Open Primaries - Independent Voter News (Page 4)

Democracy Reformers Admit Their Biggest Problem: They Keep Talking to Themselves

At the March 25 Democracy Network Exchange meeting, reform advocates confronting 2024 losses on ranked choice voting and other ballot measures pointed to a hard truth: insider language, weak grassroots investment, and abstract messaging are still undermining structural reform campaigns.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 31, 2026

Editorial illustration showing democracy reform advocates in a strategy meeting separated from everyday voters, symbolizing the messaging gap in election reform.

Can a Party Call Itself ‘Independent’? Judge Accuses No Labels Party of ‘Bait-and-Switch’

The No Labels Party in Arizona cannot change its name to the Arizona Independent Party. This is the decision from Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Gregory Como, who called it a “political bait-and-switch.”

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 30, 2026

Voter registration form in Arizona showing “Independent” as a party choice, illustrating voter confusion over party affiliation

Independent Voters Are Dominating the 2026 Primary Conversation

The media does not often cover the impact independent voters have in elections until after the primaries. However, in 2026, this growing segment of voters – who make up nearly half of the electorate – is harder to ignore in these critical early contests.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 25, 2026

Independent voters are turning out in record numbers in the 2026 primary elections.

My Next Congressman Won His Primary with 24% of the Vote

Illinois conducted its 2026 primary elections Tuesday, and in some cases the winner advanced to November with around or less than 30% of the vote. In my congressional district, IL-7, State Representative La Shawn Ford won his primary with roughly 24% of the vote.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 18, 2026

My Next Congressman Won His Primary with 24% of the Vote

Ignored, Excluded, Rising: The Training Turning Independent Voters into a Political Force

Open Primaries’ Spokesperson Training has prepared hundreds of independents to share their stories. The next training is May 18. Here’s why it matters—and why you should apply.

By

Gwen Mandell

/ March 17, 2026

Ignored, Excluded, Rising: The Training Turning Independent Voters into a Political Force

John Fetterman Blasts Hypocrisy on Both Sides of the SAVE Act Fight

Fetterman has pointed out that voter ID is an "80-20 issue," citing an August 2025 Pew Research survey that found 83% of American voters support or are okay with requiring photo ID to vote.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 16, 2026

US Sen. John Fetterman has called out Republicans and members of his own party for their hypocrisy over the SAVE Act.

The Federal Voter ID Bill Is Designed to Fail. Here's Why

Most Americans support voter ID, so why is this fight so explosive? It’s simple: the two-party system keeps turning a broadly popular reform into a partisan weapon. Instead of solving the issue, both sides use it to energize their base and deepen distrust.

By

Independent Voter Podcast

/ March 12, 2026

Paul Rieckhoff Tells Stephen Colbert: Voters Shouldn't Have to Pick a Party to Matter

Paul Rieckhoff wears many hats. He is a veteran of the Iraq War, founded Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, national security analyst, author, producer, podcaster, and founder of Independent Veterans of America.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 11, 2026

Paul Rieckhoff on The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert.

Did New Petition Rules Kill Oklahoma’s Open Primaries Initiative?

Last week, the Oklahoma campaign to put a nonpartisan all-voter and all-candidate nonpartisan primary initiative on the ballot was informed that it did not collect enough signatures to be certified. This means state voters won’t get a say on the matter in 2026.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 10, 2026

Illustration of Oklahoma ballot initiative petitions being stamped rejected.

How James Talarico Won Over Independents Amid Texas Primary Chaos

James Talarico wins Texas’ Democratic Senate primary as campaigns point to unusually high independent participation in the state’s open primary system. Then Dallas County’s last-minute switch back to precinct-only voting sparks confusion, long lines, and a legal fight over ballots cast after 7 p.m.

By

Independent Voter Podcast

/ March 5, 2026

Don’t Kill Top Two. Upgrade It: A Smarter Way to Elect California’s Governor

The answer to today’s crowded field is not retreat. It is modernization. Instead of empowering party gatekeepers, we can empower voters with more choice, less vote splitting, and majority-supported outcomes.

By

John E Palmer

/ March 3, 2026

Demonstrators outside the California State Capitol debate the Top-Two primary system during the California governor race, highlighting election reform and voter choice issues.

No Referee in the Midterms? Trump’s FEC Nominations Come After 10 Months of Zero Federal Oversight

As February wrapped up, it was reported that President Donald Trump had nominated two Republicans for the Federal Elections Commission after 10 months of the agency being unable to perform its basic functions.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 2, 2026

Empty Federal Election Commission hearing room symbolizing FEC shutdown during 2026 midterms as Trump nominates new commissioners amid campaign finance oversight crisis.