Heading into the 2024 election year, campaign ads are being blasted, “I voted” stickers are being plastered, and Americans are once again deciding the country’s political fate for the next four years. Before the general election, the primary elections on Mar. 5, also known as Super Tuesday, were held with no surprises but many takeaways for the general election. 

What is Super Tuesday?

Obviously not an ordinary Tuesday, Super Tuesday is an American tradition dating back to 1984. On the famed day, the largest number of states hold their primary elections on the same day, deciding which two main candidates will be facing off in Nov. Part of the excitement of having such a large quantity of candidates is that the results are where the general election starts to take shape. Following Super Tuesday, candidates are narrowed down, and campaigns begin cracking down in anticipation of the following months.

2024 Results

16 states and one territory participated on Super Tuesday in 2024. The results were largely lackluster as candidates had practically been set in stone before the elections even began. Unlike past precedent, like the 2008 elections which saw then candidate Barack Obama win a tight race, incumbents Joe Biden and Donald Trump had the clear lead even before the voting happened. Following the expected, Democrat Dean Phillips and Republican Nikki Haley dropped out of the race, leaving the two incumbents to have a 2020 rematch. 

Democratic Party

Despite President Biden’s low approval rating at 37%, he easily swept all of the democratic primaries held, winning 1866 delegates by the end of the day. Following past precedent, the incumbent, a president seeking reelection, is rarely ever challenged. In fact, challengers were discouraged as they could potentially weaken Biden’s campaign and tough journey ahead as the oldest sitting president with dwindling support.

Republican Party 

The story was similar for the Republicans with past President Donald Trump winning the majority of states and 1066 delegates. Uniquely for the party running against the current president, the GOP’s results hold more insight. Despite only winning Vermont and dropping out of the race, the fact that former UN ambassador Nikki Haley was able to hang on for so long was a testament that Donald Trump’s campaign isn’t without weaknesses. With the others dropping out even before Tuesday began, Haley’s determination was more a figurative, not practical symbol of a GOP future without Trump.

Voter Turnout

Unfortunately, voter turnout was grim this year with many voters losing steam with a looming 2020 rematch. The 2024 election in particular has lost popularity, especially amongst young voters, for its lack of appeal with either Trump or Biden and a sense of fatigue seeing the same battle play out for a second time. For California specifically, only 8% of voters had mailed in ballots prior to the election, a historic low showing voter fatigue. 

Takeaways

Perhaps not bringing you to the edge of your seat like prior years, the 2024 Super Tuesday has fared to be more of an ordinary day, than a landmark event. Nevertheless, the results still hold meaning as the general election inches closer everyday. The most important takeaway is to not lose interest in the election. Civic participation has been decreasing, yet it is only when America comes together in participation that they are able to elect a president that conveys the voice of the people. Take a stand, make a vote, and make a difference beyond this “not so super” Tuesday.