What Is an Open Primary?

Primaries can either be open or closed.

An open primary is a political party primary election in which anyone can vote, whether or not they are a member of that party. For example, in a state with an open primary system, a person who is a registered Democrat, Green or Libertarian, or an Independent can vote in the Republican primary for state and federal offices. This system is the opposite of a closed primary system, where only those people registered as a party member can vote in that party's primary. In a closed primary system, Independents cannot vote in any party's primary. The advantages and disadvantages of an open primary are debatable and often depend upon one's point of view.

Advantages of an Open Primary

One point of view is that an open primary allows a broader range of people to decide who will be a party's candidate, thereby nominating a candidate with broad popular appeal. In an open primary, an Independent voter who favors a particular candidate is able to vote for him or her in the primary. Furthermore, someone may be registered in one party but favor a candidate of another party. An open primary allows all of a candidate's supporters to vote for her, regardless the supporter's party affiliation.

Disadvantages of an Open Primary

Some people believe that since a primary is not a constitutionally mandated election, but rather a function of a political party, then only those who are party members should be allowed to vote in the primary. In this point of view, if non-party members are allowed to vote in the primary then the chosen candidate will be less likely to represent the party's rank and file membership.

Mixed Primary

Some states have compromised between having an open or closed primary by having a mixed primary. In a mixed primary, people who are registered as being a member of a particular party may only vote in their own party's primary. However, Independents, those people with no party affiliation, may choose to vote in any party's primary.

States With Open Primaries

The following states have open primaries:
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

States With Closed Primaries

The following states have closed primaries:
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Wyoming.

References

• Encyclopædia Britannica; primary election