What is a "primary" election?

A "primary" election serves the purpose of allowing political parties to select their candidates who will run in the general election. This process is essential for streamlining party nominations and ensuring that the chosen candidates represent the party's platform and values. In a primary election, members of a political party vote for their preferred candidate from within their party, determining who will advance to the general election.

The significance of primary elections lies in their influence on the candidates who will compete for public office, as they help to gauge voter support and set the stage for the wider electoral contest that follows in the general election.