What is a “jungle primary” election?
A “jungle primary” election is a type of election system used in California. It is also referred to as a nonpartisan blanket primary. In this kind of election, all candidates from all political parties appear on the same ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Voters choose their favorite candidate and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. This system was implemented to create a more open and competitive election system. In California, each voter has one ballot with all of the candidates running for office. This means that the top two candidates may not be from the same political party. This makes it so that in the general election, voters have more choices when deciding who to vote for. This type of election also makes it easier for more independent or third-party candidates to compete. In addition, this style of election has been found to increase voter participation and inclusiveness, as well as reduce the cost of running for office by eliminating the need for separate primary elections. This makes it easier for more candidates to run for office, as well as reducing the cost of campaigning. Overall, the jungle primary system has been found to be beneficial for voters in California by allowing more candidates to compete and creating a more open and competitive election system.
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