How it works: This plan divides the country into four regions based on size: 12 smallest states, 13 next smallest, 13 medium sized, and 12 largest (see map below).

The smallest region would vote first, and the largest would vote last. Voting would be broken up into 4 months: February, March, April and May.

The plan is known as the Delaware Plan because Delaware Republicans officially proposed the plan at the 2000 Republican Convention. It failed when party leaders tabled the issue, fearing a heated debate would overshadow the nomination.

Advantages : Proponents of the plan say it creates small-state retail politicking in the early rounds, and gives candidates a chance to build momentum.

Since the majority of delegates wouldn’t be available until the last month of voting, more candidates would theoretically stay through until all the votes are counted

Disadvantages : Critics argue large states wouldn’t get their fair share.

In theory, candidates might stay in the race until most of the delegates are available. But they fear one candidate could build enough momentum in the early rounds to become the presumptive nominee.

For more details: FairVote Details the Delware Plan

Back To Main Page

Which System Do You Like The Best?

Delaware Plan