The Data Are (Real) Clear: Americans Support Open Primaries
Unite New York
We hear the same refrain again and again: “America is divided.” “Our political system is broken.” “Everything is partisan and polarized.” Americans are fed up—and, thankfully, many are eager for solutions, and one of those solutions is open primaries, one of Unite NY’s five pillars of reform.
According to a recent poll from RealClear Opinion Research, nearly three in four respondents (73%) said they believe open primaries would lead to better candidates who appeal to a majority of voters, as reported by Forbes.
Our own Voter Empowerment Index (VEI) shows similar sentiment across New York state. In Unite NY’s September 2025 VEI, 58% of respondents said they support open primaries. Open primaries would give all registered voters—not just those affiliated with a political party—the opportunity to vote, ensuring every voter has a voice. This helps government be more effective.
Closed party primaries stifle good governance, as elected officials often hesitate to work across the aisle for fear of being primaried by a more ideologically extreme challenger.
Allowing all voters to participate in primaries creates better incentives for elected leaders to represent everyone in their district—not just the most partisan voters.
In 2026, Unite NY is working to expand open primaries across New York state.
Interested in getting involved? Contact Unite NY’s organizing director, David Green, at dgreen@uniteny.org.
