Super Tuesday is the day when a great number of states hold their primary elections and caucuses in order to help decide who the Republican and Democratic presidential candidate should be. It is so called “Super” because so many states hold their primary events on this day. Until this point, only four states have made their primary decision and their delegate contribution has been relatively low.

Today, 859 delegates are up for grabs for the Democratic party, with strong competition between candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. On the Republican side, slightly less is at stake with 595 delegates available, but with three candidates in a dead heat, the outcome of this day will be monumental for the fate of the GOP.

Polls will be closing late in the evening in the 13 states when results will begin rolling in. Some will be extremely close while others will be decided instantly.

States Participating in Super Tuesday:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska (R)
  • American Samoa (D)
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado (D)
  • Georgia
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming (R)

The largest prize for both Democrats and Republicans will be whomever takes Texas as it has a great deal of delegates to be claimed. Republicans are battling over 155 delegates, while Democrats will be fighting for a whopping 222 delegates. Georgia, Virginia, and Massachusetts all have significant delegates to give on the Democratic side as well.

We can only wait and see what sort of news Super Tuesday will bring and hope that the American people recognize the importance of their participation on such an important day. If you are from these states, please take part in your patriotic duty and have a voice in this extremely important election. For the rest of us, we wait with baited breath to see whether Super Tuesday brings us a Wednesday of celebration or desperation.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com