# Travel >> Destinations >> South Pacific

California's Presidential Nominating Process: Primary & Caucus Hybrid

California Uses Both a Primary and a Party-Run Caucus Process

California's presidential nominating system is unique: it holds a state-run primary election AND allows parties to conduct caucus/convention elements for delegate allocation.

1. State-Run Presidential Primary

When: "Super Tuesday" (early March).
Who Votes: Registered party members (closed primary) + No Party Preference (NPP) voters if party allows (Democrats: yes; Republicans: no).
Ballot: Lists presidential candidates.
Delegate Allocation (Democrats): Proportional (15% threshold) based on primary vote — but only for ~90% of pledged delegates.

2. Democratic Party "Caucus" Layer (Delegate Selection)

Pre-Primary Endorsing Conventions: County/district meetings (Jan–Feb) where activists endorse candidates — influences slates.
Post-Primary Caucuses/Conventions (April–May): Elected delegates (from primary results) meet at congressional district & state conventions to actually select the people who go to the DNC.
PLEO & At-Large Delegates: Chosen at state convention based on primary vote.

3. Republican Process

Primary Only: Winner-take-all by congressional district (3 delegates each) + statewide (10 at-large + 3 RNC = 13) if >50%; else proportional. No caucus layer.

Why This Hybrid?

California Democrats want grassroots participation beyond a simple ballot. The caucus/convention layer lets activists shape the actual delegation.