What is the difference between primary and general elections?

Primary elections and general elections are both key components of the electoral process in California. Primary elections are the first step in deciding who will represent each political party in a general election. Primaries are typically held prior to general elections, with only registered members of a particular political party allowed to vote. The purpose of a primary election is to narrow down a large pool of candidates from each political party to the most suitable candidates. The top two candidates from each primary election will appear on the ballot for the general election. In contrast, general elections are the end point of the electoral process, in which citizens of all parties are allowed to vote. These elections are used to decide major local, state, and federal races. The candidates who receive the most votes in the general election will earn their party’s nomination to hold the respective office. Generally, primary elections are usually held in the spring or summer, while general elections are held in November. In California, the primary election is scheduled for the first Tuesday in March of every even-numbered year. General elections in the state take place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.

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What is the difference between primary and general elections?

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