What is the difference between a Primary and General election?

A Primary Election is held by political parties to select their nominees for the offices to be elected at the upcoming General Election. In a primary, Republicans run against Republicans and Democrats run against other Democrats. And, of course, if other parties qualify to appear on the primary ballot, their candidates run against each other as well. During a Primary voters may choose only one party to vote for.

A regular State Primary Election is held in August of every even year. Special primary elections are held as needed.


The General Election determines which candidates will occupy the offices that are up for election. In partisan races, candidates that were nominated at the Primary election compete for races along with any candidates without political party affiliation.  Nonpartisan races typically appear on the General Election ballot as well, such as judicial, school and library board races. 

A regular General Election is held in November of every even year. Special general elections are held as needed.

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1. Who may register to vote?
2. When and how may I register to vote?
3. Do I have to register for each election?
4. May I register to vote by mail?
5. I submitted a voter registration application. What happens next?
6. What should I do if I have moved within my city or township of residence or changed my name since the last election?
7. What should I do if I move to another city or township within the state?
8. Can I vote by absentee ballot?
9. How do I apply for an absent voter ballot?
10. When must my absentee ballot be returned?
11. How do I find my City or Township Clerk?
12. Where do I vote?
13. When are the polls open?
14. What is the voting procedure?
15. What should I do if my name does not appear on the list of registered voters at my polling place?
16. May I receive assistance when voting?
17. May I take campaign literature into the polling place?
18. Is campaigning allowed on election day?
19. Are "selfies" allowed at the polls?
20. What is the difference between a Primary and General election?