What is a “universal primary” election?

A Universal Primary election is an election system used to select candidates for a political office in Washington State. This type of election combines elements of primary and general elections in one single vote. Under the Universal Primary system, voters get to cast a ballot for any candidate running for a particular office, regardless of their political affiliation. This is different from a traditional primary election, in which only voters with a certain party affiliation can vote for a candidate of that party. In a Universal Primary election, the top two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, move on to the general election. This system encourages more competition in elections, as it allows voters to choose candidates from any party and gives non-affiliated voters the opportunity to participate. It also reduces the amount of money spent on primary elections, since only one election is held rather than two. Universal Primary elections may have an impact on voters’ political choices, as candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and ideologies may have an equal chance of winning. Since the top two candidates winning the primary election will automatically advance to the general election, supporters of more progressive or conservative candidates may have a better chance of getting their voices heard. Ultimately, Universal Primary elections can provide a more democratic election process and give Washington State voters more choices in the candidates they can elect.

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What is a “universal primary” election?

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