What characterizes closed primaries?

Closed primaries are characterized by the requirement that only registered party members are allowed to participate in the voting process for their party's candidates. This structure is designed to ensure that the candidates selected for the general election truly reflect the preferences and values of the party’s base. By limiting participation to registered members, closed primaries help to maintain a level of party unity and discipline, ensuring that those who have committed to a party's platform are the ones influencing its choices for candidates.

This contrasts with open primaries, where any registered voter can participate regardless of their party affiliation, which can lead to cross-party voting and influence in candidate selection. Additionally, closed primaries do not typically pertain to the formality of local elections, as they can be applied at various levels of elections, including state and national contests. Overall, the defining characteristic of closed primaries is the emphasis on party membership as a prerequisite for participation.