What is an open primary election?

An open primary election is a type of election used in the state of California. In an open primary, all registered voters are allowed to cast their ballots, regardless of party affiliation. The top two candidates from each party, regardless of party affiliation, then proceed to the general election, competing against each other for the final outcome. In California, open primaries are held for state elected offices, like governor, lieutenant governor, and US Senator, among others. The primary itself is typically held in June, with the general election taking place in November. In an open primary, voters may cast ballots for any candidate and the top two candidates from each party will move forward and compete against each other in the general election. This system encourages more competition, as it allows people from different parties to challenge each other directly in the general election. The open primary system also seeks to ensure that the elected officials represent the needs of all their constituents, regardless of political party. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that elections are fair and accessible to all Californians.

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What is an open primary election?

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