What is a “jungle primary” election?

A "jungle primary" is an election system in which all candidates for a given office appear on the same ballot, regardless of political party. Such elections are commonly used in Massachusetts in certain municipal and state-level offices. Under the jungle primary system, all candidates are listed on the ballot in a single race. Voters then must decide which candidate to vote for and do not select a specific party’s candidate. The two candidates with the most votes in the primary advance to the general election, which will be held later. Jungle primaries can be beneficial as they provide a way for voters to choose candidates from non-major parties who align more closely with their beliefs and values. They can also provide more diversity and competition in the election process. However, some critics argue that the jungle primary system disadvantages third party candidates, because two major-party candidates can gain traction more easily due to their name recognition and fundraising power. Ultimately, the jungle primary system in Massachusetts provides a unique opportunity for individuals to choose candidates who are outside of the major-party system, while also ensuring that the general election will feature two popular and viable candidates.

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What is a “jungle primary” election?

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