Wyoming has closed caucuses.

Wyomingites must register as democrat to vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Wyoming

Only 17? If you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you can vote in the caucuses!

Caucus On

April 9, 2016

Register By

March 25, 2016

Democrats Abroad has closed primaries.

American citizens living abroad can still vote for Bernie!

How to vote in Democrats Abroad

Online Registration Available!

Primary On

March 8, 2016

Register By

March 8, 2016

Same-Day Registration!