Front-loading describes the tendency for states to move their primaries and caucuses forward in an attempt to be among the first states holding a nominating contest.

State authorities believe that coming at the front of the queue increases their influence on the nomination process. However, critics argue that if too many states hold their contests in a short space of time, candidates are unable to connect with voters in each individual state.

A side effect is that the process starts earlier, and is drawn out over a longer period.