Closed primaries allow only party members to vote for their candidate, while excluding independent voters. Some states have special rules allowing independents to register with a party on Election Day. Closed primaries are frequented by party regulars, who are often the most dedicated and active in the party.
Closed primaries are an electoral system in which people who are members of a particular party can vote on who should represent that party in an upcoming election. This primary system contrasts with open primaries, where members of both parties can vote for candidates from either side. In the United States, for example, 18 states have closed primary systems, but even then there may be some special arrangements that still allow voters to enter the system and cast their votes.
A major criticism of the closed primaries is that it excludes independent voters who may want to help pick a possible candidate. These voters are highly sought after and can often determine the outcome of a general election, where all voters get to vote on the entire slate of candidates. The closed primary system therefore disenfranchises a significant portion of the voting population, many of whom will participate in general elections.
Proponents of closed primaries say it is party members who have the right to determine who will represent them. Some argue that opening a party vote to those who are not in it could unduly influence the process. For example, an otherwise weak candidate may be voted as one party’s candidate for a position by voters who want their preferred candidate in the opposing party to have an easier time in the general election. These individuals are not interested in the party but are trying to sabotage the political process.
Some states have special primary rules, which allow independent voters, or even voters of a different party, to register with any party on Election Day. This means that even if a voter belongs to another party, if he wishes to vote in the other party’s primary, he can do so simply by changing his registration at the polls. Some may even be able to return to their favorite party after the vote, but won’t get a second ballot. This is very close to an open primary system.
Despite fears of influence from outside sources, a closed primary system is usually frequented by party regulars. These individuals are often the ones most dedicated to the party, and are often the most active in it. Thus, primary season is often the time when candidates appeal to insiders. Once the candidate has emerged from the closed primaries, he or she will often shift the focus of the campaign towards a larger group of individuals, which is why many candidates are accused of switching positions in a campaign.
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