Primary Elections

Overview Party Nomination Systems Types of Primary Elections Campaign Strategy

Party Nomination Systems Legislative Caucus –early 19th century Convention –1832 Democratic Party Direct Primary Elections –early 20th century

Types of Primary Closed primaries –Independents excluded Used by 15 states, including New Jersey Tashjian vs Republican Party of Connecticut (1986) –Independents included Used by 13 states

Types of Primary Open (used in 15 states) –Private Choice Voters given multiple ballots at poll and select which party primary they will participate in Used in HI, ID, MI, MN, ND, UT, VT, and WI –Public Choice Record is kept of voter’s choice as to which party election to cast a ballot

Types of Primary Run Off –Used primarily in states with one-party dominant states Require a majority vote in order to win nomination If no candidate receives a majority, then top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advance to general election – Louisiana “Cajun Primary” nonpartisan candidates, with run off voters are registered with a part though

Types of Primary Blanket/Jungle –Had been used in AK, CA, WA California Democratic Party v Jones (2001)

Types of Primary Voting and Democracy Research Center of Primary Election Types by statePrimary Election Types FEC’s tentative Primary Election calendarPrimary Election