The Classic Model: Closed Primaries
Think of a closed primary as a members-only event. In states with this system, you must be a registered member of a political party to vote in its primary election. A registered Republican can only vote for Republican candidates, and a registered Democrat can only vote for Democratic ones. This system is designed to allow political parties to select their own nominees without influence from outside voters. It prioritizes party integrity, ensuring that the candidates who advance to the general election are the choice of the party faithful. Independents or unaffiliated voters are generally shut out unless they officially join a party.
The More Inclusive Model: Open Primaries
An open primary, by contrast, is like a public event where everyone is invited. In this system, voters do not have
to be formally affiliated with a political party to participate in its primary. On Election Day, a voter can request any party's ballot and make their choices in private. This gives voters more flexibility and allows independents a direct say in which candidates from each party will move on to the general election. The focus is less on party purity and more on broader voter participation.
The Washington Way: A 'Top Two' System
So, is Washington open or closed? The answer is neither. The Evergreen State uses a 'Top Two Primary' for its state and congressional elections. In this system, all candidates for an office appear on a single ballot, regardless of their party preference. Voters, who do not register by party in Washington, can choose any candidate they like for each race. The two candidates who receive the most votes simply advance to the November general election. This means the final matchup could be between two Democrats, two Republicans, or one from each party. A party is not guaranteed a spot on the general election ballot.
The Origin of the Top-Two Primary
Washington's unique system wasn't handed down by decree; it was chosen by its citizens. Voters approved Initiative 872 in 2004 with nearly 60% of the vote. The system faced legal challenges from political parties, who argued it infringed on their right to choose their own nominees. However, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in 2008, and it has been in place ever since. The stated goal of this model is to empower voters to support the person, not just the party, and to potentially elect more moderate, less polarized candidates who must appeal to a wider swath of the electorate to survive the primary.
What It Means for Voters and Parties
The Top-Two system has significant consequences. It gives every registered voter a chance to participate in the primary, which often determines the eventual winner in politically non-competitive districts. It also diminishes the power of party establishments, as a candidate's 'party preference' on the ballot does not imply an official endorsement. Parties cannot simply anoint a nominee; their preferred candidate must earn one of the top two spots among all voters. This has changed the political landscape, creating general election contests that look very different from those in the rest of the country.
