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Interregional Plan

How it works: This plan, created by Michigan Congressman Sander Levin (D), forms six voting blocs, each one represented by states from across the country (see map and list below).

Each bloc is designed to have a blend of large and small states. They would vote together every 2-3 weeks.

For the first cycle, the order of voting would be chosen at random. After that, the order rotates every four years, so each bloc gets a chance to vote first.

Determining Voting Blocs:

The country is divided into six regions. Anywhere from one to four states (depending on size) are then taken from each region to form interregional voting blocs. Here are the regions (letters determine the voting bloc) (also see map below):

Region 1: (A) Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont; (B) Massachusetts; (C) Connecticut, Rhode Island; (D) Delaware, New Jersey; (E) New York; (F) Pennsylvania

Region 2: (A) Maryland; (B) West Virginia; (C) Missouri; (D) Indiana; (E) Kentucky; (F) Tennessee

Region 3: (A) Ohio; (B) Illinois; (C) Michigan; (D) Wisconsin; (E) Iowa; (F) Minnesota

Region 4: (A) Texas; (B) Louisiana; (C) Arkansas, Oklahoma; (D) Colorado; (E) Kansas, Nebraska; (F) Arizona, New Mexico

Region 5: (A) Virginia; (B) North Carolina; (C) South Carolina; (D) Florida; (E) Georgia; (F) Mississippi, Alabama

Region 6: (A) California; (B) Washington; (C) Oregon; (D) Idaho, Nevada, Utah; (E) Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming; (F) Hawaii, Alaska

Advantages : Each round of voting would include states from every part of the country. Proponents say it also puts large states and small states on more equal footing in the primary process.

Candidates could play to their strengths and build momentum where he or she is doing best.

Disadvantages : Critics say they’re not sure small states would get their fair share of attention. They say well-funded candidates would be able to run expensive campaigns in big states, and ignore a lesser-known candidate’s momentum in smaller states.

For more details: Rep. Sander Levin’s Proposal

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Interregional Plan
Interregional Plan
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The Interregional Plan divides the country into six geographical regions. Then, states (or a state) from each region are assigned voting blocs. In this map, states that would vote together are grouped by color. For example, all red states would vote on the same day.

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