primaries

Cultural  

1. State elections of delegates to the nominating convention that chooses a major party's presidential candidate. In some states, delegates are elected by popular vote; in other states, party caucus es or miniconventions choose delegates.

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Primaries occur at different times during the presidential election year, a situation that drags out the process by which parties nominate candidates but allows wide public exposure to candidates and issues.

Example Sentences

New York uses this method in primaries for citywide offices.

From Salon

There are still miles to go until the 2026 midterms, but the Texas primaries are scheduled for March 3, which will be here before voters know it, once they finish with the holiday gift wrap.

From The Wall Street Journal

These state-level primaries wouldn’t take place in time to change Indiana’s maps.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those older members who refuse to step down have already drawn primaries from younger aspirants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Parties must choose their candidates in primaries on November 30, and the election will be held April 12 next year.

From Barron's