1.3M Voters are Shut Out of PA Primaries. Open Primaries Give Them a More Meaningful Vote.

Commentary on R Street details how 1.4M independent and minor party voters are shut out of PA's primaries. "Pennsylvania a prime candidate for reforms that would expand voter choice and improve electoral incentives," writes Chris McIsaac.

"Pennsylvania is one of nine states that hold closed primary elections. Under the closed primary model, each political party has a primary election to select a nominee to compete in the general election. Participation in each party’s primary is limited to members of the political party. Unaffiliated voters are not permitted to vote in the primary, but independent and minor party candidates can attempt to get on the general election ballot by collecting signatures from registered voters within the relevant jurisdiction. Despite their diminished capacity to participate in the primary election, the number of registered independent voters in Pennsylvania is trending upward. Today, there are 1.4 million independent and minor party voters, which accounts for 16 percent of the electorate. This share has increased in every presidential election since 2000."