Caucuses, on the other hand, more closely resemble meetings where voters gather, discuss and form groups to express their preferences for candidates. These can require much longer time commitments and can be confusing for both new and experienced voters.

The state Republican Party began its three-step process last week with its precinct caucuses. Delegates who are named at that level will go on to a county convention this weekend and then to the state convention.

The Wyoming Democratic Party, meanwhile, uses a simpler process that is similar to traditional caucuses.

The political parties largely are allowed to set their own rules for how their presidential nominating process works. But Zwonitzer said legislation – and likely funding – would be needed to give them the option of setting a primary.

The study was one of dozens that the Management Council assigned to the Legislature’s standing committees on Wednesday.

One of biggest issues lawmakers will tackle in the months leading up to next year’s session is how to address a looming K-12 funding shortfall.