How to Track Primary & Caucus Results

Track up-to-date voting results through government offices and news organizations.

Political junkies in need of a quick fix might not find it practical to wait for the next day's newspaper or sit and hope the TV news shows local election results. Political season starts up January of an election year, when the caucuses and primaries start to take place, ultimately leading to the parties deciding who they will nominate.

Instructions

1. Track results on government websites. The election board of secretaries of state post primary and caucus results on their websites as the precincts and caucuses report. Many county clerk offices also post results online as they come in.

2. Track results on news websites. National news organizations, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN maintain blogs and interactive graphics with primary and caucus results. Some local newspapers, radio stations and TV newscasts also post local results online.

3. Visit government offices. Secretaries of state and county clerk offices are responsible for tracking voting results.

4. Visit state conventions. Political parties announce results as they come in during their conventions and rallies on election nights.

5. Call governmental offices. Staff at secretary of state and county clerk offices can provide primary and caucus results over the phone.

Tips & Warnings

• During presidential election years, caucus and primary results tend to be more available because of the national attention. Major news organizations managed vote trackers for the 2008 primary and caucus results.

References

• CBS News: Campaign 08: Campaign Calendar
• Federal Voting Assistance Program: 2010 Primary Elections by Month
• Iowa Secretary of State: 2010 Caucus Information

Resources

• The New York TImes: Politics: Tracking the Campaigns of 2010
• The New York Times: Election 2008: Primary Season Election Results
• Washingtonpost.com: Primaries and Caucuses; 2008
• CNNPolitics.com: Election Center 2008