Can independent voters vote in a primary?

Independent voters, also known as unaffiliated or No Party Preference (NPP) voters, can have the opportunity to participate in primary elections in “open primaries” or “partially-open primaries”, depending on their location and also which party they are supporting.

In open primaries, voters are not required to be affiliated with a specific political party to participate and can choose which party’s primary they want to vote in on the day of the election. This means voters can choose a candidate across party lines.

In states with closed primaries, only voters registered with a specific party can participate in that party’s primary. Independent voters may need to re-register with a political party or take other steps to participate in a closed primary.

How primaries work in each state

States with Closed Primaries

Partially Closed Primary States

Partially Open Primary States

Open to Unaffiliated Voters Primary States

Open Primary States