What is a “jungle primary” election?

A "jungle primary" election is an election system used in some states to select candidates in advance of the general election. In West Virginia, a jungle primary election is an election in which all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, run on a single ballot. This means all candidates compete against each other in the same election. The two candidates who receive the most votes will then compete in the general election. Jungle primary elections are designed to reduce partisan divisions between candidates and make sure the most popular and qualified candidates progress from the primary to the general election. This allows candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters and encourages compromise. It also encourages candidates to focus on issues that are important to all voters, instead of just those from one party. In West Virginia, jungle primary elections are held in the same way as regular primary elections, but with all candidates running in the same race. At the end of the election, the two candidates who receive the most votes will be the ones that progress to the general election. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held between the two highest vote earners.

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What is a “jungle primary” election?

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