Which of the following is a challenge that primary elections face?

The challenge of the cost of conducting separate elections is significant in the context of primary elections. Primaries often require states to hold additional elections separate from the general election, which can lead to higher expenditures related to staffing, materials, and venue use. These costs can strain state and local budgets, particularly in areas where funds are already limited. Furthermore, conducting separate primaries can complicate the electoral process, leading to questions about efficiency and resource allocation.

Moreover, when primaries are held separately, there can be a decline in voter turnout. Voters may be disincentivized to participate in these additional elections, thereby undermining the democratic process. This financial and logistical burden is a critical issue that election officials and policymakers must consider when designing the electoral framework.

While other challenges like misinformation about candidates and allowing non-affiliated voters access to the ballot are indeed important factors in primary elections, they do not carry the same systemic financial implications that the costs of separate elections do, making the latter a more pressing concern in terms of operational viability and overall voter engagement.