Which election allows voters to choose candidates to represent their party in the upcoming General Election?

The primary election is specifically designed for voters to select candidates to represent their political party in the general election. This process allows party members to evaluate and endorse candidates who align with their party's values and policies. In a primary election, voters participate in determining which candidates will go on to compete against candidates from other parties in the general election, effectively shaping the field of candidates that will be presented to the wider electorate.

In contrast, a general election is the final voting event where all candidates, including those who emerged from primary elections, compete for office. A special election is held to fill a vacancy or for a specific purpose, not for selecting party representatives for the general election. A referendum involves direct voting on specific policy issues or laws rather than on candidates, and therefore does not fit the context of selecting representatives for a party. The primary election is essential in the political process because it influences the candidates that voters will ultimately have the opportunity to vote for in the general election.