What happens during the primaries?

During the primaries, political parties hold elections or caucuses to select their candidates for the general election. Voters from each party cast their ballots to determine which candidates will represent them, often leading to a series of state-by-state contests. The primaries can be either open or closed, affecting who can vote in them. The results help shape the party's nominee, culminating in a national convention where the final candidate is officially chosen.