Front-loading is the practice of scheduling state party caucuses and primary elections earlier and earlier than the general election. The act of front-loading provides decisive momentum toward one political nominee over another.
Front-loading is believed to have a disproportionate influence on any party's presidential nomination. Similarly, rear-loading is the rabid campaigning that occurs at the end of the year-long cycle. This flurry of advertisements, media attention, campaign travel and televised debates helps solidify support for one presidential candidate over another. Studies have been done to measure the effect that front-loading and rear-loading have on voting patterns, preferences and campaign costs.
