The purpose of a primary election is to select a party’s nominee for an upcoming general election. Primary elections allow registered party members to vote for their preferred candidates, helping to determine who will represent the party on the ballot. This process can take the form of open or closed primaries, impacting voter participation and engagement. By establishing a nominee through primaries, parties can unify their base and focus on campaign strategies against opposing candidates in the general election, thereby influencing the overall electoral landscape.