The significance of a primary election in the political process lies in its role as a preliminary step for candidates seeking their party's nomination for higher office. Through primaries, party members vote to determine which candidates will represent them in the general election, influencing the overall political landscape. Primaries can shape party platforms, highlight key issues, and allow grassroots participation in the candidate selection process. They serve to energize the base, clarify voter preferences, and ultimately contribute to the democratic process by reflecting the will of party members.