From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Pennsylvania Bill Passes House for Open Primaries
Pennsylvania's closed primary bill passes state House, allowing independents and third-party voters to participate in primaries.
In brief
Pennsylvania's closed primary bill passes state House, allowing independents and third-party voters to participate in primaries. Pennsylvania's bill to end closed primaries passes state House, enabling 1.5 million unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Bill passes state House
A bill to allow independent and third-party voters to cast ballots in Pennsylvania primary elections passed this week in the state House.
115-88 vote
The legislation passed with 115 yes votes and 88 no votes from state lawmakers.
1.5 million unaffiliated voters
State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) said opening the commonwealth's primaries would correct an injustice for 1.5 million unaffiliated voters.
1937 election code
The current system disenfranchises people who choose to join an alternative political party or remain independent since the state Election Code was made law in 1937.
400,000 veterans
Advocates for open primaries argue the current system disenfranchises about 400,000 Pennsylvania veterans and nearly two-thirds of young adults.
10 states with closed primaries
Pennsylvania is one of just 10 states with closed primaries that limit voter participation to party members.
Rep. Wendy Fink opposes
Rep. Wendy Fink (R-York) argued the commonwealth's general elections are open to every u.s. citizen who registers to vote.
Primary not pure election
Fink said the primary is not an election in the purest form and allowing non-party voters would add complexity to elections.
Rep. Greg Vitali opposes
Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) echoed Fink's argument that independent voters choose to exclude themselves from the partisan process.
Inconsistent voters
Vitali said independent voters find it distasteful to be affiliated with either party but want a voice in choosing its standard bearer.
Rep. Russ Diamond compares
Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) compared the spring elections to football draft picks, saying it would be bad if eagles allowed steelers to make draft picks.
Democratic Whip supports
Democratic Whip Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) said every elected official should work to expand the franchise and make government participation easier for constituents.
In short
Pennsylvania's bill to end closed primaries passes state House, enabling 1.5 million unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections.
