HARRISBURG, Pa. — Americans are given the right to vote, and vote they do, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, voter turnout was 76.5% in the 2020 general election.
Now, voter turnout might get another bump — at least in primary elections.
- Sens. Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) and Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) are co-sponsoring Senate Bill 400
- It would repeal closed primaries in the state of Pa., allowing registered voters unaffiliated with a party or who are registered as Independent to vote in Republican or Democrat primaries
- Voters who are registered with a political party will still only be allowed to vote on that party’s primary ballots
State Sens. Lisa M. Boscola, D-Northampton, and Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, have co-sponsored a bill that would repeal closed primaries in the state and let registered voters unaffiliated with a party or who are registered as Independent vote for either major party.
Voters registered with a political party still could vote only in that party’s primary.
Boscola and Laughlin have planned a news conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the state Capitol Media Center to discuss the legislation, Senate Bill 400.
Pennsylvania is now among just nine states with closed primaries. The others are Delaware, Maryland, New York, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Kentucky and New Mexico.
Pennsylvania is now among just nine states with closed primaries. The others are Delaware, Maryland, New York, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Kentucky and New Mexico.
In the United States, primaries can be closed, partially closed, partially open, open to unaffiliated voters, open or top-two.
A top-two primary is when all candidates are on the same ballot. The two top vote-getters compete in the general election, regardless of their parties.
Pennsylvania has a primary election on May 16. The general election will be on Nov. 7.