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# Group of Independent Voters to Protest Closed Primaries Nationwide
- URL: https://ivn.us/group-independent-voters-protest-closed-primaries-nationwide/
- Published: 2014-05-06T20:01:20.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-22T19:44:57.000Z
- Author: Alex Gauthier
- Tags: News

As a non-presidential election year, voter turnout in 2014 is not likely to be very high. Congressional approval remains [below](http://www.gallup.com/poll/166838/congress-job-approval-starts-2014.aspx?ref=ivn.us) 15 percent. North Carolina voter turnout is expected to be [less than](http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2014/05/06/low-turnout-expected/?ref=ivn.us) 20 percent. If recent [trends](https://ivn.us/2012/08/13/voter-turnout-drops-during-2012-primary-season/) continue, the average primary turnout this election will hover around the [record low](http://bipartisanpolicy.org/library/report/national-primary-turnout-hits-new-record-low?ref=ivn.us) of 17.3 percent in 2012.

In light of these dim numbers, a group of independent voters is organizing what they call a "Voting Rights are Primary" campaign. They will be picketing and distributing information outside of polling locations in states across the nation that have closed primary system. In a closed primary, voters are required to register with a party in order to participate, despite having to fund these primaries with their tax dollars.

Jacqueline Salit, president of IndependentVoting.org, a co-founding member of the [#EndPartisanship](http://endpartisanship.org/?ref=ivn.us) coalition, says that one explanation for the lack of participation stems from election laws that prevent non-affiliated voters -- about 43 percent of the voting population -- from voting in primary elections.

> “The midterm elections are not just about who goes to Washington. They’re about who sends them there" said Salit in a statement. "We need an open process where every voter has the right to participate in a meaningful way.”

The "Voting Rights are Primary" campaign is part of a larger effort to inform and activate the fastest growing segment of the electorate: independent voters.

Photo: [spirit of america](http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-978674p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00&ref=ivn.us) / [Shutterstock.com](http://www.shutterstock.com/?cr=00&pl=edit-00&ref=ivn.us)