Primaries play a crucial role in the election process by determining party nominations for public office. They serve as a preliminary election where party members vote to select their representatives for the general election. This process allows for the expression of grassroots preferences, impacts candidate viability, and shapes party platforms. Additionally, primaries can mobilize voter engagement and attention toward key issues. The outcomes often set the tone for the general election, influencing campaign strategies and the dynamic between candidates across the political spectrum, thus significantly affecting electoral results.