Primary elections across five states set the stage for November's contests

On August 4, primary elections take place in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia and Washington, determining party nominees for a range of offices from governor to U.S. Senate and state legislatures. The ballots also feature referendums, including a Kansas vote on whether to elect Supreme Court justices directly and four Missouri constitutional amendments covering taxes and local government. High-profile races include Michigan's gubernatorial primary, where Republican John James and Perry Johnson compete, and the Democratic Senate primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.

Washington uses a top-two primary system, advancing the two highest vote-getters regardless of party. Early voting periods vary by state, and polling hours run from early morning to early evening, with initial results expected shortly after polls close.