Video:What Is a Primary Election?

Transcript:What Is a Primary Election?

Hi, this is Kwanza Hall, Atlanta City Councilman for District 2 - District 2 is the heart of Atlanta, Georgia - and I'm here with About.com to talk to you about primary elections.

Primary Elections Are First Opportunities to Vote

Primary elections occur in the first part of the year and they are your initial opportunity to vote for candidates. The primary election is your first opportunity to vote. It is truly like a vetting process, similar to the sweet 16 and Final Four. Candidates and their respective parties are given an opportunity to present themselves, whether it be Republicans, Democrats or third party. And this is when citizens have the first opportunity to vote on the candidate that they would like to see on the general election ballot.

Factors to Think of When Voting

Important things to consider when preparing to vote or making a decision about a candidate is figuring out, number one, what matters most to you and what issues or agenda items will affect you in your pocketbook, your children, your family, your education, your job, your quality of life, the environment, and a host of other areas of special interest.

Where to Learn About Candidates

So you can comparison shop in a variety of places. One place might be the League of Women Voters website and other organizations within your respective communities that have taken the time to interview the candidates and list their positions on various issues that matter to the community.

Thanks for watching. This is Kwanza Hall, Atlanta City Councilman with District 2, with About.com.