The primary elections held pursuant to this chapter shall replace the party conventions and caucuses for making the nominations provided for in this title, but party conventions shall be held for the purposes that are authorized by § 17-12-13. Primaries shall be held only by political parties. Except as otherwise provided in this title, any and all forms prescribed by this chapter shall be prepared and provided by the secretary of state and shall be, wherever practicable, uniform throughout the state.