What is the difference between primary and general elections?

Primary elections and general elections are two different types of elections held in Washington to select candidates for public office. Primary elections are held first and are used to determine the political candidates who will face off against each other in the general election. Primary elections are typically open-party elections. This means that candidates can run for office without having to declare a political party, and voters are able to choose whichever candidate they prefer regardless of their party affiliation. In this type of election, the top two candidates with the most votes will move on to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. General elections are held after the primary elections and are used to determine the winner of the office. The two candidates who prevailed in the primary election will now face off and the voters will choose between them. The party affiliation of the candidates is listed on the ballot and is often the determining factor in who wins the election. In summary, primary elections are more open-party elections while general elections are closed-party elections. The primary elections allow candidates to run for office without declaring a party, and the general elections require two candidates of the same party to compete directly against each other.

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What is the difference between primary and general elections?

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