On November 3, millions of Americans nationwide will vote in midterm elections, with key races for the US Congress, state legislatures, governorships, and more hanging in the balance. While the general election is still months away, the road to November has already begun, starting with primary elections.
Over the spring and summer, every state will hold primaries to determine which candidates will appear on the November ballot. These contests allow voters to select their candidates, but the format and timing vary considerably across states.
Whether you’re a voter preparing to cast a ballot or someone planning to engage others in elections this year, it’s important to understand how primaries work and why they matter. The November general election determines who takes office, but primaries are an early opportunity to shape the outcome and make your voice heard.
Types of Primary Elections
States set their own laws for conducting primaries, and depending on the state, parties can have a say in determining how their primaries operate. This framework affects who can participate in primaries and how winners are selected. The rules for voting in primaries can also change depending on the office to be elected (e.g., some states use a unique system for presidential primaries).
State-level nuances are significant, but primary elections broadly fall within these categories:
- Open: Registered voters may choose any party’s primary election ballot.
- Open to Unaffiliated Voters: Unaffiliated voters may choose a party’s primary election ballot, but voters who are registered with a particular political party may only vote in that party’s primary.
- Closed: Voters must be registered with a particular political party to participate in that party’s primary election.
- Nonpartisan: All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same primary election ballot.
Why Are Primaries Important?
Primary elections make our political system more democratic by giving eligible voters an additional chance to weigh in on who represents them. Partisan primaries allow parties to build internal consensus and rally supporters ahead of a general election. For voters who live in an area where general elections are typically less competitive, primaries may function as the most significant contest to determine who takes office.
However, most Americans don’t participate in primaries. In 2022, the previous midterm election year, almost 80% of eligible voters nationwide did not vote in primaries. When eligible primary voters stay home, they cede real influence over the general election ballot. Without robust primary turnout, general election candidates may be less representative of the broader electorate’s interests—potentially forcing voters to choose between candidates whom they find unsatisfactory.
How Can You Vote in Primaries?
Be sure to check the timing and requirements for the 2026 primary election in your state. To ensure you’re able to vote in your preferred party’s primary, pay particular attention to your state’s deadlines for registering to vote and updating your party affiliation (if applicable).
TurboVote can help you prepare for elections this year, regardless of where you live. Sign up to confirm dates and deadlines, check your registration status, and get ready to vote in your state. And keep in mind that many states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 before the general election.
By making a plan to vote in your state’s primary elections—and encouraging your friends and family to do the same—you can help make our elections more representative, and ensure your voice is heard this midterm election year and beyond.
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