What is a primary election used for?

A primary election is specifically designed to determine which candidates will represent a political party in the general election. During primary elections, party members cast their votes to select their preferred candidate for an upcoming election, which may include state and federal positions such as governor, senator, or president. This process allows parties to narrow down their field of candidates and ensures that the chosen individual aligns with the party's platform and ideals.

While there are other electoral processes that involve electing government officials or amending the Constitution, these are not the primary function of a primary election. The primary election's sole focus is on candidate selection for the subsequent general election, making it a crucial step in the electoral process within political parties.