What is a primary?
A primary is an election used by states to select a potential presidential nominee. The election allows each state to choose the major political parties' nominees for the general election. The primary votes determine the number of state delegates that will vote towards a candidate during the nominating convention.
Primaries also allow political parties to determine the public's views on certain key issues, such as healthcare and the economy.
What is the difference between a caucus and a primary?
A primary uses secret ballots for voting. Caucuses are local gatherings of voters who vote at the end of the meeting. Voters gather based on political party.
What happens after the primary?
After the primary, the process moves to the national nominating conventions. Each political party selects a nominee to unite behind during the convention. The number of state delegates that will vote for a candidate is determined during the primary.
Each presidential nominee also announces a vice presidential running mate.
Why are the primaries important?
Primaries determine the number of delegates a candidate will receive during the nominating convention. They also help political parties determine their state's interest in key issues.
Information courtesy of usa.gov.
