What is the difference between a primary and caucus?

A primary and caucus are two different voting methods used to select political candidates. In West Virginia, both methods are used to elect candidates for the general election that will make up the state’s delegation in the United States Congress. Primaries are elections run by the state government, and registered voters cast ballots for their preferred candidate. Primaries are governed by laws set by the state, including early voting and absentee balloting laws. In West Virginia, any registered voter can cast a ballot in the Primary Election, regardless of party. A caucus is an election process run by political parties, not by the state government. During a caucus, representatives from each political party gather to select a candidate. Registered members of that party can participate in the caucus and cast votes for their preferred candidate. Caucuses may also have additional rules set by each party, such as time limits, attendance requirements, and restrictions on who can cast ballots. In West Virginia, primaries are the most common method used to select congressional candidates. However, political parties in the state may also hold caucuses prior to the State Primary Election if they choose to do so. The result of a caucus or primary is the nomination of a candidate to appear on the ballot for the general election.

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What is the difference between a primary and caucus?

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