The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has voted to end closed political primaries in the state.
Amendment A.6002, proposed by Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia), passed on a 112-90 vote. The measure would end closed primaries after 87 years and allow independent voters to vote for candidates in primary elections. The amendment meshes with similar open primary legislation (H.H. 976) sponsored by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and mirrors another bill (H.B. 979) crafted by Solomon. Both bills were approved by the House State Government Committee last fall.
“Independent voters decide elections, so lawmakers finally decided to listen to them and vote to try to give them what they’ve been asking for all these years – the right to vote in every election in Pennsylvania,” said Ballot PA chairman David Thornburgh; the nonpartisan coalition has sought to end closed primaries.
Pennsylvania is one of 10 states that currently completely excludes independent voters from primary elections. Ballot PA argues it is tantamount to taxation without representation, as over 1 million voters in the state cannot participate in a process their tax dollars pay for.
The amended measure is awaiting its third and final consideration in the House. If the bill passes and moves to the state Senate, supporters are optimistic. The upper chamber approved a similar open primary measure, 42-8, in 2019.
