President Joe Biden is aiming to strengthen his position as the Democratic nominee for reelection with Democratic voting taking place on Saturday in Wyoming and Alaska. While these two states have small populations and typically have minimal impact on presidential elections, they are still important in the nomination process.
Alaska
Alaska Democrats are conducting a voice vote for their party-run preference poll during in-person and virtual district meetings. Biden is the sole candidate on the ballot after Dean Phillips, the only other qualifying Democrat, suspended his campaign. The vote was initially planned as a ranked vote election by mail but was changed due to the limited number of candidates. Despite having only one candidate, the Alaska Democratic Party proceeded with the vote to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
Alaska will allocate 15 pledged delegates based on the outcome of Saturday's vote.
Wyoming
Wyoming Democrats will hold county caucuses to determine which presidential candidate will receive the state's 17 national delegates. The caucuses will also select delegates for the state Democratic convention in June. While 13 national convention delegates will be chosen at the state convention, the remaining four automatic delegates have not yet pledged their support to any candidate.
The winner of the presidential poll in Wyoming will receive the first-round vote of all 17 delegates at the national convention. Subsequent rounds of voting, if necessary, will allow delegates to vote for any candidate of their choice.
These voting processes in Alaska and Wyoming are crucial steps in the nomination process as President Biden looks ahead to the general election in November.
