Definitions for "Primary election"
also called primaries, these contests allow voters to pick which candidate will represent a party in the general election.
An election in which voters nominate or express a preference for a particular candidate or group of candidates for political office, choose party officials, or select delegates for a party convention.
A preliminary election in which only the registered voters of a political party nominate candidates for office. A political party may allow registered independents to vote in a primary election.