Changes

Some states conduct "open primaries" where any registered voter may vote.  Other states have "closed primaries", where voters must register first by party, and on election day voting is limited to people who registered in advance as members of that party.

Some states conduct "open primaries" where any registered voter may vote.  Other states have "closed primaries", where voters must register first by party, and on election day voting is limited to people who registered in advance as members of that party.

States set the rules for a candidate appearing on a primary ballot.  Typically, the candidate must gather signatures on petitions to show support.  The Democratic party adopted a rule specifying that a candidate needs only 10,000 voter signatures to appear on the primary ballot, and that if a state law requires more signatures, then the state will be penalized in sending delegates to the convention.

States set the rules for a candidate appearing on a primary ballot.  Typically, the candidate must gather signatures on petitions to show support.  The Democratic party adopted a rule specifying that a candidate needs only 5,000 voter signatures to appear on the primary ballot, and that if a state law requires more signatures, then the state will be penalized in sending delegates to the convention.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1152537704798737.1073742023.196910197028164&type=3&uploaded=2|title=Ballot Rules: Easiest, Toughest States for Candidates|date=

In sum, the control of the conduct of primaries is a shared responsibility of both the state and the political parties.

In sum, the control of the conduct of primaries is a shared responsibility of both the state and the political parties.