PA Open Primaries

On June 10th, Pennsylvania State Representative Eugene DePasquale (D-York) introduced House Bill 1672, which provides that major parties must let independent voters participate in their primaries. Under the bill, independents could choose which party primary to vote in. The bill has eight co-sponsors from all across Pennsylvania, including two Republicans.

This is an important legislative development in a crucial "bellweather" state, and we have a real opportunity to impact.

Said Representative Pasquale, "The presidential election woke me up to this. The largest growing political affiliation registering to vote is independents. It's been that way for 20 years. A closed election really shuts them out of the nominating process."

Here is some of the local press about the bill:

Pocono Record - June 16
ABC TV - June 15
Morning Call - June 11

Independent Pennsylvanians is leading the campaign to generate grassroots support for the bill, and they need our help. Here's things to do:

First of all, e-mail or call everyone you know in Pennsylvania. Talk to them about open primaries and Rep. DePasquale's bill, ask them to sign the petition to President Obama and to contact their local representative urging them to support the bill and make your donation.

The more money we raise, the more outreach we can do in Pennsylvania, where over one million voters are independents and are currently locked out of voting in primaries.

Pennsylvania is an important state. It was a pivotal state in the Presidential primaries, and with New York, California and Florida, one of the largest and most high profile closed primary states. If we can open the primaries in Pennsylvania, it will provide momentum for other local efforts.

So open up your rolodexes and let's do some outreach to our friends in PA!

Michael H. Drucker
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