Open Primaries Bill Advances
Pennsylvania House Passes Bill Allowing 1.5 Million Independent Voters in Primaries
Anonymous
Pennsylvania’s House passed a bill, 115-88, that would let unaffiliated voters choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot in primary elections, while party members would continue voting in their own party’s primary. Supporters say the change would give a voice to about 1.5 million independent voters who are currently excluded; opponents argue primaries are for parties to select nominees and that opening them could complicate the process. The measure drew support from 16 Republicans alongside most Democrats and now goes to the Republican-controlled state Senate, where its prospects are uncertain with the legislative session nearing its end. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has said Republicans may seek to tie the bill to voter ID legislation.
Key Points
1
The proposal would let unaffiliated voters choose a party’s primary ballot but would not let them vote in that party’s internal elections, such as elections for committee seats.
2
Pennsylvania has maintained closed primaries for nearly 100 years; the article says only seven other states also have closed primaries.
3
The proposal’s advocates say the current system excludes groups including about 400,000 Pennsylvania veterans and nearly two-thirds of young adults who identify with an alternative party or remain independent.
4
The article reports that 63 Pennsylvania legislative races have no November competition, meaning the primary can be the only meaningful contest in those races.
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