**Elections 101: Primaries — Where Most Elections Are Really Decided** is a free, nonpartisan civic education series focused on explaining how U.S. elections actually work. This is a descriptive, not persuasive space (no endorsements or debate) with verifiable information presented in plain language. While most attention is given to general elections, primaries often determine outcomes long before November and are one of the least understood parts of the system.
Session 1 will explain what primaries are, how they differ from general elections, the role political parties play, and the different types of primaries (closed, open, semi-closed, and top-two/blanket), including how these systems affect who can vote and who advances.
Upcoming Sessions (Dates TBA soon!): Session 2: Who Can Vote? Registration, Eligibility, and Access; Session 3: From Primary to Power: How the General Election Works; and Session 4: Turnout, Power, and Representation.
No prior political knowledge is necessary and questions are welcome. Respectful discussion is required!
This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent out via email the day of the event.
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