Voter Guide: How does the top-two primary work?

How are primary elections conducted in California?

Under California’s “top two” primary system, voters in state and congressional races once again will choose from a ballot that includes candidates of all political leanings. Here’s a rundown from the California secretary of state about how it works:

If a candidate receives a majority of the vote (50 percent+1) in the primary election, will there still be a general election?

Yes. The top two vote-getters move on to the general election regardless of party preference or whether one candidate receives a majority of all votes cast in the primary election. Only candidates running for state Superintendent of Public Instruction or candidates for local voter-nominated offices in special elections can win outright by getting a majority of the vote (50 percent + 1) in the primary election.

If there are only two candidates in the primary election, is a general election required?

Yes. The top two vote-getters move on to the general election regardless of candidate pool size, party preference, or whether one candidate receives the majority of all votes cast in the primary election.

This story was originally published June 2, 2014 at 9:12 PM with the headline "Voter Guide: How does the top-two primary work?."