Primary Election

/ˈpraɪˌmɛri ɪˈlɛkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An election held to select a party's candidate for a subsequent general or special election.
    The Democratic Party held a primary election to choose its nominee for governor.
  2. (n.) An election to decide delegates who will represent voters at a party's national convention.
    The primary election determined the delegates for the presidential nominating convention.

Forms

  • primary elections

Commentary

Typically state-regulated, primary elections vary by type (open, closed) and are instrumental in party nomination processes.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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