Primary election

An election prior to the general election in which voters select the candidates who will run on each party's ticket. Primaries are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders, and may be open or closed.

Types of primary

• Blanket primary
• Open primary
• Closed primary

Primary election dates

Congress

See Voting in the 2012 primary elections for 2012 primary dates by state.

State legislatures

Primary election dates vary by year. Often times a state legislature can move the primary date during the session prior to an election. Typically, the first state primary is held in Texas.

2012

• Signature requirements and deadlines for 2012 state government elections

2011

• Signature requirements and deadlines for 2011 state government elections

2010

• Primary election dates in 2010