primary election

/ˈprɑɪˌmɛri ɪˈlɛkʃən/

Other forms: primary elections

Primary elections are when voters have a chance to pick their party's candidate for a general election. Some primary elections require people to be registered with the Democratic or Republican party.

Primary elections, often called primaries, are named for the fact that they're the first (or primary) step in the election process. Many states hold primaries in the spring and summer, ahead of general elections in the fall. Registered Democrats, for example, choose between Democratic candidates in the primary election and then have a choice between the primary winner and a Republican (and sometimes third-party candidates) in November.

Definitions of primary election

1. noun

   a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen
   synonyms: primary

   types:

   direct primary

   a primary where voters directly select the candidates who will run for office

   closed primary

   a primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote

   open primary

   a primary in which any registered voter can vote (but must vote for candidates of only one party)

   type of:

   election

   a vote to select the winner of a position or political office