[iron81]

[ QUOTE ]
When do we start doing primaries two years before the election?

[/ QUOTE ]
Probably never. The national parties are starting to crack down on this by forbidding states besides Iowa, NH, South Carolina and Nevada from having their primaries before Feb 5. The candidates are trying to discourage earlier primaries by promising not to campaign in states voting too early, thus denying them the influence they seek.

[ QUOTE ]
Are states going to lose delegates?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes. Florida Dems recently voted to move their primary to January. In response, the DNC voted to strip Florida of their delegates if they don't switch back to February.

[ QUOTE ]
Are independents going to get shut out?

[/ QUOTE ]
The way Primaries are conducted has nothing to do with independents. DYSW?

[ QUOTE ]
It's designed that way on purpose.

[/ QUOTE ]
Primaries are set by individual states rather than by any national organization. They aren't intended to be a huge mess, its just that that is what happens when local, parochial interests make decisions that have national implications.