Definition

Noun: A primary election is a preliminary election held to select a political party's candidate for a public office. Voters choose which candidate from within a party will represent that party in the subsequent general election.

Usage

A primary election is a key step in the electoral process of some countries, notably the United States. It is an intra-party contest where registered party members (or sometimes all voters) decide their party's nominee.

Examples

• The incumbent senator faced a strong challenger in the Democratic primary election.
• Winning the early state primary elections is crucial for building campaign momentum.
• Voter turnout in the presidential primary election was higher than expected.

Advanced Usage

• Closed primary: A type of primary election where only voters registered with a specific party may vote in that party's primary.
• Open primary: A type of primary election where voters are not required to declare a party affiliation and may choose any party's primary ballot to vote on.
• To win/carry/lose a primary: Common collocations describing the outcome of a primary election.
  • The candidate worked hard to win the Iowa primary.

Variants and Related Words

• Primary (n.): A common shortened form of "primary election."
  • She is campaigning ahead of the New Hampshire primary.
• Runoff primary: A second primary election held if no candidate achieves a required majority in the first primary.

Synonyms

• Nominating election
• Primary (as a noun)

Related Phrases

• Primary season: The period during which primary elections are held across different states.
• Primary day: The specific day on which a primary election is held in a particular jurisdiction.

Noun

1. a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen