As preparations for the 2028 presidential election ramp up, a total of 12 states are vying to secure early voting positions in the Democratic primary calendar. Iowa and New Hampshire are among the frontrunners, with Iowa Democrats advancing their bid for a first-in-nation caucus status and New Hampshire clearing initial hurdles for its application. Illinois is also pushing to move its primary date forward, although challenges remain. Prominent figures, including filmmaker Ken Burns, advocate for prioritizing citizen-led primaries, echoing the desire for a more democratic process. The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee has moved the proposals of all competing states to the next stage, marking a significant step in shaping the 2028 electoral landscape.