Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of primary election: A "direct primary" is an election in which registered voters directly choose the candidates who will represent a political party in a subsequent general election.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The state uses a direct primary system, allowing citizens to vote for their preferred nominee.
  • Reforming the nomination process to a direct primary gave more power to the average voter.

Advanced Usage

• Contrast with other systems: The term "direct primary" is often used to contrast with an indirect primary (like a caucus or convention) where delegates, not the general electorate, select candidates.
  • The party debated whether to keep the caucus system or adopt a direct primary.

Variants and Related Words

• Primary (Election) (n): A preliminary election to appoint delegates or select party candidates.
  • She won the Democratic primary in June.
• Closed Primary (n): A direct primary where only registered party members can vote.
• Open Primary (n): A direct primary where voters can choose in which party's primary to vote, regardless of their own registration.

Synonyms

• Primary election: An election to select a party's candidate for office.
• Nominating primary: An election for nominating party candidates.

Related Terms

• General election: A final election for a political office, following the primary.
• Caucus: A meeting of party members to select candidates, representing an indirect method.

Noun

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