Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, meaning independent voters can’t participate in primary elections in the state. 

There are about 1.4 million registered independent and third-party voters in Pennsylvania. They are not able to participate in the state’s primary elections on May 20th. The outcomes of these elections decide which candidates will advance to the general election. 

Pennsylvania is one of only ten states that have a closed primary system, meaning only registered Republican and Democrat voters can participate in their party’s elections. 

Those who are not registered as one of the major parties can still vote on statewide referenda, local initiatives, and special elections that appear on the ballot at the same time. 

Legislative efforts have been attempted several times to open the primary system in Pennsylvania. 

Most recently, two bills have been introduced to open the primary system. State Representative Jared Solomon has reintroduced his bill this session and State Senator Boscola plans to reintroduce hers. Both are Democrats. 

Solomon’s bill would allow unaffiliated voters to participate in either the Republican or Democratic primary. Voters would have to sign a certificate verifying their choice of ballot on election day. 

Under Solomon’s bill, voters who are registered to third parties would not be allowed to participate in primary elections. “You’ve made a call; you’ve made a decision. So, we’re going to keep you in that particular lane,” Solomon said. 

Boscola was a co-sponsor on a similar bill last session and plans to reintroduce it this year. The bill would allow independent voters to choose candidates from either primary. It would not allow voters to vote for party officers or party committee members. 

Similarly to Solomon’s bill, Boscola’s would not allow third-party voters to participate in primary elections. 

County election directors have warned that implementing an open primary system would create a significant challenge and undertaking at the polls. More time, effort, training, and ballots would be required to accommodate such a change. 

The number of registered independent voters and third-party voters has risen over the past decade by more than 308,000 according to state voter registration archives.