On July 22, the National Democratic Party’s Rules & Bylaws Committee passed changes to the party’s national rules, regarding dates of presidential delegate selection events. The new rules give Iowa permission to hold a caucus on January 14, permit Nevada to hold a caucus on January 19, permit New Hampshire to hold a primary on January 22, and permit a South Carolina primary on January 29. All others could begin on February 5.

The change is subject to approval by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting on August 19.

Of course a national political party cannot dictate to states when to hold primaries. New Hampshire is likely to hold its primary earlier. However, national party rules can be enforced at the national convention. States in violation of national party rules run the risk of having their delegations rejected.