In the jungle primary, all candidates run in the same initial election regardless of party label. This format is used for regular elections only in Louisiana. The 1976 congressional elections were the last in Louisiana under the previous closed primary system. Starting in 1978, elections for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate were switched to the jungle primary format, which had already begun for state elections in 1975. The only labels permitted under the Louisiana law are "Democrat," "Republican," and "No Party." There is a runoff between the top two candidates if no one wins a simple majority in the first round of balloting. That runoff constitutes the "general election" under Louisiana law even if the "general election" has two candidates of the same party, a phenomenon which frequently occurs. Often, Louisiana elections are settled in the initial jungle primary, with no need for a general election. This is particularly true when incumbents seek reelection. A closed primary is a type of direct primary limited to registered party members, who must declare their party affiliation in order to vote. ... In political science, a democrat is an advocate, follower, or proponent of democracy. ... Look up republican in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A general election is an election in which all members of a given political body are up for election. ... A general election is an election in which all members of a given political body are up for election. ...

The jungle primary was adopted by the Louisiana legislature at the insistence of powerful Democratic Governor Edwin Washington Edwards (1972-1980; 1984-1988; 1992-1996) as a way to reduce growing Republican strength in traditionally Democratic Louisiana. The plan, in the long run, did not achieve that particular purpose, but it did keep candidates from having to undergo three possibly contested elections to win office. Edwin Washington Edwards (born 7 August 1927) is a United States politician who served as governor of Louisiana for four terms (1972 - 1980, 1984 - 1988, and 1992 - 1996), more terms than any other Louisiana governor. ...

The jungle primary is not used for presidential primaries in Louisiana, for it is forbidden under national party rules. To participate in presidential primaries, Louisiana voters must be registered members of their party at least 30 days before the election. Federal courts have upheld the constitutionality of the unique Louisiana system.

The plan is also used in Texas and some other states in special elections, but not primaries. Sometimes the Louisiana system is referred to as a peculiar type of "open primary." California, Alaska, and Washington use modified plans that are sometimes called "jungle primaries" as well. Official language(s) None. ... A type of direct primary open to voters regardless of their party affiliation. ...