Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
direct primary
noun
/dəˈrɛkt ˈpraɪˌmɛri/
Definition
A preliminary election in which voters select candidates affiliated with a political party to run for office in the general election.
Examples
- The state held a direct primary to determine the party’s candidate for governor.
- Voters were eager to participate in the direct primary to express their preferences.
Meaning
Direct primaries allow party members to vote directly for their preferred candidates rather than selecting delegates to choose candidates on their behalf.
Synonyms
- Open primary
- Closed primary
