11 CFR §9032.7

1. (a)Primary election means an election held by a State or a political party, including a run-off election, or a nominating convention or a caucus—
   1. (1)For the selection of delegates to a national nominating convention of a political party;
   2. (2)For the expression of a preference for the nomination of Presidential candidates;
   3. (3)For the purposes stated in both paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section; or
   4. (4)To nominate a Presidential candidate.
2. (b)If separate primary elections are held in a State by the State and a political party, the primary election for the purposes of this subchapter will be the election held by the political party.