- Candidate polling average is at 3.5% or above in national polls.
- Candidate polling average is at 4% or above in Iowa polls.
- Candidate polling average is at 4% or above in New Hampshire polls.
This is the first time that polls from Iowa and New Hampshire will be used to determine if a candidate is in the debate.
The polls that have been released between October 29 - December 13 will be used by CNN to determine the candidates that will be in the debate. If a poll is released on December 13, it must be released by 5 pm.
There will also be an under card debate. If a candidate fails to make the prime time debate they could be in the under card debate as long as the candidate reaches at least 1% in four separate Iowa, New Hampshire or national polls.