What is a primary election?

A primary election is fundamentally defined as an election where political parties select their candidates for the upcoming general elections. This process serves as a crucial step in the broader electoral system, allowing parties to determine which individuals will represent them on the ballot in the general election.

Primaries can take various forms, such as open, closed, or semi-closed, impacting who can vote in these elections. Their primary purpose is to narrow down the field of candidates to one representative per party, enhancing the party’s chances to unify and campaign effectively against opponents in the general election.

Other options describe different types of elections that do not align with the primary election's purpose. For instance, a vote on a proposed change to the Constitution refers to a referendum and is not connected to candidate selection. A special election filling a vacancy addresses an immediate need for representation, rather than the process of choosing party nominees. Lastly, an election held every four years typically refers to the presidential election cycle or other regularly-scheduled elections, rather than focusing on the specific process of candidate selection for political parties.