Explanation of Primary Elections

Primary elections are an important part of the election process.

A primary election is a preliminary election. Primaries are used to select nominees or delegates. Traditionally, New Hampshire holds the first primary of a presidential election year. A good showing in the early primaries has historically been an indicator of the likely nominees for the presidential election.

Significance of Primary Elections

Primary elections narrow the field of candidates for the general election. During presidential election years, primaries are used to determine the candidates for the November election. Primaries are used to select candidates for all levels of public office.

Types of Primaries

Closed primaries are limited to the members of the party. Voters must register the their party affiliation, and they are limited to voting in that party's primary election. Open primaries allow voters from all parties but voters are only allowed to participate in one party's primary. Blanket primaries allow participation from all voters in both party elections.

Caucuses

Caucuses serve in place of primary elections in some states. Caucuses involve a series of meetings at each level of a political party. The meetings are limited to party members only. This is considered a less democratic option.

References

• The Primaries
• Primary Elections