The Problem with Closed Primaries
New York operates one of the most restrictive primary systems in the country:
Structural Barriers
- Only registered party members can vote in that party's primary
- Voters must change party registration by February 14th to vote in the June primary—a four-month gap
- 3.1 million New Yorkers (29% of registered voters) are party-unaffiliated
- Another 700,000+ are registered with minor parties (Working Families, Conservative, etc.)
- Combined, roughly 3.7 million voters are locked out of the primaries that effectively decide most elections
Democratic Consequences
- In heavily Democratic areas (most of NYC, many suburban districts), the Democratic primary IS the election
- In heavily Republican areas (rural upstate, parts of Long Island), the Republican primary IS the election
- Unaffiliated voters have no voice in selecting the candidates who will represent them
- Candidates optimize for primary electorates, not general election constituencies
3.7M
Voters locked out of primaries
4
Months to change party registration
29%
Of registered voters unaffiliated
Types of Open Primary Systems
| System | How It Works | States Using |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Open | Any voter picks any party's ballot on primary day | 15 states |
| Semi-Open | Unaffiliated voters choose a ballot; registered voters vote in own party | 7 states |
| Semi-Closed | Parties choose whether to allow unaffiliated voters | Several states |
| Top-Two ("Jungle") | All candidates on one ballot; top two advance regardless of party | CA, WA |
| Top-Four + RCV | All candidates compete; top four advance to RCV general | AK |
| Closed | Only registered party members vote | NY, FL, and 7 others |
Recommended System: Alaska-Style Top-Four with RCV
Why Top-Four is Superior to Top-Two
- Top-two can produce same-party runoffs that disenfranchise minority-party voters
- Four finalists ensure broader representation of viewpoints
- Combined with RCV, produces majority winners while preserving choice
Why This Works for NY-01
- District is politically competitive (R+4) with significant independent population
- System would allow moderate candidates from either party to compete
- Eliminates "spoiler" concerns that discourage third-party challenges
- Forces candidates to appeal to broader coalition beyond party base
Implementation Approach
State Constitutional Amendment Required
New York Constitution gives legislature authority over primary elections. Major structural change (eliminating party primaries) would likely require constitutional amendment. Process: Legislature passes in two consecutive sessions, then statewide voter referendum.
Building the Coalition
- Republican appeal: In heavily Democratic areas, independents could participate in Republican primaries, making those primaries more competitive
- Democratic appeal: In Republican areas, same logic applies
- Good government groups: Common Cause, League of Women Voters, reform caucuses
- Business community: Long Island Association has supported electoral modernization
Incremental Strategy
- Support S3596A (warning voters about closed primary consequences on registration forms)
- Push for Suffolk County charter referendum on open primaries for local offices
- Build statewide coalition for constitutional amendment
- Target 2028 or 2030 ballot for statewide referendum
NYC's Rejected Open Primary Proposal (2025)
The NYC Charter Revision Commission considered but rejected an open primary proposal in July 2025.
What was proposed
A "jungle primary" where all candidates compete on one ballot, top two advance.
Why it failed
- Opposition from established party structures (both parties)
- Working Families Party opposition (argued it would diminish progressive influence)
- Rushed timeline created process concerns
- Framed as response to Andrew Cuomo's primary loss, making it appear partisan
Lessons for NY-01 strategy
- Build broader coalition BEFORE formal proposal
- Emphasize voter empowerment, not partisan advantage
- Allow adequate time for public deliberation
- Consider Alaska model (top-four + RCV) rather than top-two