LETTERS

On Saturday, April 11, approximately 40 residents of Union and Snyder counties met for a community discussion about whether Pennsylvania should open primaries to unaffiliated voters (aka independents).

The audience, about half registered independents and half registered Democrats, listened and asked questions as Rep. Jared Solomon discussed how open and semi-open primaries work around the country; which states do what; what the effects of open primaries have been; and how interested voters can advocate for HB 280, his bill to open Pennsylvania primaries to independent voters.

Some of the outcomes of open primaries on which Rep. Solomon reported are greater voter participation, not just in the primary but also in the general election in November.

It seems that when people are included in the democratic process all year, they are more invested and recognize that their vote is valued. It also turns out that more people run for office, probably because more potential candidates see an opening to appeal to a more varied set of voters; this makes incumbents more accountable, knowing that they can’t just coast to the general election.

Only nine other states have closed primaries, such as we have in Pennsylvania.

If you think more registered voters being able to participate in elections and more people running for office would be beneficial, and if you would like Pennsylvania to open primaries to independent voters, you can learn more about a newly forming local advocacy team of voters from across the political spectrum by emailing info@uniondemocrats.org.

Shari Jacobson, Union Township