Join the GoodParty.org Community on Circle
Join

What is Jungle Primary?

Definition and meaning of jungle primary: A jungle primary, also known as a non-partisan primary election, is an election where candidates from all political affiliations compete in the same primary race.

Regardless of party, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. This system, used in states like California and Washington, opens the primary process to a larger pool of candidates, including those not affiliated with major parties. By removing party filters, jungle primaries encourage candidates to appeal to a broader voter base and focus on issues that matter to all voters.

Jungle primaries can reduce partisan influence, as candidates must engage with a wide range of constituents, rather than solely their own party members. This set-up promotes a competitive landscape and may reduce the influence of special interests, helping voters choose based on candidates' stances rather than party loyalty. As a result, jungle primaries aim to create a more open and representative political process.

Learn more about different types of elections on our blog.

Explore free resources for voter education
Learn more about elections and American politics
Learn More
Transparent Glossary