Empower ALL PA Voters:
"Open Elections for all Pennsylvania Voters”
The Pennsylvania, primary elections are currently closed, meaning only registered members of the Republican and Democratic parties can vote in their respective primaries.
This system excludes all other voters—independents, unaffiliated voters, and members of smaller political parties like the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, and others.
Essentially, if you’re not registered as a Republican or Democrat, you’re left out of one of the most critical parts of the election process: deciding which candidates make it to the general election ballot.
This system excludes all other voters—independents, unaffiliated voters, and members of smaller political parties like the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, and others.
Essentially, if you’re not registered as a Republican or Democrat, you’re left out of one of the most critical parts of the election process: deciding which candidates make it to the general election ballot.
In Pennsylvania, the current closed primary system restricts participation to registered members of the Democratic and Republican parties, excluding over 1.1 million voters who are unaffiliated or registered with third parties. This exclusion means that a significant portion of the electorate is barred from participating in primary elections, which often play a crucial role in determining final election outcomes. Source
Advocates for open primaries argue that allowing all registered voters to participate, regardless of party affiliation, would lead to more inclusive and representative elections. They contend that open primaries can increase voter engagement, reduce political polarization, and promote the election of candidates who appeal to a broader spectrum of the electorate. Source
Efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s primary system have been ongoing. Legislation has been introduced in the state General Assembly to permit unaffiliated voters to choose a Democratic or Republican ballot during primaries. This initiative has garnered bipartisan support, including endorsements from five former Pennsylvania governors who advocate for opening the primaries to unaffiliated voters. Source
Transitioning to an open primary system would align Pennsylvania with numerous other states that have adopted more inclusive primary models, thereby enhancing voter participation and ensuring that election outcomes more accurately reflect the will of the entire electorate.
Advocates for open primaries argue that allowing all registered voters to participate, regardless of party affiliation, would lead to more inclusive and representative elections. They contend that open primaries can increase voter engagement, reduce political polarization, and promote the election of candidates who appeal to a broader spectrum of the electorate. Source
Efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s primary system have been ongoing. Legislation has been introduced in the state General Assembly to permit unaffiliated voters to choose a Democratic or Republican ballot during primaries. This initiative has garnered bipartisan support, including endorsements from five former Pennsylvania governors who advocate for opening the primaries to unaffiliated voters. Source
Transitioning to an open primary system would align Pennsylvania with numerous other states that have adopted more inclusive primary models, thereby enhancing voter participation and ensuring that election outcomes more accurately reflect the will of the entire electorate.
Expanding Access: Pennsylvania’s Push for Open Primaries
The Associated Press has reported on legislative efforts in Pennsylvania to open primary elections to independent voters. In 2017, the AP noted that some top Pennsylvania lawmakers were advocating for allowing independent voters to participate in major party primaries, aiming to increase voter engagement and inclusivity.
In 2022, the AP highlighted that proposals to end Pennsylvania’s closed primary system had passed a state House committee. These proposals aimed to let independent voters cast ballots in party nomination primaries, reflecting ongoing discussions about electoral reform in the state.
As of the first quarter of 2025, Reuters has not provided specific coverage on the topic of open primaries in Pennsylvania. Source
In 2022, the AP highlighted that proposals to end Pennsylvania’s closed primary system had passed a state House committee. These proposals aimed to let independent voters cast ballots in party nomination primaries, reflecting ongoing discussions about electoral reform in the state.
As of the first quarter of 2025, Reuters has not provided specific coverage on the topic of open primaries in Pennsylvania. Source
