{"id":351454,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-u-s-elections-work\/what-are-the-different-types-of-primary-elections-0.html"},"modified":"2026-03-16T08:38:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:38:55","slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-primary-elections-0","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-u-s-elections-work\/what-are-the-different-types-of-primary-elections-0.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Primary Elections: Which Primary Can You Vote In?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Types of Primary Elections: Which Primary Can You Vote In?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Primary elections<\/span> include open primaries<\/span> (where any registered voter<\/span> can choose which party’s primary<\/span> to vote in), closed primaries<\/span> (where only registered party members<\/span> can vote in their party’s primary<\/span>), and semi-<\/span>closed primaries<\/span> (where independents can choose a party while registered party members<\/span> must vote in their own primary). Your state’s primary<\/span> type determines whether you need to register with a political party<\/span> to participate.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Primaries are how political parties<\/span> select their candidates to represent them in the general election<\/span>. Party primaries<\/span> happen in presidential, statewide, and local elections<\/span>. Some states use different types of primaries<\/span> for different levels of elections, while others allow each political party<\/span> to decide which type of primary<\/span> it will hold.<\/p>\n

Primary elections<\/span><\/u><\/a> are often held six to nine months before the presidential election<\/span>. The state’s registered voters<\/span> cast their votes for their preferred presidential candidate in secret ballots. The state considers the primary election<\/span>‘s result when awarding delegates to the candidates.<\/p>\n

If you want to vote in your state\u2019s primary<\/span>, it\u2019s important to take the following steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Determine your state’s <\/span>primary<\/span> system<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Check your voter registration<\/span> status<\/li>\n
  3. Understand your state\u2019s party registration requirements<\/li>\n
  4. Register or change party affiliation<\/span> (if needed)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Below, we explain the different types of primaries<\/span> and which states use them.<\/p>\n

    Types of <\/span>Primary<\/span> Elections<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A party’s <\/span>primary<\/span> election<\/span> can happen in several forms. The main types are open primaries<\/span>, closed primaries<\/span>, and semi-closed (or mixed) primaries. Some states also use top-two or top-four<\/span> primary systems<\/span>. Understanding which type your state uses is crucial because it determines whether you need to register with a political party<\/span> to participate. Let\u2019s examine each type.<\/p>\n

    Open <\/span>Primary<\/span> Elections<\/span><\/h3>\n

    In open <\/span>primary<\/span> elections<\/span>, any registered voter<\/span> can pick candidates from any political party<\/span>. It allows eligible voters to vote even if they aren’t registered with that party. Fourteen states require open primaries<\/span> by law.<\/p>\n

    The following states<\/u><\/strong><\/a> allow open primaries<\/span> for at least one political party<\/span>:<\/p>\n