Political Dictionary
A closed primary generally limits participation to voters registered with the political party holding the contest.
Definition
A closed primary is a nominating election in which only voters formally affiliated with a political party may vote in that party’s contest. Registration deadlines and affiliation rules vary by state, and some jurisdictions permit voters to change affiliation before the primary.
Why It Matters
Closed primaries allow party members to choose their own nominees and may reduce cross-party strategic voting. Critics argue that they exclude independents from contests that can effectively decide an office in heavily partisan areas.
How It Works
Election officials verify the voter’s party registration and provide the corresponding ballot. A voter registered with another party, or with no party, is usually ineligible unless state law permits a timely affiliation change.
History
Closed primaries grew from the view that political parties are associations entitled to select their nominees through their own members. Courts have considered how party rights interact with state election regulation.
Example
A voter registered as a Democrat may receive only the Democratic primary ballot in a closed-primary state.
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