Because Iowa and New Hampshire have taken American politics hostage, that's why.
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The presidential primaries effect us all. So why does it seem like it's decided by a few random people in the middle of nowhere?
Well, technically, it's not. Delegates are, for the most part, awarded based on population, and are selected by primary voters or caucus-goers in all 50 states.
But that's not the whole story. Timing matters, and it matters a ton. Voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, who have already voted, basically end up having votes that are five times as powerful than the rest of us.
The power of the media, and how people respond to earlier results, make a huge difference. A win in Iowa or New Hampshire can give candidates momentum in later states, and a loss can force others to drop out before most states even vote. Which means if you live in a state with a later primary, your vote really doesn't matter much.
Iowa and New Hampshire like going first. Voters there reward politicians who promise to let them keep going first. Both states even have laws that require them to schedule their nominating contests before any other states.
So how come there isn't a national primary day, so our votes are really equal?
Watch our new video above and these squirrelly little legos will explain. If you'd like more, a couple other installments of our primaries series are here. And stay tuned next Tuesday, when we'll explain who votes in Presidential primaries.
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