California voters cast their ballots in several types of elections: primary, general, local, and special elections.

The primary election determines the candidates for the political offices in an upcoming general election.  In a primary election, voters can only vote for the candidate in their registered political party.  Each political party has the option to allow “no party preference” voters to vote in their presidential primary.  The primary election ballot can also include elections of federal, state, and local representatives, as well as ballot measures.  

In 2010, California adopted a top-two primary system for electing all statewide offices.  This includes the races for governor and other executive positions, state legislature, and the State Board of Equalization, as well U.S. Senate and U.S. House races.  The top-two primary election process is not used for presidential or local elections.  Voters can choose to vote for any candidate on the ballot, regardless of their political party.  The two candidates who get the most votes advance to the general election.  It is possible for two members of the same party to run against each other for the same office in the general election. 

Every two to six years a general election is held to directly elect federal, state, and local candidates to office.  In the general election, voters cast their final ballot for President of the United States.  California’s top-two congressional and state-level candidates from the primary elections, face off in the general election.  Local, non-partisan races are decided in general elections and include mayors, city council members, county officials, school board members, and municipal utility and transit districts.  Local elections can also include measures for issues such as school bonds, parcel taxes, sales tax, development and zoning issues, environmental issues, and public safety.  

A special election may be held between general elections to fill vacancies in federal, state, or local political offices. 

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Reflection:

Why do political parties and other entities hold their own competition prior to a general election? How does this help their cause?