Primaries are a few months away in the USA, so it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed primaries. Before delving into the differences, it’s helpful to define what a primary election is. Elections in the US are typically between Republicans and Democrats nationally, but both parties hold internal elections to determine who will run in the general elections. These elections are called primaries, and there are two different types: open and closed.
Open Primary
An open primary is a primary election in which individuals with any political affiliation can participate. This means that regardless of whether someone is a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or even a Communist, they have the right to vote in the primary election of any party they choose. However, parties may require voters to show support for the party’s policies and may ask for a small donation to help cover the cost of the election. Open primaries can sometimes work against a party, as members of the opposing party may vote for a candidate they believe has a low chance of winning in the general elections. Out of the 50 states, there are around 20 that hold open primaries.
Closed Primary
Closed primaries are held in many states and are elections within a party to determine the choice of candidates for the general elections. The main difference between closed and open primaries is that only registered members of a party can participate in closed primaries. Voters must state their party preference before voting in the primary, and those who are not members of the party are not allowed to participate.
Key Takeaways
- Open primaries allow individuals with any political affiliation to participate, while closed primaries are limited to registered members of a party.
- Open primaries may require voters to show support for a party’s policies and make a small donation.
- There are 20 states that hold open primaries, while many others hold closed primaries.
