Make Your Voice Heard
2024 Presidential Primary Elections
Ballot Education
All U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older are eligible to vote in local, state and national elections. In some states, those under the age of 18 are eligible to pre-register and will have their registration become active when they come of age. Visit your state’s voter registration page to learn more!
Anyone looking to register to vote can visit our How to Register page.
What is a Primary Election?
A primary election allows voters to select their party’s candidate to run for public office. A primary election is used either to narrow the field of candidates for a given elective office or to determine the nominees for political parties in advance of a general election. States will either hold a direct or indirect election. Primary elections typically occur before a presidential election.
Caucus versus Primary?
In a presidential election year, primaries and caucuses are methods used by political parties to choose their presidential candidates. In a primary, voters cast secret ballots, similar to a regular election, while caucuses involve public meetings where participants openly vote and engage in discussions. Primaries are more widespread and accessible, while caucuses are less common and may require a time commitment. Each state party decides whether to use a caucus or primary, with rules and procedures varying.
Learn What's on Your Ballot
Interested in more info about your local ballot? Visit Ballotpedia.org and follow the instructions to find more information. From candidates to ballot measures, learn a little more about what you could be voting on!
Voting in California
California utilizes a top-two primary system. In a top-two primary system, all candidates are listed on the same ballot. The top two candidates, regardless of their partisan affiliations, advance to the general election. Consequently, it is possible that two candidates belonging to the same political party could win in a top-two primary and face off in the general election. Any registered voter may participate in the primary and vote for any candidate, regardless of his or her partisan affiliation. The next General Elections will be held on Nov. 5, 2024.
