Understanding the Primary Election Process

The primary election is a key event where political parties nominate candidates for each office up for election in the General Election. The winners of the primary election advance to compete in the General Election.

When voters request a party’s ballot in the primary election, they can vote for candidates who will represent that party in various offices during the November general election.

Voters can only participate in one party’s primary election. They also have the option to choose an issues-only ballot, allowing them to vote on specific issues without affiliating with any party. Candidates running as independents will not appear on the primary ballot but will be on the November general election ballot.

Requesting an issues-only ballot means a voter will not be registered with any political party and can only vote on issues, not candidates.

For information on contested races and other ballot details specific to your party, click the links below: