US EditionLawsuit Seeks to Open Pennsylvania Primaries up to Third-Party, Unaffiliated Voters
PENNSYLVANIA, JUL 15 – Three Democratic justices face retention votes that could shift Pennsylvania Supreme Court control amid politically charged rulings, with judges winning retention over 90% of the time.
- Four independent Pennsylvania voters filed a petition in July 2025 asking the state Supreme Court to declare the closed primary system unconstitutional.
- They argue the primary system excludes about 1.4 million independents from key contests that determine election outcomes in most districts.
- The petition was supported by Ballot PA Action and state Representative Jared Solomon, who also sponsors an open primary bill pending in the state House.
- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has seven justices, three Democrats face retention votes in November 2025, and the court’s current 5-2 Democratic majority could be impacted.
- A ruling allowing independents to vote in primaries could increase turnout and change electoral competitiveness, but legislative action would be needed to establish a compliant new system.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Michael Smerconish, David Thornburgh sue for open primaries
In Philadelphia, as in many places, many top political races are decided in primaries rather than the general election that follows. Democratic voters pick a candidate — such as Larry Krasner in the District Attorney primary this past May, and Cherelle Parker in the mayoral primary two years ago — who then goes on to breeze through the general against a token Republican challenger, or no challenger at all. As a result, in those races, the pref…
Independents who want to vote in Pa.’s closed primaries seek help from state’s high court
HARRISBURG — Voters hoping to open up Pennsylvania’s closed primary system to independents asked the state Supreme Court on Tuesday to declare the current system violates the state constitution’s right to free and fair elections.
A petition to Pa.’s highest court could determine if independents vote in primaries • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
A voter deposits a mail-in ballot at the drop box outside the Chester County Government Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall)With Independence Hall in Philadelphia serving as the backdrop, a group announced on Tuesday they have filed a petition asking the state Supreme Court to rule primary election laws in Pennsylvania are unconstitutional. “We’re speaking to the seven justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and we aim …
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