How it works: This plan would divide the country into four regions: Northeast, South, Midwest and West. Each region would vote in a different month: March, April, May or June. (see map below)

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

Recognizing their traditional role in selecting nominees, Iowa and New Hampshire would be given exceptions. Both would vote in February, ahead of the assigned schedule.

Advantages : Proponents of the plan say it starts regional conversations. Even if a candidate doesn’t visit your particular state, he or she would still be talking about issues that affect your life.

Candidates would be able to spend time in one part of the country instead of flying back-and-forth to early primary states across the country.

Proponents of the plan include both the National Association of Secretaries of State and the 2005 Commission on Federal Election Reform, which was co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker.

Disadvantages : Critics say the plan draws too much attention to the region voting first. Three-quarters of the country would be on the sidelines for the first month.

When it comes time for the second or third region to vote, would there still be a choice or will one candidate have the nomination locked up?

Critics also say the system unfairly gives certain candidates a leg up. For example, if the southern region is voting first, logic says a southern candidate would have a better chance off the bat than a candidate from the northeast.

For more details:

National Association of Secretaries of State

Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform

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Rotating Regional Plan