What is a blanket primary?

A blanket primary is a type of primary election that allows voters to select candidates from any party for each office on the ballot rather than being limited to candidates from just one party. This means that, regardless of their registered party affiliation, voters can mix and match candidates across different political parties for various positions.

This system stands out because it emphasizes voter choice and can lead to more moderate candidates being elected, as candidates must appeal to a broader audience beyond their party's base. The format encourages greater participation and can reflect a more diverse range of voter preferences, promoting a spirit of inclusiveness in the electoral process.

The choice of defining a blanket primary in this way is crucial for understanding how different primary types influence electoral outcomes and the strategies political parties may employ to appeal to a wider base of voters.