One of the claims often made about an open primary of any type is it will increase voter turnout. Depending on the type of open primary; independents identify as Democrat or Republican at the polls and vote that party’s ballot, independents register as Democrat or Republican by a set date and vote that party’s ballot, or blanket primary where all candidates are listed on the same ballot and all voters cast ballots, the results vary.
One study I link in my post “Nevada Election Modernization and Reform – The Details” states using a blanket format will increase voter turnout especially among unaffiliated voters. But what is the potential in Nevada?
The potential is huge.
|
Year
|
Primary Election Turnout / %
|
General Election Turnout / %
|
% Increase
|
|
2008
|
188.652 / 18.0
|
970,019 / 80.3
|
77.6
|
|
2010
|
320,648 / 30.1
|
723,515 / 64.6
|
53.4
|
|
2012
|
199,797 / 18.9
|
1,016,664 / 80.8
|
76.6
|
Considering unaffiliated voters have little incentive to come to the polls under the current system; not much excitement voting for judges and school board, those that do are citizens that are interested in their community. Looking at the general election turnout, imagine the excitement of a 50 – 60% primary turnout. Give unaffiliated voters a reason to show up and they will.