What is the difference between a primary and general election?

The difference between a primary election and a general election in Minnesota is the purpose of each. A primary election is used to choose the candidate who will run in the general election. All registered political parties in Minnesota hold primary elections to determine which of their candidates will represent their party in the general election. Primaries are usually opened to only members of the political party, allowing them to select their representatives in the general election. In comparison, a general election is open to all registered voters in Minnesota. During a general election, all candidates from all parties compete for support, and the winner will usually be determined based on the most votes. Here, the party with the most votes will be the party that wins the election. General elections have more consequence than primaries. In a general election, the winner is the candidate who will fill the political office for the term defined by the election. In other words, the winning candidate in a general election is the one who will take office and govern the state in accordance with the Minnesota Constitution. Although the primary election is important in determining who will take the reigns in a general election, it is the general election that ultimately decides who will be the leader of a state or local government.

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