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Glossary
Open Primary

Civics Glossary

Open Primary

Elections

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

A primary election in which voters can participate regardless of party registration.

Related Terms

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party or interest group to discuss strategy, select candidates, or make policy decisions.

Primary

An election held by a political party to choose its nominee for the general election.

More Elections Terms

Absentee Ballot

A ballot submitted by a voter who cannot or chooses not to vote in person.

Ballot Initiative

A process allowing citizens to propose new laws by collecting signatures and placing the measure on the ballot.

Delegate

A person selected to represent their state at a party's national convention.

Early Voting

A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the president. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win.

General Election

The election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.

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