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Northern Marianas Primary and Delegate Rules

Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. Northern Marianas primary election and presidential delegate rule information is summarized from the source links listed on this page. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.

Quick Answer​

  • Primary types: Democratic presidential: Closed; Democratic state: Closed; Republican presidential: Closed; Republican state: Closed.
  • Consolidated presidential and state primaries: No.
  • Democratic delegates: 11 total, 6 pledged, 5 unpledged, 2 alternates.
  • Republican delegates: 9 total, 9 pledged, 0 unpledged, 6 alternates.

Northern Marianas Primary Election Types​

Primary election types by party and contest
PartyContestPrimary type
DemocraticPresidentialClosed
DemocraticStateClosed
RepublicanPresidentialClosed
RepublicanStateClosed

Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling​

Consolidated Primaries: No

MP has not merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primaries and State primaries are scheduled to run on the different dates.

In order to vote in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, you must be registered. But you do not have to indicate your party affiliation when you register. Both the Republican and Democratic Parties of MP hold “a closed primary”, which means only registered voters with a given party can take part in that party's nomination process.

Voting In Primaries​

  • Registered Republicans will take part in the Republican held primaries. While registered Democrats will take part in the Democrat held held primaries

Northern Marianas Presidential Delegate Allocation​

The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election. Candidates Ballot access rules vary depending on the candidate’s political party.

Northern Marianas presidential delegate counts
PartyTotal delegate votesPledgedUnpledgedAlternatesAllocation methodThreshold
Democratic Party11652Proportional15% minimum vote required
Republican Party9906Winner-Take-AllNot specified

Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process​

Democratic Party Delegates Allocation​

MP Democratic Party will send a total of 11 Delegate Votes - 6 at large; 5 Unpledged PLEOs to the Democratic Natiional Convention. The party will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Primary Election for apportioning pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 0
  • At-large Delegates: 6
  • Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 0
  • Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 5
  • Alternate Delegates: 2

Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown​

  • DNC Members: 4
  • Dem. Members of Congress: 1
  • Dem. Governors: 0
  • Distinguished Party Leaders: 0

Republican Party Primary Delegates Process​

Republican Party Delegates Allocation​

All 9 of Northern Marianas' delegates to the Republican National Convention are chosen in the Commonwealth Republican Caucus

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 0
  • At-large Delegates: 6
  • RNC Delegates: 3
  • Alternate Delegates: 6

About These Rules​

This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.

Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.

The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: