Semi-open primaries allow independent and minor-party voters to participate in publicly-funded primary elections by selecting a ballot of the major political party of their choice to vote on, without changing their registration.

Fifty-one percent of US voters now identify as Independent or Decline to State (DTS) voters, and this affiliation is growing faster than any other party membership in the United States. But right now, in states like New Mexico, these voters, along with minor-party voters, are not allowed to participate in publicly-funded primary elections.

The benefits of semi-open primaries include:

• Greater voter voice: In a semi-open primary, DTS/Independent voters and minor party voters are able to choose which party’s primary they want to participate in.
• Greater voting access: Currently, 25% of New Mexicans registered as independents or minor party voters are not able to vote in our publicly-funded primary elections. Semi-open primaries would remove the unequitable burden of having to change voter registration in order to be able to vote in a primary. Instead, these voters could select a party’s ballot at the primary.
• Increased competition: Semi-open primaries can encourage more competition within parties, as more voter participation will be enabled. This can lead to a wider range of viewpoints being represented and a more diverse group of candidates.
• Higher turnout: Some research suggests that semi-open primary elections may lead to higher voter turnout, as more voters are able to participate in the primary process.
• Greater influence for independents and minor party voters: In a semi-open primary, independent voters may have more influence on the outcome of the primary, as they are able to choose which party’s primary to participate in. This can give them a greater voice in the political process.
• Decreased political polarization: Some proponents of semi-open primaries argue that they can help to moderate the positions of candidates, as they may need to appeal to a wider range of voters in order to win the primary. States that have opened their primaries have seen a decrease in political polarization after making the change. Elected officials must then work on coalition-building and problem-solving to be seen as effective by the increased voting population, and can’t just remain in place by pandering to one part of their electorate.