Election held to determine which candidate will represent a political party for a given office in the general election. Some states have an open primary, while others have a closed or modified-closed primary. Sometimes elections for nonpartisan offices and ballot issues are consolidated with primary elections.
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Election held to determine which candidate will represent a political party for a given office in the general election. Some states have an open primary, while others have a closed or modified-closed primary. Sometimes elections for nonpartisan offices and ballot issues are consolidated with primary elections.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Primary. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/primary
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