Article Summary –
Former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden are both nearing the delegate counts required to secure their party’s nominations for the presidential race. Trump dominated the Republican field with over 1,075 delegates and needs under 140 more to reach the required 1,215, while Biden has 1,868 delegates, needing only 100 more to reach the required 1,968. Trump is also entering the general election phase facing 91 felony charges in four criminal cases, with his first criminal trial scheduled to begin on March 25 in New York.
Former President Trump Closes in on GOP Presidential Nomination
Former President Donald Trump may secure the Republican presidential nomination following the conclusions of GOP voting contests in Georgia, Washington, Mississippi, and Hawaii this Tuesday. President Biden is also on track to secure his respective nomination.
Primary elections are being held by Republicans in Georgia, Mississippi, and Washington, while Hawaii hosts GOP caucuses. Simultaneously, Democrats are holding primaries in Georgia, Mississippi, Washington, the northern Mariana Islands, and voting for Democrats abroad.
With major rival and former United Nations Ambassador Gov. Nikki Haley dropping out of the race after the Super Tuesday primaries, Trump’s path to the nomination has cleared. Mr. Biden faces no significant challengers.
Trump’s success comes despite the fact that he never debated any of his primary opponents and now faces 91 felony charges in four criminal cases. He steps into the general election phase of the campaign with his first criminal trial scheduled to begin on March 25 in New York.
In the four contests on Tuesday, 161 GOP delegates are up for grabs. Trump already holds over 1,075 delegates, nearing the 1,215 delegates needed to secure the nomination. On the Democratic side, Mr. Biden is closing in on the 1,968 delegates needed for nomination, with 254 up for grabs in the March 12 contests.
Should Trump secure the nomination, he would make history as the first Republican to secure the presidential nomination thrice consecutively. Richard Nixon won the GOP nomination three times, but not in consecutive cycles.
Closing Times for Today’s GOP Primaries
Georgia
Georgia’s polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., with those in line at 7 p.m. permitted to cast a ballot.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, polls open at 7 a.m. CT (8 a.m. ET) and close at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET), with voters in line at 7 p.m. allowed to vote.
Washington
Washington, being a mail-in voting state, has polls closing at 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m. ET).
Hawaii
In Hawaii, GOP caucuses are open from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. local time (12 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET).
Delegates Needed for Trump to Secure Nomination
Trump needs less than 140 delegates to reach the 1,215 delegate threshold for nomination.
Democratic Contest Poll Closing Times
Georgia
Georgia’s polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., with voters in line at 7 p.m. allowed to vote.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, polls open at 7 a.m. CT (8 a.m. ET) and close at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET), with voters in line at 7 p.m. able to cast their ballots.
Washington
Washington, a mail-in voting state, has polls closing at 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m. ET).
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands held their Democratic primaries from March 5-12, with polling stations closing at 4 a.m. ET.
Democrats Abroad
Democrats abroad can vote via mail or online, with results expected on March 19.
Delegates Needed for Biden to Secure Nomination
Following results from the Northern Mariana Islands, Mr. Biden has 1,868 delegates and needs 100 more to clinch the Democratic nomination.
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