What is a “jungle primary” election?

A “jungle primary” election is the type of election used in North Carolina that combines a traditional primary election with nonpartisan elections and allows all registered voters to participate regardless of party affiliation. In this type of election, candidates from all political parties are listed on the same ballot and all voters, regardless of which party they affiliate with, are able to vote for the candidate of their choice. All candidates, regardless of their party, compete together in the first round of voting. If one candidate fails to reach the required majority of votes, then the top two candidates move on to the general election. This means that the final two candidates in the general election could potentially belong to different political parties. While the “jungle primary” system has been controversial in North Carolina, it has made it easier for third-party candidates to compete in elections.

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