What is the difference between a primary and general election?

In Virginia, the difference between a primary election and a general election is significant. A primary election is an election in which registered voters cast a ballot for a candidate to represent their political party in a general election. Primaries are common in United States elections, and in Virginia, they are held for Federal, State, and Local offices. A general election is the final round of voting, in which the candidates from each party face off against one another. The winning candidate in a general election is the candidate who receives the most votes, and their party affiliation is then determined. In Virginia, primary elections are typically held in June, while general elections are held in November. Registered voters must be affiliated with a political party in order to vote in a primary. Furthermore, primary elections focus on party candidates only, while general elections allow voters to select any candidate they wish to represent them. Finally, the candidates who receive the most votes in the primary election move on to the general election, while the candidates who do not receive enough votes in the primary typically do not compete in the general election. In summary, primary elections determine which candidates will compete in the general election, and general elections determine the winner of the election.

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