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Petitioners advocate for open primaries in Pennsylvania | CNN Politics

Advocates Push for Open Primaries in Pennsylvania: A Grassroots Effort to Reform Voting

In a bustling corner of Philadelphia, a group of determined petitioners gathered outside a local community center, clipboards in hand and signs waving in the summer breeze. Their mission? To overhaul Pennsylvania's primary election system by introducing open primaries, a change they believe could invigorate democracy and give more voters a voice in the political process. This scene, captured in a recent CNN video report, highlights a growing movement in the Keystone State where independent and unaffiliated voters are increasingly frustrated with being sidelined during crucial primary elections.

The video opens with footage of petitioners engaging passersby, explaining the intricacies of Pennsylvania's current closed primary system. Under this setup, only registered Democrats can vote in Democratic primaries, and only registered Republicans in Republican ones. Independents, who make up a significant portion of the electorate—over 1.2 million in Pennsylvania alone—are effectively shut out. "It's like being invited to a party but not allowed to dance," quips one petitioner in the report, a middle-aged woman named Sarah Jenkins, who identifies as an independent voter. Jenkins, a school teacher from Pittsburgh, shares her personal story: she's voted in general elections for years but feels her input is meaningless without a say in who gets on the ballot.

The push for open primaries isn't new, but it's gaining momentum amid a politically polarized landscape. Advocates argue that closed primaries exacerbate extremism by allowing only the most partisan voters to select candidates, often leading to nominees who appeal to the fringes rather than the broader electorate. In the video, political analyst Dr. Elena Ramirez from the University of Pennsylvania weighs in, stating, "Open primaries could moderate our politics. When independents participate, candidates must appeal to a wider audience, reducing the influence of party extremes." Ramirez points to states like California and Washington, which have adopted top-two open primary systems, where all candidates compete in a single primary, and the top two advance regardless of party.

Petitioners featured in the report are part of a larger coalition called Open PA Votes, a nonpartisan organization founded in 2023. The group's leader, Mark Thompson, a former Republican who switched to independent status after growing disillusioned with party politics, is interviewed extensively. Thompson explains the petition drive's goal: to collect enough signatures—aiming for 100,000—to place a ballot initiative before voters in the 2026 election. "We're not asking for a revolution; we're asking for inclusion," Thompson says, his voice steady against the backdrop of honking cars and chatting pedestrians. He recounts how the movement started small, with online forums and town halls, but has ballooned thanks to social media campaigns and endorsements from figures like former Governor Tom Wolf, who has publicly supported electoral reforms.

The video delves into the historical context of Pennsylvania's voting laws. Established in the early 20th century, the closed primary system was designed to prevent "party raiding," where members of one party might sabotage another's primary by voting for weak candidates. However, critics in the report argue this fear is outdated in an era where voter turnout is low and independents are the fastest-growing voter bloc. Data flashed on screen shows that in the 2024 primaries, turnout among registered party members was around 25%, while independents sat on the sidelines, potentially missing out on influencing key races like the gubernatorial contest.

Interviews with everyday Pennsylvanians add a human touch to the narrative. A young college student from State College expresses frustration: "I'm not aligned with either party, but I care about issues like climate change and student debt. Why can't I vote in the primary that decides who addresses them?" An older voter from rural Lancaster County echoes this, noting how closed primaries disenfranchise moderates. "I've been a Republican all my life, but sometimes I want to support a Democrat who's better on local issues. This system forces us into boxes," he says.

Opposition to the change is also addressed in the video, providing a balanced view. State Republican Party Chair Lawrence Tabas appears in a clip, warning that open primaries could dilute party influence and lead to chaos. "Primaries are for parties to choose their standard-bearers. Opening them up invites manipulation and weakens our democratic institutions," Tabas argues. Similarly, some Democratic leaders express concerns that it might favor well-funded candidates who can appeal to a broader, less ideologically committed base.

Despite these hurdles, the petitioners remain optimistic. The report shows them at a rally in Harrisburg, where hundreds chanted "Open the vote!" Organizers highlight successful models elsewhere: Alaska's recent adoption of open primaries and ranked-choice voting, which has led to more competitive races and higher voter satisfaction. In Pennsylvania, a similar reform could be transformative, especially in a swing state where primaries often determine general election outcomes due to gerrymandered districts.

The video explores the logistical challenges of implementing open primaries. Would it be a blanket open system, where voters pick a party's primary on election day without declaring affiliation? Or a top-two model? Advocates lean toward the former for simplicity, but they acknowledge the need for legislative buy-in. Currently, changing the primary system requires amending the state constitution, a process that involves approval from both houses of the legislature in two consecutive sessions, followed by a voter referendum. This is why the petition drive is crucial—it's a way to pressure lawmakers and build public support.

Broader implications for national politics are touched upon. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is a battleground state. Open primaries could shift dynamics in presidential races, allowing independents to influence nominee selection. The report notes how in 2024, independents played a pivotal role in the general election, swinging key states. "If Pennsylvania opens up, it could set a precedent for other closed-primary states like New York and Florida," says Ramirez.

As the video concludes, it circles back to the petitioners on the street. Jenkins, the teacher, hands a petition to a hesitant young man, explaining patiently. "This isn't about left or right; it's about all of us having a say." The camera pans out to show a diverse crowd—young and old, urban and rural—united in their call for change. Thompson adds a final thought: "Democracy thrives when more people participate. Closed doors lead to echo chambers; open ones lead to progress."

This movement in Pennsylvania reflects a national trend toward electoral reform. From ranked-choice voting in Maine to nonpartisan redistricting in Michigan, voters are demanding systems that better represent the populace. In the Keystone State, the fight for open primaries is just beginning, but with passionate advocates like those featured, it has the potential to reshape the political landscape.

The report underscores the power of grassroots activism in an age of institutional gridlock. By focusing on personal stories and expert insights, it paints a vivid picture of why open primaries matter. For independents tired of being spectators, this could be the key to unlocking fuller participation. As one petitioner puts it, "We're not just collecting signatures; we're collecting hope for a better democracy."

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/19/politics/video/smr-petitioners-advocate-for-open-primaries-in-pennsylvania ]