Pennsylvania House passes bill to allow unaffiliated voters in primaries

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections. The legislation, House Bill 280, passed with a vote of 115-88, receiving support from most Democrats and some Republicans.

Under the proposed semi-open system, registered voters with no political party affiliation would be able to choose which party's primary they wish to vote in. However, the bill would not permit these voters to participate in internal party elections, such as those for committee seats.

Proponents, including the bill's prime sponsor State Rep. Jared Solomon, argue the change is necessary to include the approximately 1.5 million unaffiliated voters in the democratic process. Advocates note that the current closed primary system, in place since 1937, disenfranchises groups such as veterans and young adults. Pennsylvania is currently one of only ten states that maintain closed primaries. The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate for consideration.