What is a “jungle primary” election?

A jungle primary is an election system used in some states, including Texas, which works differently than other primary voting systems. Instead of having separate primaries for each political party, all candidates, regardless of party, appear on a single ballot, allowing each voter only one vote to cast. The candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of how many votes it takes to win, will then move on to the general election. The Texas jungle primary system has been in effect since 2005 when Senate Bill 22 was passed by the Texas Legislature. This system was created to prevent one party from gaining an overwhelming majority in a single party primary, and it also ensures that the two major parties always have a representative in the general election. The term "jungle primary" was first coined in 1952 by California reporter and columnist Herbert Eugene Wylie. Today, it is commonly used to refer to any single-ballot election in which the top two vote-getters move on to the general election. The benefit of this election system is that it can increase voter turnout by giving all parties a fair voice in the primary election. On the other hand, this system can also lead to extreme candidates gaining office, since the general election is often no longer a contest between two major rivals. In the end, a jungle primary system allows voters to decide who will be on the ballot in the general election.

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What is a “jungle primary” election?

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