Primaries are often called “the election before the election” for a reason. In this episode of Organizing Chaos, we break down how primaries became such a powerful part of American politics, why turnout is usually so low, and why skipping them can shape the outcome of elections long before November. From the history of the primary system to the real-world impact on candidates and policy, we unpack why showing up early in the process matters more than most people realize.