Local Elections

Voters in primary elections determine their party's candidates for the general election to be held in November.

Only those who vote in the Democratic primary can vote in a Democratic primary runoff or a Democratic precinct convention. The same is true with the Republican Party. In the general election, voters are not restricted by party affiliation. If someone votes in the Republican primary, for example, he or she is free to vote for either the Republican or Democrat (or any other party's nominee) in the general election. Shortly after polls close on the day of the primary, Republican and Democratic parties conduct precinct conventions. Typically these are held at precinct voting sites.

Precinct conventions are open to residents who voted in the primary.

At the precinct convention, participants select representatives to their party's county convention and introduce resolutions. At county conventions, participants select delegates to state party conventions and advance resolutions. At state conventions, parties elect officers, consider platforms and elect delegates to the national conventions.

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