What is the difference between Primary Elections and General Election?
The General Election is held after the Primary Election. Primary Elections are held by a state-by-state basis. Click here to find out when your state’s Primary Election is. The Primary Election narrows the field of candidates. Each party selects a party member in the Primary Election, to run for the General Election. Most commonly the Democratic Party chooses one candidate and the Republican Party another during the primary elections. Then the two candidates face each other in the General Election where the voting public decides who they want to fill the office. Other parties can also become involved. Independent and Green Party Candidates have run in previous elections. Currently there is one Independent Party Member serving in Congress.
