Open Primaries vs. Closed Primaries
For generations, Pennsylvania’s primaries have been closed to voters not affiliated with either of the two major political parties.
Our politics have changed, our communities have changed, our voters have changed, so our elections should change. That’s why we launched Ballot PA, to repeal closed primaries.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, nearly 1.4 million voters are registered with a third party or, more often, as unaffiliated with a political party entirely. This segment of the state’s electorate has been increasing for years, consistent with a national trend of voters identifying as independents. But in Pennsylvania, these voters are prevented from participating in the local, state and federal primaries that are likely the most important elections in their communities.
Closed Primaries
This system, currently used in Pennsylvania, guarantees that fewer voters participate, elections are less competitive and, ultimately, political polarization is reinforced, contributing to legislative gridlock and hampering good governance.
Open Primaries
77% of Pennsylvanians support repealing closed primaries – including strong majorities of independents, Democrats, and Republicans. Opening Pennsylvania’s primary elections will ensure that ALL voters matter and ALL votes count.
The Issue
From local council or commissioner to the U.S. presidency, more than one out of every seven registered voters are barred from having a say in a critical part of the electoral process. This occurs despite the fact that primaries, which cost ~$20 million each spring, are funded with tax dollars from every Pennsylvanian regardless of their political affiliation.
This system creates lower voter participation, less competitive elections, and exacerbated political polarization, contributing to legislative gridlock and hampering good governance.
The Solution
The Committee of Seventy is leading Ballot PA, a growing coalition of civic, community, and business organizations committed to open and free elections in Pennsylvania that lead to responsive and accountable government.
We invite every Pennsylvanian to sign our petition to #RepealClosedPrimaries.
Further, there is legislation introduced in the PA General Assembly that would allow those 1.4 million independent and unaffiliated voters shut out of primary elections in Pennsylvania to choose a Democratic or Republican ballot. We support this legislation and urge members of both parties to sign on.
There are numerous other election systems to consider, and we encourage an informed debate around which would best serve the voters and the Commonwealth.
