In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (2024)

Posted by Chad Selweski | Dec 14, 2018 | National, State | 15 |

As election reforms have become a key issue across the nation, in 17 states independent voters still cannot cast a ballot in primary elections.

This restriction applies to presidential primaries in some of these states, state and congressional elections in others, and all types of primaries in most of these states. (The interactive version of the map below can be viewed here.)

The Democratic and Republican parties in these states jealously guard their taxpayer-funded primary elections by treating independents as outsiders. In reality, independents outnumber both Democrats and Republicans nationwide, with polls showing up to 43 percent of Americans self-identifying as independents.

As a result, the “closed” presidential primaries in 2016 cost taxpayers roughly a quarter-billion dollars, yet they cast aside 26.3 million voters. The party leaders may look at independents with a jaundiced eye, but one poll found 70 percent of the nation’s voters favor open primaries.

As bad as it is that independents in one-third of the states are shut out of the primary process, things used to be worse. In a guest column written for The Hill, John Opdycke, president ofOpen Primaries, a nonpartisan reform group, reports that some progress has been made.

In 2016,theDemocratic Party opened their presidential primaries to independents in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Nebraska, California and Alaska. So didthe Republican Party in Alaska.

In several states, according to Opdycke, activists are pushing to open their primaries before the 2020 elections. But the timeline is surprisingly short as party leaders in all states will set the rules for the next election by the summer of 2019.

In most states, voters register as a Republican or Democrat – or, in some cases, as an independent. But the two parties are in control as they establish the procedures for the primary election process in each state. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the state parties can open up primary elections to independents even if state law forbids such a move.

In Michigan, where voters do not declare their political affiliation when registering, the primary system is considered open though voters must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot at the polls.

Groups such as Open Primaries and the Independent Voter Network are leading the way in a grassroots push to end closed primaries. In some cases, lawsuits have been filed. But Opdycke warns that GOP leaders in a few states are hoping to make participation in primaries more restrictive, not more inclusive.And some Democratic leaders go so far as to argue that independents don’t really exist, so voters who lean toward the Democrats should declare themselves a party member.

Opdycke offers this view as the 2020 elections loom on the horizon:

Leaders in both parties may wake up and realize it is in their self-interest to roll outthered carpet to independent voters, whose votes they will desperately need in November in closed primary battleground states like Florida, Pennsylvania and Arizona. TheDNC (Democratic National Committee) andtheRNC (Republican National Committee) penalize state parties if they attempt to movethedate of their presidential primary too far forward. They could adopt a similar posture towardstheinclusion of independents, penalizing state parties that don’t allow them to cast a ballot. After all, it’s harder to say “vote for us” in November after asserting “no independents allowed” in March.

In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (2)

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In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (4)

Chad Selweski

    15 Comments

    1. In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (5)

      James D Brenneman on April 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      I find the practice of not allowing an independent registered voter to vote in the PA primary election a bit hypocritical to later come knocking on my door asking for my vote.

      Reply

      • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (6)

        corey L on May 16, 2023 at 7:46 am

        Agreed!

        Reply

    2. In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (7)

      William Bryant on September 4, 2021 at 11:12 am

      This is frightening as I want to register as Independent in Florida. Personally I believe this quashing of the vote for certain areas and demographics is one step closer to oppression which is one step closer to socialism which is a giant leap towards communism. Feel free to correct me you believe my thinking is wrong.

      Reply

      • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (8)

        dave on September 5, 2021 at 2:48 pm

        You’re wrong.

        If you want to vote in a primary, then join a party.

        Do you really want democrats voting for republicans, or republicans vote for democrats, in order to throw off the election?

        THAT would be oppression, leading to fascism.

        Reply

        • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (9)

          amy on January 21, 2022 at 11:54 am

          States with open primaries welcome anyone to vote, so ya, a Dem can vote in the open primary.

          Reply

        • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (10)

          Jolene Jonay on June 5, 2022 at 12:53 pm

          I think people should be able to vote for the candidate they fill will best serve the people regardless of party affiliation! They should eliminate the parties that divide this country and candidates run on their merit and what they have done to SERVE THE PEOPLE instead of corporations with lobbyists!!!!

          Reply

          • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (11)

            Tina on October 11, 2022 at 5:19 pm

            Independent voters can’t vote primaries. In the primaries whichever party you are registered for you have to vote for that party. I found out about that when I went to vote the primaries in 2016. I was democrat and I thank God there was another name under Hilary’s name, so I voted for him. I still want to go independent but Primaries are important too.

            Reply

        • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (12)

          Barbara A Reid on November 14, 2022 at 6:55 am

          I AM in a party and I disagree with SOME of the things they are supporting. I also agree with some of the things the “other” party is supporting. So yes, I lean toward becoming an independent. I should have that right to vote just as everyone else does. In Kentucky it’s a closed primary… of course!

          Reply

      • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (13)

        Pat on May 1, 2022 at 3:13 pm

        It has nothing or no relationship to socialism, I do wish people would take the time to read and understand the different types of political systems and governments. Communism and those systems that have dictatorships do not allow other or Opposition parties. A country can have a socialist system but still have many political parties, or even a government that has no socialist agenda. I’m not advocating socialism or social system, I’m just pointing out that most Americans do not understand the difference and most are to egocentric to even want to.

        Reply

        • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (14)

          daryl W saunders on October 10, 2022 at 8:42 pm

          The truth is we only have one party, the Deep State Party and the select the person who is voted for

          Reply

      • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (15)

        Rocco Odouche on May 31, 2023 at 11:33 pm

        Your absolutely correct, we have no voting system in America, no transparency in the Ballots, they just run the same ones over and over again and Judges are to scared to get involved……….We have already lost the country to Communism and after the steal 2024 it will become official

        Reply

    3. In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (16)

      dave on September 5, 2021 at 2:45 pm

      Nor should they.

      Primaries are for the voters of those parties who want to select a candidate they want to see win.

      It’s not for those outside of the party to try to deprive the party faithful of their choice.

      Reply

      • In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (17)

        marcia svantesson on August 5, 2022 at 3:58 pm

        The point of being an independent voter. is that you vote the person and issues not the party. So, as far as I’m concerned, closed primaries are penalizing independents. Personally, I find this an immature system.

        Reply

    4. In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (18)

      J steAdman on April 2, 2022 at 4:32 pm

      Actually, by not allowing open primaries, one could easily register with the party they’re truly against, possibly sabotaging the November elections. 🤔

      Reply

    5. In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (19)

      Joe P on August 18, 2022 at 9:55 pm

      Open primaries are the reason Lindsy Graham keeps getting elected in SC. The Dems come out and vote for him. We need close primaries.

      Reply

    Leave a reply

    In 17 states independents still cannot vote in primaries (2024)

    FAQs

    Who can vote in a primary election quizlet? ›

    A primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote. You must be pre- registered for a political party, and you may get only the ballot for that parties candidates.

    How do independent candidates get on the ballot quizlet? ›

    Independent candidates can get on the ballot for the general election in most states by petition.

    What is an independent voter quizlet? ›

    Independent voter. A voted who has a lack of a strong sense of party identification or alignment, and is up for grabs by a party at an election.

    What makes you an independent voter? ›

    An independent is variously defined as a voter who votes for candidates on issues rather than on the basis of a political ideology or partisanship; a voter who does not have long-standing loyalty to, or identification with, a political party; a voter who does not usually vote for the same political party from election ...

    What type of people vote in primaries? ›

    In an open primary, a voter of any political affiliation may vote in the primary of any party. For example, a voter registered as a Democrat can choose to vote in the Republican primary.

    When all registered individuals are allowed to vote in a party's primary quizlet? ›

    An open primary is a primary election in which any registered voter can vote in any party's primary. In a blanket primary, unlike an open primary, voters choose candidates for each office without regard to party.

    What is characteristic of independent voters in the United States quizlet? ›

    what is characteristic of independent voters in the united states? - Overwhelmingly lean toward one political party.

    What is an independent candidate quizlet? ›

    independent candidate. a candidate who is not associated with any political party.

    Which individuals are legally disqualified from voting? ›

    Who cannot vote? Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Some people following felony convictions or who are currently serving time for other types of crimes.

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    No voter may vote in the primary election of any political party other than the party he or she has disclosed a preference for upon registering to vote. However, a political party may authorize a person who has declined to disclose a party preference to vote in that party's primary election.

    Has an independent ever gotten electoral votes? ›

    The most recent third-party candidates to receive an electoral vote were Libertarian Ron Paul and Sioux Nation independent Faith Spotted Eagle who received a vote each from faithless electors in 2016.

    What is another word for an independent voter? ›

    Unaffiliated is the term used to refer to voters who are not registered with a political party. This term is used instead of referring to these voters as independent to avoid confusion with the Independent Party, which is an established political party.

    How do independent voters vote? ›

    Independent voters who wish to vote in the statewide primary election, must choose either: A partisan ballot (Democratic or Republican)*. Partisan ballots also contain the non-partisan jurisdictional elections. Or, A non-partisan, jurisdictional only ballot.

    How many independents are in the Senate? ›

    Party affiliation
    AffiliationMembers
    Republican Party49
    Democratic Party48
    Independent3
    Total100

    What's the point of primary elections? ›

    The Primary Election is held to nominate political party candidates to the General Election ballot; therefore, candidates not affiliated with either political party cannot participate in the Primary Election.

    Who runs the primaries? ›

    State primaries are run by state and local governments. Voting happens through secret ballot. Caucuses are private meetings run by political parties. They are held at the county, district, or precinct level.

    What are independent party beliefs? ›

    The American Independent Party is the party of ordered liberty in a nation under God. We believe in strict adherence to written law. We believe the Constitution is the contract America has with itself.

    Who typically votes in primary elections? ›

    A registered voter may vote in any party primary regardless of his or her own party affiliation. Fourteen states – Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin – have open primaries.

    Is a primary election in which any voter regardless of party affiliation can participate? ›

    During an open primary or caucus, people can vote for a candidate of any political party. During a closed primary or caucus, only voters registered with that party can take part and vote.

    Which primaries only allow party members to vote quizlet? ›

    Only registered party members may vote in a closed primary, whereas any qualified voter can vote in an open primary. EXPLANATION: There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of primaries. Some States use open primaries, and some use closed primaries.

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    In the United States a citizen must be at least eighteen years old in order to vote. People who are registered to vote. While almost all adult in American citizens are theoretically eligible to vote, only those who have completed a registration form by the required date may do so.

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    Driving the news: Gallup polling last month found that a record 49% of Americans see themselves as politically independent — the same as the two major parties put together.

    What is the independent party considered? ›

    The American Independent Party (AIP) is a far-right political party in the United States that was established in 1967.

    Who is known as an independent candidate? ›

    An independent or non-partisan politician is a politician not affiliated with any political party or bureaucratic association. There are numerous reasons why someone may stand for office as an independent.

    What is the difference between a third-party candidate and an independent candidate? ›

    "Third party" is a term commonly used in the United States in reference to political parties other than the Democratic and Republican parties. An independent candidate is one not affiliated with any political party.

    What is meant by an independent when it comes to party affiliation quizlet? ›

    Terms in this set (15) An independent voter is someone who does not identify with a political party. With party affiliation typically evenly divided independent voters make the difference and both parties court these voters in the general election.

    What is an independent event in probability quizlet? ›

    Two events are independent if the occurrence of one event does not affect the probability of the other event.

    Who Cannot be denied the right to vote? ›

    Fifteenth : The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude–The C. . .

    Which group was still not allowed to vote? ›

    The right to vote (also known as suffrage) is an important part of our democracy. Throughout history, different groups were prevented from taking part in the voting process. At one point, women, people of color, and immigrants could not vote. People without money, property, or an education were also barred from voting.

    Is there a right not to vote? ›

    In the U.S., no one is required by law to vote in any local, state, or presidential election.

    What does open primary mean in government? ›

    An open primary is a primary election that does not require voters to be affiliated with a political party in order to vote for partisan candidates.

    Is there an independent party in Florida? ›

    The Independent Party of Florida is a political third party formed in the 1990s.

    What states do not require party registration? ›

    Voter registration in the United States is required for voting in federal, state and local elections in the United States. The only exception is North Dakota, although cities in North Dakota may register voters for city elections.

    Has an independent ever won governor? ›

    In the 369 gubernatorial elections since 1990, third party or independent candidates have won at least 5.0% of the vote 53 times (14%), while six candidates have won election (2%). The most recent third party or independent governor to win was Alaska's Bill Walker, a Republican turned independent, in 2014.

    Is it possible for a president to win the Electoral College but not have the most popular votes? ›

    Yes. With most states following the winner-take-all approach, it is possible for a candidate to win the electoral vote, but lose the nation-wide popular vote. There have been four elections in which the person elected president won the electoral vote, but lost the popular vote (1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016).

    What was the closest election in US history Electoral College? ›

    5 Remarkably Close U.S. Presidential Elections
    • John F. Kennedy/Richard Nixon (1960) ...
    • James A. Garfield/Winfield Scott Hanco*ck (1880) ...
    • George W. Bush/Al Gore (2000) ...
    • Rutherford B. Hayes/Samuel J. ...
    • John Quincy Adams/Andrew Jackson (1824)

    Why are independent voters important? ›

    Electoral success among independents can serve as a leading indicator of larger partisan trends, demonstrating that not all citizens are wedded to a single partisan identity for life.

    What is the word for no politics? ›

    adjective. apo·​lit·​i·​cal ˌā-pə-ˈli-ti-kəl. : having no interest or involvement in political affairs.

    What is the word for being politically neutral? ›

    Being apolitical can also refer to situations in which people take an unbiased position in regard to political matters. The Collins English Dictionary defines apolitical as "politically neutral; without political attitudes, content, or bias."

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    We want a government that can successfully create and pass legislation that addresses the serious issues that our country faces. We want a government that the American people experience as representing them and having their interests in mind.

    What percentage of Americans are registered Republican? ›

    Overall in 2021, an average of 29% of Americans identified as Democrats, 27% as Republicans and 42% as independents. Roughly equal proportions of independents leaned to the Democratic Party (17%) and to the Republican Party (16%).

    What is an independent voting member of a governing body? ›

    Independent Voting Members

    Members of the governing body are considered independent only if all of the following applied at all times during the tax year: They were not compensated as an officer or other employee of the organization (or a related organization).

    Are there independents in House of Representatives? ›

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    How many black Republicans are in Congress? ›

    Between 1789 and 2020, 152 have served in the House of Representatives, 9 have served in the Senate, and 1 has served in both chambers. Voting members have totaled 156, with 6 serving as delegates. Party membership has been, 131 Democrats, and 31 Republicans.

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    This list provides the names, service dates, and political party affiliation of the Senate's many independent members. The names of current senators appear in bold print. Total: 77 individuals (Three senators, John P. Hale, Anthony Kennedy, and Waitman T.

    What is the lowest voting age in the world? ›

    16-years-old is the lowest minimum age globally for national elections, while the highest is 25-years-old which is only the case in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This age of 25 was also the case in Italy for Senate (upper house) elections until it was lowered to 18 in 2021.

    Which state has the first primary? ›

    A 2008 Democratic caucus meeting in Iowa City, Iowa. The Iowa caucuses are traditionally the first major electoral event of presidential primaries and caucuses.

    Can the president lose the primary election? ›

    Since the advent of the modern primary election system in 1972, an incumbent president has never been defeated by a primary challenger, though every president who faced a strong primary challenge went on to be defeated in the general election.

    Can declared party members vote in a primary election? ›

    No voter may vote in the primary election of any political party other than the party he or she has disclosed a preference for upon registering to vote. However, a political party may authorize a person who has declined to disclose a party preference to vote in that party's primary election.

    What is the primary election? ›

    The Primary Election is an election by the political parties to nominate their candidates for the General Election ballot. No one is elected in a Primary election; candidates are nominated.

    What is primary election government quizlet? ›

    Primary election. Election in which voters choose the candidates from each party who will run in the general election.

    What are the different types of primaries? ›

    DEM = Democratic Party. REP = Republican Party. AI = American Independent Party. GRN = Green Party.

    Do primaries vote for delegates? ›

    Today, in 48 states, individuals participate in primaries or caucuses to elect delegates who support their presidential candidate of choice. At national party conventions, the presidential contender with the most state delegate votes wins the party nomination.

    Does the Declaration of Independence mention elections? ›

    The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves.

    What Supreme Court case made all white primaries unconstitutional? ›

    Another challenge to the Texas white primaries was Smith v. Allwright (1944), which overturned Grovey v. Townsend. In that case the Supreme Court ruled that white primaries as established by Texas were unconstitutional.

    What is the main purpose of a primary election quizlet? ›

    What is the purpose of primary elections? They allow each party to select a candidate to represent it in the general election.

    Does the Electoral College elect the president? ›

    The Electoral College decides who will be elected president and vice president of the U.S. Learn who is involved and how the process works.

    Why did the founders establish the Electoral College? ›

    The Senate was designed to represent each State equally regardless of its population. And the Electoral College was designed to represent each State's choice for the presidency (with the number of each State's electoral votes being the number of its Senators plus the number of its Representatives).

    What are the two main political parties? ›

    Since the 1850s, the two largest political parties have been the Democratic Party and the Republican Party—which together have won every United States presidential election since 1852 and controlled the United States Congress since at least 1856.

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