John ,

The what is straightforward. Change the rules of politics so that every voter can vote for whomever they want to in every election.  It’s almost shockingly simple - which could be one reason why primary reform supporters are oftentimes surprised by the level of hostility that comes from entrenched interests when you try to change the rules.

Which brings us to the how. How do you go about changing the rules when both major political parties (and most minor parties - the Forward Party being a notable exception) oppose you? 

You go to the people. 

It turns out that growing majorities of Americans don't like the political parties. This includes independents - who for the first time ever tied Republicans and outnumbered Democrats in casting presidential ballots - and tens of millions of Democrats and Republicans who affiliate out of habit or so they can vote in primaries.  

75% of the American people support an open primary electoral system. Let every voter vote for whomever they want in every election. But translating that support into action, into a “yes” vote on a ballot referendum, is where the how is so important.  

The American people care deeply about our democracy. Don’t let any DC pundit convince you that all we care about is the price of eggs. We care so much that if you ask us to change the rules of the game, we’re going to say “not so fast” and kick the tires. We want to know who is behind something. Cui Bono, who benefits, as philosophers and detectives have asked for centuries.  

Those of us in the change-the-rules-of-politics game need to understand and embrace the high bar the American people have set for us. "We support an open system," voters tell us over and over. "We support letting every voter vote for whomever they want in every election. But you have to work really hard to prove to us that is what this is about. "

Bring it on, I say.  

As we create, develop and implement campaigns and initiatives for open primaries across the country, here are four simple “HOW” guidelines that I believe are critical to earning voters’ trust.

1. Build a foundation of conversation. Don’t rely on polls that show 70% support. That support is abstract and needs to be converted into passion. Knock of doors. Speak at Rotary Clubs. Write op-eds. Get out into the community and build a conversation about why your city/state needs an open system before you launch a campaign. Use simple language to educate people about the problem before you propose a solution.  Margaret Kobos and the Oklahoma United team launched a ballot referendum campaign last month after spending a decade stimulating conversation. That’s what it takes.  
2. Advance a policy that makes sense. There are many forms of open and nonpartisan primaries. Choose a policy that is simple and makes sense given local legal, cultural, political history and dynamics. And involve the community in the decision making process. Reform cannot be imposed from above - it won’t pass the smell test.  
3. Build a strong and diverse coalition. Politics is changing - rapidly and right before our eyes. Many of the labels we rely on to make sense of the world are outdated or have become meaningless. Embrace the fluidity! Don’t make any assumptions about who is going to support you. Nice, kind liberals will oftentimes oppose you ferociously. Curmudgeonly conservatives can be your biggest allies. Don’t assume, and invite everyone to join you. The voters won’t trust your campaign unless you can show that it is not a partisan trick, one side trying to game the rules to hurt the other. Show people a weird, diverse, “strange bedfellows” coalition, and you can earn their trust.  
4. Expect a fight.  When you first get attacked, say to yourself “good, we got their attention.” Many (not all) partisan insiders like what they’ve created. It’s cosy. They have job security. They will resist change. Don’t think you can avoid it, and don’t freak out when they lash out. Use their attacks to reinvigorate your public education and outreach.  

Open Primaries is all about the HOW.

When you make a tax deductible contribution, you are investing in our capacity to lead the growing movement of citizen-leaders who are crazy enough to want to do something about the disenfranchisement of tens of millions of voters and the awful state of our politics. We need your financial support to grow, to build this movement, to craft strong campaigns.  

By New Years Eve, our goal is to raise $160,000 in year-end donations and $1,000,000 in 2025 pledged support. You can make a tax deductible donation by clicking here:

If you want to make a year end gift and a pledge for 2025, donate stock or bitcoin or make a multi-year commitment--send an email to our Digital Communications Director, Russell Daniels at [email protected].

Thank you for your support and involvement, and Happy Holidays, 

John Opdycke

President

PS - Next Tuesday December 17th at 3PM EDT I will be hosting our FINAL Primary Buzz conversation of the year: 2024 Roundup: Lessons Learned from the Campaign Trail with Lisa Rice, (DC), Chuck Coughlin & Sara Smallhouse (AZ) and Juli Lucky (AK) about the “how” of reform. Please join in!