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Glossary
Primary

Civics Glossary

Primary

Elections

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

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

Related Terms

Caucus

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

General Election

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

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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