Primary election types by state

Primary election


Primary elections by state
Closed primary
Open primary
Semi-closed primary
Top-two primary
Final-five voting
Non-primary nominations
Primary cancellations

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Primary elections allow voters to determine which candidates compete in the general election. Primaries can be nonpartisan—where all candidates appear on the same ballot (with or without a party label)—or they can be partisan. In partisan primaries, voters choose the candidates they prefer for a political party to nominate for the general election.

Laws governing primary elections vary by state. In some states, primary types also vary by political party or office up for election.

In closed primaries only registered party members are allowed to vote.
In semi-closed primaries, registered party members and unaffiliated voters are allowed to vote.
In open primaries, all voters are allowed to vote.
In top-two primaries, top-four primaries, and blanket primaries, all candidates are listed on the same ballot, regardless of partisan affiliation and voters may vote for candidates from more than one party.

This article covers two main topics, the laws that govern primary participation and outcomes, and the rules that major parties in each state use for their primaries. This article also includes this information organized by state.

As of September 2025, 14 states require open primaries, 13 require closed primaries, nine require semi-closed primaries, three require top-two style primaries for all offices, and in 11 states parties have discretion to choose participation rules for their primaries.^[1] See below for a breakdown of these laws, as well as what primaries are in use.

Primaries also vary by the way their outcomes are determined. Majority systems require the winning candidate to receive at least fifty percent of the votes cast, while plurality systems do not. See below for each state's requirements.

This article does not include information about presidential preference primaries, which frequently operate under different laws and rules than other primaries. Click here for more information about those primaries.

Primary types currently in use in each state
Primary types currently in use by the Democratic and Republican parties in the 50 states and D.C.
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Laws governing primaries by state
State laws that dictate who may participate in primaries and how they are won.
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State specific information
Information organized by state, including laws and participation details.
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Primary election types by state[edit]

Because not every state specifies the type of primary that political parties must conduct, the primary types that parties actually use fit into a different categorization and may vary within a state. In 40 states, both the Democratic or Republican parties use an open, closed, or semi-closed primary. In seven states, the parties operate different types of primary. In three states—Alaska, California, and Washington—there were no partisan primaries for congressional and state-level offices.

As of September 2025, the Democratic Party used:^[2]

Open primaries in 18 states
Closed primaries in 16 states
Semi-closed primaries in 13 states

The Republican Party used:^[2]

Open primaries in 15 states
Closed primaries in 23 states
Semi-closed primaries in nine states

Open primaries[edit]

See also: Open primary

In 19 states, at least one political party conducts open primaries for congressional and state-level offices. The map and table below identify states in which at least one political party uses open primaries for congressional and state-level elections. Hover over a state for additional details.

States where at least one political party uses open primaries for congressional and state-level elections
State	Open primaries	Notes
Alabama	Yes	Alabama voters may participate in any party's primary by declaring their preference for that party at the polls on the day of the primary.^[3]
Arkansas	Yes	Arkansas state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. Both the Democratic and Republican parties operate an open primary.
Georgia	Yes
Hawaii	Yes
Idaho	Democratic Party	Idaho state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Democratic Party operates an open primary.
Kansas	Democratic Party	Kansas state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Democratic Party operates an open primary.
Michigan	Yes
Minnesota	Yes
Mississippi	Yes
Missouri	Yes
Montana	Yes
Nebraska	Democratic Party	Primary participation rules in Nebraska vary by office type. State law grants parties discretion to determine participation rules for primaries whose rules are not otherwise set by state law. The Democratic Party operates an open primary for these offices. Regardless of party rules, an unaffiliated voter is allowed to vote in the primary of their choice for the office of United States Senator or United States Representative.
North Dakota	Yes
South Carolina	Yes
Texas	Yes
Utah	Democratic Party	Utah state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Democratic Party operates an open primary.
Vermont	Yes
Virginia	Yes
Wisconsin	Yes

Closed primaries[edit]

See also: Closed primary

In 23 states, at least one political party conducts closed primaries for congressional and state-level offices. The map and table below identify states in which at least one political party uses closed primaries for congressional and state-level elections. Hover over a state for additional details.

States where at least one political party uses closed primaries for congressional and state-level elections
State	Closed primaries	Notes
Connecticut	Yes	Connecticut state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. Both the Democratic and Republican parties operate a closed primary.^[4]
Delaware	Yes
Florida	Yes
Idaho	Republican Party	Idaho state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Republican Party operates a closed primary.
Illinois	Yes	A voter must declare their affiliation at the polls to vote a partisan primary ballot. However, any voter is able to choose their affiliation at the polls on the day of the primary. Their ballot choice may be considered as registering with that party.^[5] Although state law requires voters to be affiliated to vote in a partisan primary, Illinois does not record a voter's affiliation as part of their registration record.
Indiana	Yes	State law stipulates that, in order to participate in a party's primary, a voter must have either voted for a majority of that party's nominees in the last general election or must intend to vote for a majority of the party's nominees in the upcoming general election.^[6] Although state law requires voters to be affiliated to vote in a partisan primary, Indiana does not record a voter's affiliation as part of their registration record.
Iowa	Yes	Iowa law stipulates that only registered party members can vote in a party's primary, however Section 43.42 of the Iowa Code stipulates that a voter may change his or her party affiliation at the polls on primary day and vote in the primary of a party other than the one to which he or she formerly belonged.^[7]^[8] Although state law requires voters to be affiliated to vote in a partisan primary, Iowa does not record a voter's affiliation as part of their registration record.
Kansas	Republican Party	Kansas state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Republican Party operates an closed primary.
Kentucky	Yes
Maryland	Yes	Maryland state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. Both the Democratic and Republican parties operate a closed primary.
Nebraska	Republican Party	Primary participation rules in Nebraska vary by office type. State law grants parties discretion to determine participation rules for primaries whose rules are not otherwise set by state law. The Republican Party operates a closed primary for these offices. Regardless of party rules, an unaffiliated voter is allowed to vote in the primary election of their choice for the office of United States Senator or United States Representative.
Nevada	Yes
New York	Yes
New Jersey	Yes	A previously unaffiliated voter can participate in the primary of his or her choice by affiliating with a party on the day of the election. Otherwise, a voter must indicate his or her party preference (e.g., via an updated voter registration) no later than the 55th day preceding the primary in order to vote in that party's primary.
Ohio	Yes	State law requires a voter to be affiliated with a party to vote in that party's primary, however a voter of any affiliation can choose the ballot they would like to vote on the day of the primary and their choice may be regarded as registration with that party. Although state law requires voters to be affiliated to vote in a partisan primary, Ohio does not record a voter's affiliation as part of their registration record.
Oklahoma	Republican Party	Oklahoma state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Republican Party operates a closed primary.
Oregon	Yes	Oregon state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. Both the Democratic and Republican parties operate a closed primary.
Pennsylvania	Yes
South Dakota	Republican Party	South Dakota state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Republican Party operates a closed primary.
Tennessee	Yes	State law requires a voter to be a "bona fide member of and affiliated with the political party" to vote in a party's primary.^[9] Although state law requires voters to be affiliated to vote in a partisan primary, Tennessee does not record a voter's affiliation as part of their registration record.
Utah	Republican Party	Utah state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Republican Party operates a closed primary.
West Virginia	Republican Party	West Virginia state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Republican Party operates a closed primary.
Wyoming	Yes

Semi-closed primaries[edit]

See also: Semi-closed primary

In 12 states, at least one political party conducts semi-closed primaries for congressional and state-level offices. The map and table below identify states in which at least one political party uses semi-closed primaries for congressional and state-level elections. Hover over a state for additional details.

States where at least one political party uses semi-closed primaries for congressional and state-level elections
State	Semi-closed primaries	Notes
Arizona	Yes
Colorado	Yes
Louisiana	Yes	Primary participation rules in Louisiana vary by office type. Louisiana uses a semi-closed primary for congress, justice of the supreme court, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Public Service Commission. For all other statewide offices—including state senator and representative—Louisiana uses the Louisiana majority-vote system.
Maine	Yes
Massachusetts	Yes
New Hampshire	Yes
New Mexico	Yes
North Carolina	Yes
Oklahoma	Democratic Party	Oklahoma state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Democratic Party operates a semi-closed primary.
Rhode Island	Yes
South Dakota	Democratic Party	South Dakota state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Democratic Party operates a semi-closed primary.
West Virginia	Democratic Party	West Virginia state law gives parties discretion to determine participation rules. The Democratic Party operates a semi-closed primary.

Top-two primaries and variants[edit]

See also: Top-two primary

Five states use a top-two primary or a variant of a top-two primary for some or all congressional and state-level offices. In general, these are primaries where all candidates are listed on the same ballot, regardless of their party affiliation, and all registered voters participate in the same primary. A pre-designated number of candidates that receive the most votes (typically the top two voter-getters) advance from the primary. The map and table below identify states that use a top-two primary primary or a variant for at least some congressional and state-level elections. The map and chart below identify states that utilize top-two primary elections or a variation. Hover over a state on the map for additional details.

States where at least one political party uses top-two style primaries for congressional and state-level elections
State	Top-two primary or variant	Statute	Notes
California	Top-two	California Constitution Article II, Section 5	California uses a top-two primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot. The top two finishers move on to the general election.
Louisiana	Varies by office (Semi-closed & top-two variant)	La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 18:401, 18:511, 18:410.3	Primary participation rules in Louisiana vary by office type. Louisiana uses a semi-closed primary for congress, justice of the supreme court, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Public Service Commission. For all other statewide offices—including state senator and representative—Louisiana uses the Louisiana majority-vote system.
Nebraska	Varies by office (Party discretion, semi-closed, & top-two)	Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 32–912 & 508	Primary type varies by office. State legislative primaries use a non-partisan top-two system. Congressional primaries are partisan, but any voter may vote in the congressional primary of their choice. For all other statewide offices, a state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their primary ballot. Unaffiliated voters can also choose to vote a "non-partisan partisan ballot" on the day of the election which allows them to vote for any elective office that a party decides to include on that ballot. A voter can change their affiliation up until the second Friday before the election.
Washington	Top-two	Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.52.112	Washington uses a top-two primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot. The top two finishers move on to the general election.

Laws governing primary participation by state[edit]

Each state has laws that either stipulate which voters can participate in primaries, or that allow parties to choose who may vote in their primaries. The categories a state's primary laws may fall in to are:

Open: State law says that anyone can vote in this primary, regardless of partisan affiliation. There are no affiliation requirements before or after the primary.
Closed: State law says a voter must be affiliated with a political party to participate in its primary. Note: It may still be possible for a voter to affiliate or change affiliation on the day of the primary in some states with closed primaries.
Semi-closed: State law says that voters who are not affiliated with a political party may participate in the partisan primary of their choice while retaining their status as an unaffiliated voter.
Top-two or variation: State law says that all registered voters vote in the same primary, and all candidates are listed on the same ballot.
Party discretion: State law permits parties to choose participation rules for their primaries.

In 39 states, laws specify that major parties must hold an open, closed, semi-closed, or top-two style primary for most congressional and state offices. In 11 states, laws permit parties to choose between at least two possible primary types for most primaries.^[10] In some cases, a state's laws may specify that parties conduct closed primaries where a voter must be affiliated with the party to participate, but the voter may be able to affiliate at the time of voting. Click here to see primary participation details for each state.

Of the 39 states where state law specifies a single primary type for most or all state and congressional offices:

As of September 2025:

Fourteen require open primaries.

Thirteen require closed primaries.

Nine require semi-closed primaries.

Three require top-two style primaries for all offices.

Of the 11 states where parties have discretion to choose between primary types:

As of September 2025:

In one state, both the Democratic and Republican parties hold open primaries.

In three states, both the Democratic and Republican parties hold closed primaries.

In four states, the Democratic party holds an open primary and the Republican party holds a closed primary.

In three states, the Democratic party holds a semi-closed primary and the Republican party holds a closed primary.

Open primaries

Closed primaries

Semi-closed primaries

Top-two primaries and variants

Party discretion

State primary laws
State	Primary type specified by law	Statute	Notes
Alabama	Open	Ala. Code 17-13-7	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in. A voter is bound to the party they voted for in case of a run-off primary.
Alaska	Top-four	Alaska Stat. § 15.25.010	Alaska uses a top-four primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot. The top four finishers move on to the general election.
Arizona	Semi-closed	Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 16–467	A voter previously affiliated with a party who wants to change their affiliation must re-register by the 29th day before the primary.
Arkansas	Party discretion	Ark. Stat. Ann. § 7–7–307	Organized political parties prescribe the qualifications of their own membership and the qualifications for voting in their party primaries. Both parties run open primaries. A voter is bound to the party they voted for in case of a run-off primary.
California	Top-two	California Constitution Article II, Section 5	California uses a top-two primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot. The top two finishers move on to the general election.
Colorado	Semi-closed	Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1–7–201	A voter previously affiliated with a party who wants to change their affiliation must do so by the 22nd day before the primary.
Connecticut	Party discretion	Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9–431	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote for some or all offices. If a voter is not affiliated with any party, they can join a party in person up until noon on the day prior to the primary. A voter previously affiliated with a party cannot vote in any partisan primary election for 3 months after their affiliation is changed.
Delaware	Closed	Del. Code Ann. tit. 15, § 3110	To vote in a partisan primary, a voter must affiliate with that party any time before the last Saturday in May before the primary.
Florida	Closed	Fla. Stat. § 101.021	To vote in a partisan primary, a voter must affiliate with a party 29 days before the primary.
Georgia	Open	Ga. Code 21-2-224	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in. A voter is bound to the party they voted for in case of a run-off primary.
Hawaii	Open	Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 12–31	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Idaho	Party discretion	Idaho Code § 34–904A	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters or voters affiliated with another party to vote their ballot. Regardless of what a party decides, a previously unaffiliated voter can affiliate on the day of the primary. A voter previously affiliated with a party who wants to change their affiliation or become unaffiliated must do so no later than the twelfth Friday before the primary.
Illinois	Closed	Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 10, § 5/7–44	A voter must declare their affiliation at the polls to vote a partisan primary ballot. However, any voter is able to choose their affiliation at the polls on the day of the primary. Their ballot choice may be considered as registering with that party.
Indiana	Closed	Ind. Code § 3–10–1–6	State law says that voters can only vote in a party's primary if they voted for a majority of that party’s candidates in the last general election or plan to in the upcoming election, thereby requiring affiliation. However, it is possible for any voter to vote in any party's primary so long as they meet this criteria.
Iowa	Closed	Iowa Code § 43.42	Any voter can affiliate or change their affiliation on the day of the primary, however state law requires the voter to be affiliated with a party to vote in its primary.
Kansas	Party discretion	Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25–3301	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their ballot. However, unaffiliated voters can affiliate on the day of a primary election. A previously affiliated voter may change their affiliation up until noon on June 1 before a primary.
Kentucky	Closed	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 116.055	A voter must affiliate with a party by December 31 preceding a primary election to vote in a partisan primary.
Louisiana	Varies by office (Semi-closed & top-two variant)	La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 18:401, 18:511, 18:410.3	Primary type varies by office. Louisiana uses a semi-closed primary for congress, justice of the supreme court, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Public Service Commission. For all other statewide offices—including state senator and representative—Louisiana uses the Louisiana majority-vote system.
Maine	Semi-closed	Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 21–A, § 340	Unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choice. An affiliated voter may change their affiliation up to 15 days prior to a primary. A voter must remain affiliated with a party for at least 3 months before they can withdraw or change their affiliation.
Maryland	Party discretion	Md. Election Code Ann. § 8–202	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters or voters affiliated with another party to vote their ballot. A voter can affiliate or change their affiliation up until the 21st day prior to a primary election.
Massachusetts	Semi-closed	Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 53, § 38	Unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choice. A voter can change their affiliation up until the 10th day prior to a primary.
Michigan	Open	Mich. Comp. Laws 168.531	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Minnesota	Open	Minn. Stat. § 204D.08	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Mississippi	Open	Miss. Code Ann. § 23–15–575	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in. A voter is bound to the party they voted for in case of a run-off primary.
Missouri	Open	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.397	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Montana	Open	Mont. Code Ann. § 13–10–301	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Nebraska	Varies by office (Party discretion, semi-closed, & top-two)	Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 32–912 & 508	Primary type varies by office. State legislative primaries use a non-partisan top-two system. Congressional primaries are partisan, but any voter may vote in the congressional primary of their choice. For all other statewide offices, a state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their primary ballot. Unaffiliated voters can also choose to vote a "non-partisan partisan ballot" on the day of the election which allows them to vote for any elective office that a party decides to include on that ballot. A voter can change their affiliation up until the second Friday before the election.
Nevada	Closed	Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.287	A voter must be affiliated with a party to participate in their primary. However, a voter can affiliate or change party affiliation on day of the primary.
New Hampshire	Semi-closed	N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 659:14 & 654:34	Unaffiliated voters can vote in the primary of their choice and leave the polling place without a party affiliation. Previously affiliated voters must change their registration before the first Wednesday of June before a primary.
New Jersey	Closed	N.J. Rev. Stat. § 19:23–45	An unaffiliated voter can affiliate on the day of the primary and vote in the primary of their choice. They are then considered registered with that party and must change their affiliation before voting in another party's primary.
New Mexico	Semi-closed	N.M. Stat. Ann. § 1–12–7	Unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choice. If a voter is affiliated with a major party they may change their affiliation by the 28th day before the primary to vote in a different party's primary.
New York	Closed	N.Y. Election Law § 17–102	A voter has until February 14th before a primary to change or affiliate with a party.
North Carolina	Semi-closed	N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163–59 & 163–119	Unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choice. A voter may change their party affiliation up until the 25th days prior to the primary.
North Dakota	Open	N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1–11–22	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Ohio	Closed	Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3513.19	State law requires a voter to be affiliated with a party to vote in that party's primary, however a voter of any affiliation can choose the ballot they would like to vote on the day of the primary and their choice may be regarded as registration with that party.
Oklahoma	Party discretion	Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 1–104	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their ballot. A voter may change their party affiliation at any time except from April 1 to August 31 in even-numbered years.
Oregon	Party discretion	Or. Rev. Stat. § 254.365	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their ballot. A votermay change their affiliation up until the 20th day before a primary.
Pennsylvania	Closed	Pa. Stat. tit. 25, § 299	A voter has until 15 days prior to a primary to affiliate or change their affiliation with a party and vote in that party's primary.
Rhode Island	Semi-closed	R.I. Gen. Laws § 17–15–24	Unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choice. A voter who wishes to change their affiliation and vote in another party's primary must do so at least 30 days prior to the primary.
South Carolina	Open	S.C. Code Ann. § 7–9–20	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
South Dakota	Party discretion	S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 12–6–26	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their ballot. A voter has until 15 days prior to the primary to affiliate with a party or change their affiliation.
Tennessee	Closed	Tenn. Code Ann. § 2–7–115	Although voters do not register with a party affiliation, state law requires a voter to be a "bona fide member of and affiliated with the political party" to vote in a party's primary.
Texas	Open	Tex. Election Code Ann. § 172.086	A voter can become affiliated with a party by voting in a party's primary election. That voter cannot then become affiliated with another political party during that year. Party affiliation automatically expires at the end of the year. In case of a run-off primary, a voter is bound to the party whose ballot they voted in the primary.
Utah	Party discretion	Utah Code Ann. § 20A–9–403	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters or voters affiliated with another party to vote their ballot. Unaffiliated voters can affiliate on the day of the election. In even-numbered years when a presidential election is held, the deadline to change party affiliation for a voter who was affiliated with a party previously is the day after the declaration of candidacy deadline. In even-numbered years when a presidential election will not be held, the deadline to change party affiliation is April 1.
Vermont	Open	17 V.S.A. § 2363	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Virginia	Open	Va. Code § 24.2–530	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Washington	Top-two	Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.52.112	Washington uses a top-two primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot. The top two finishers move on to the general election.
West Virginia	Party discretion	W. Va. Code § 3–4A–20	A state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters or voters affiliated with another party to vote their ballot. The deadline to change political party affiliation is 21 days prior to the primary.
Wisconsin	Open	Wis. Stat. § 5.62	There is no partisan registration and any voter may select one party's primary to participate in.
Wyoming	Closed	Wyo. Stat. § 22–5–209 et seq.	An elector has until the 96th day before a primary to affiliate or change their party affiliation.

Vote requirement laws[edit]

Methods for determining a primary's outcome include plurality counts and majority counts.

Forty-one states require that a candidate receive a plurality of all votes cast in order to be declared the winner of a primary, including three states that use a top-two or top-four primary system. The candidate who wins the largest share of the vote wins the election, regardless of their vote total.

Eight states require that a candidate win a majority of all votes cast (i.e., 50 percent plus at least one) in order to be declared the winner of a primary, including one state that uses ranked-choice voting (RCV) for primaries. In the event that no candidate wins an outright majority in a non-RCV election, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters.

State specific information[edit]

Click on a state below to see who may vote in that state's primary, what state law says, and extra details when needed.

Alabama

Who can vote in this primary

State law

State law requires open primaries. Alabama state law says "All persons who are qualified electors under the general laws of the State of Alabama and who are also members of a political party and entitled to participate in such primary election under the rules of the party shall be entitled to vote therein and shall receive the official primary ballot of that political party, and no other; but every governing body of a party shall have the right, power, and authority to fix and prescribe the political or other qualifications of its own members and shall, in its own way, declare and determine who shall be entitled and qualified to vote in such primary election or to be candidates therein or to otherwise participate in such political parties and primaries."^[11]

See Ala. Code 17-13-7.

Additional details

Alaska

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Alaska uses a top-four primary where all candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party, and the top four vote-getters advance to the general election. State law says, "The primary election does not serve to determine the nominee of a political party or political group but serves only to narrow the number of candidates whose names will appear on the ballot at the general election. Except as provided in AS 15.25.100(d), only the four candidates who receive the greatest number of votes for any office shall advance to the general election."^[12]

See Alaska Stat. § 15.25.010.

Arizona

Who can vote in this primary

State law

State law requires semi-closed primaries. Arizona state law says: "the voter shall be given by the judge of election one ballot only of the party with which the voter is affiliated as it appears in the precinct register. For a voter who is registered as independent, or no party preference or as a member of a political party that is not entitled to continued representation on the ballot pursuant to section 16-804, the voter shall designate the ballot of only one of the political parties that is entitled to continued representation on the ballot and the judge of election shall give the elector only that political party's ballot."^[13]

See Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 16–467.

Extra detail

Arkansas

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

California

Who can vote in this primary

State law

State law stipulates a top-two primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot and the top two finishers move on to the general election. This does not apply to the office of U.S. President, county central committees, or local offices.^[15] Article II, section 5 of the California Constitution says: "All voters may vote at a voter-nominated primary election for any candidate for congressional and state elective office without regard to the political party preference disclosed by the candidate or the voter, provided that the voter is otherwise qualified to vote for candidates for the office in question. The candidates who are the top two vote-getters at a voter-nominated primary election for a congressional or state elective office shall, regardless of party preference, compete in the ensuing general election."^[16]

Colorado

Who can vote in this primary

State law

An eligible unaffiliated elector... is entitled to vote in the primary election of a major political party without affiliating with that political party. To vote in a political party’s primary election without declaring an affiliation with the political party, any eligible unaffiliated elector shall declare to the election judges the name of the political party in whose primary election the elector wishes to vote."^[17]

See Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1–7–201.

Extra detail

Connecticut

Who can vote in this primary

State law

State law allows parties to decide whether unaffiliated voters can vote for some or all offices. Connecticut law says: "No person shall be permitted to vote at a primary of a party unless (1) he is on the last-completed enrollment list of such party in the municipality or voting district, as the case may be, or (2) if authorized by the state rules of such party filed pursuant to section 9-374, he is an unaffiliated elector in the municipality or voting district, as the case may be, provided if two or more such parties are holding primaries on the same day in such municipality or voting district, whether for the same offices or different offices, such unaffiliated elector may vote in the primary of only one such party. Such state party rules may authorize unaffiliated electors to vote for some or all offices to be contested at its primaries."^[18]

See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9–431

Extra detail

Delaware

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Florida

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Georgia

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Georgia law does not limit who may vote in a primary but does specify that a voter may only vote in one primary. State law says: "an elector, voting in the primary or primaries held by a single party for the nomination of candidates to seek public offices to be filled in an election, shall not vote in a primary held by any other party for the nomination of candidates to seek public offices to be filled in the same such election."^[22]

See Ga. Code § 21–2–224

Hawaii

Idaho

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Idaho state law says:^[24]

“

A political party qualified to participate in elections pursuant to section 34-501, Idaho Code, may, no later than the last Tuesday in the November prior to a primary election, notify the secretary of state in writing that the political party elects to allow, in addition to those electors who have registered with that political party, any of the following to vote in such party’s primary election:

(a) Electors designated as unaffiliated;

(b) Electors registered with a different political party qualified to participate in elections pursuant to section 34-501, Idaho Code."^[25]

”

See Idaho Code § 34–904A

Extra detail

Illinois

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

A voter must declare their affiliation at the polls to vote a partisan primary ballot. However, any voter is able to choose their affiliation at the polls on the day of the primary. Their ballot choice may be considered as registering with that party.^[5] Although state law requires voters to be affiliated to vote in a partisan primary, Illinois does not record a voter's affiliation as part of their registration record.

Indiana

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Indiana state law say: "A voter may vote at a primary election: (1) if the voter, at the last general election, voted for a majority of the regular nominees of the political party holding the primary election; or (2) if the voter did not vote at the last general election, but intends to vote at the next general election for a majority of the regular nominees of the political party holding the primary election; ..."^[27]

See Ind. Code § 3–10–1–6

Extra detail

Iowa

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Kansas

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Kentucky

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Kentucky law says:^[31]

“

"Before a person shall be qualified to vote in a primary, he or she: (b) Shall have been a registered member of the party in whose primary he or she seeks to vote on December 31 immediately preceding the primary; and (c) Shall have remained continuously registered as a member of that party in whose primary he or she seeks to vote between December 31 immediately preceding the primary and the date set for the primary. (2) In the case of a new registration made after December 31 immediately preceding the primary, a voter shall have registered and remained continuously registered as a member of the party in whose primary he or she seeks to vote from the date of registration until the date set for the primary.^[25]

”

See Ky. Rev. Stat. § 116.055

Louisiana

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Louisiana state law distinguishes between party primary elections and other primaries which use the Louisiana majority-vote system. For party primary elections, state law says: "each voter voting in such election may vote only for a candidate who is affiliated with the same party as the voter. Voters not affiliated with a political party may vote in a recognized party primary, but such a voter may vote only in one recognized party primary."^[32] For other primaries, state law says: "all qualified voters of this state may vote on candidates for public office in primary elections without regard to the voter's party affiliation or lack of it, and all candidates for public office who qualify for a primary may be voted on without regard to the candidate's party affiliation or lack of it."^[33]

Extra detail

Maine

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Maryland

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Massachusetts

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Massachusetts state law say: "No voter enrolled... shall be allowed to receive the ballot of any political party except that in which he is so enrolled; provided... a voter registered in a political designation that is not a political party as defined in section 1 of chapter 50 shall be considered unenrolled for the purpose of the primary and shall be eligible to receive a ballot of a political party of the voter's choosing."^[37]

See Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 53, § 38

Extra detail

Michigan

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Who can vote in this primary

Primary participation rules vary by the office up for election. State legislative primaries use a non-partisan top-two system. Congressional primaries are partisan, but any voter may vote in the congressional primary of their choice. For all other statewide offices, a state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their primary ballot. As of August 2025, the Democratic Party held a semi-closed primary, and the Republican Party held a closed primary.

State law

Nebraska state law says:^[45]

“

A registered voter who is affiliated with a political party shall receive from the receiving board all nonpartisan ballots and the partisan ballot of the political party indicated on his or her voter registration. Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a registered voter who is not affiliated with any political party shall receive only nonpartisan ballots at a primary election.

(2) Any political party may allow registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party to vote in the primary election for any elective office for which the party has candidates. Any political party desiring to permit such registered voters to vote for candidates of that party in the primary election shall file a letter stating that the governing body of the political party has adopted a rule allowing registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party to vote in the primary election for candidates of that party. The letter and copy of the adopted rule shall be filed with the Secretary of State at least sixty days before the primary election...

(3) A registered voter who is not affiliated with a political party and who desires to vote in the primary election for the office of United States Senator or United States Representative may request a partisan ballot for either or both of such offices from any political party...^[25]

”

See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–912 for more information.

For the office of state senator, Nebraska holds a top-two primary. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–508 and § 32–814

Extra detail

Nevada

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Nevada law says: "1. A registered voter applying to vote at any primary election or presidential preference primary election shall give his or her name and political affiliation, if any, to the election board officer in charge of the roster, and the officer shall immediately announce the name and political affiliation. ... 4. A registered voter who has designated on his or her application to register to vote an affiliation with a minor political party may vote a nonpartisan ballot at the primary election."^[49]

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.287

Extra detail

New Hampshire

Who can vote in this primary

State law

New Hampshire law says: "A person desiring to vote at a state or presidential primary election shall... announce the name of the party to which the person belongs or whether the person is registered as an undeclared voter."^[50] State law also says: "A voter may also register as a member of a party at any primary by requesting to be registered as a member and voting the ballot of the party of the voter's choice. A voter may also register once again as an undeclared voter after voting in a primary as a registered member of a party by returning the card or signing the list of undeclared voters from the statewide centralized voter registration database."^[51]

See N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 659:14 and § 654:34

Extra detail

According to N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 654:34, an undeclared voter can affiliate with a party on the day of an election, and then unaffiliate before they leave the polling place. If they wish to affiliate before the election, they must do so before the first Wednesday of June before a primary. Similarly, a previously affiliated voter who wants to change their affiliation must do so before the first Wednesday of June before a primary.

New Jersey

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

New Mexico

Who can vote in this primary

State law

State law says: "A person at a primary election shall not be permitted to vote for the candidate of any party other than the party designated on the person's current certificate of registration," and, "A voter who has declined to designate on the voter's certificate of registration a party affiliation but who chooses to affiliate with a major political party that is participating in a primary election may do so by requesting the ballot of one of the parties participating in that primary election. The voter's certificate of registration shall not be changed to reflect a new or different party affiliation unless the voter so requests..."^[53]^[54]

See N.M. Stat. Ann. § 1–12–7

Extra detail

New York

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

North Carolina

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

North Dakota

Who can vote in this primary

State law

North Dakota law says: "At the primary election there may be only one ballot containing the separate sections for all parties or principles. The judges and the inspector of elections shall inform each elector at the primary, before voting, if the voter votes for candidates of more than one political party the voter's political party ballot will be rejected."^[57]

See N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1–11–22

Ohio

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Ohio law say: "The right of a person to vote at a primary election may be challenged upon the following grounds: ... That the person is not affiliated with or is not a member of the political party whose ballot the person desires to vote. Such party affiliation shall be determined by examining the elector's voting record for the current year and the immediately preceding two calendar years as shown on the voter's registration card..."^[58] State law also says: "For purposes of signing or circulating a petition of candidacy for party nomination or election, an elector is considered to be a member of a political party if the elector voted in that party's primary election within the preceding two calendar years, or if the elector did not vote in any other party's primary election within the preceding two calendar years."^[59]

See Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3513.19 and § 3513.05

Extra detail

Oklahoma

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Oklahoma law says: "No registered voter shall be permitted to vote in any Primary Election or Runoff Primary Election of any political party except the political party of which his registration form shows him to be a member, except as otherwise provided by this section... A recognized political party may permit registered voters designated as Independents pursuant to the provisions of Section 26-4-112 of this title to vote in a Primary Election or Runoff Primary Election of the party."^[60]

See Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 1–104

Extra detail

Oregon

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Oregon law says:^[61]

“

An elector is not qualified or permitted to vote at any primary election for any candidate of a major political party, and it is unlawful for the elector to offer to do so, unless:

(a) The elector is registered as being affiliated with one of the major political parties nominating or electing its candidates for public office at the primary election; or

(b) The elector is registered as not being affiliated with any political party and wishes to vote in the primary election of a major political party that has provided under subsection (3) of this section for a primary election that admits electors not affiliated with any political party.^[25]

”

See Or. Rev. Stat. § 254.365

Extra detail

Pennsylvania

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Rhode Island

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Rhode Island law says: " A person having designated their party affiliation as set forth in chapter 9.1 of this title shall be deemed to have taken part in the primary as a member of that political party, and shall be debarred from voting in the primary as a member of the opposite political party until that person has changed his or her party affiliation as provided in chapter 9.1 of this title. Any person who is not affiliated with any political party shall not be debarred from voting in a party primary due to their participation in a previous party primary while not affiliated with a party."^[64] State law also says: "Whenever an unaffiliated voter participates in a party primary, their party affiliation shall remain unaffiliated."^[65]

See R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-24 and § 17-9.1-23

Extra detail

South Carolina

Who can vote in this primary

State law

South Carolina law says: "The qualifications for membership in a certified party and for voting at a party primary election include the following: the applicant for membership, or voter, must be at least eighteen years of age or become so before the succeeding general election, and must be a registered elector and a citizen of the United States and of this State. A person may not vote in a primary unless he is a registered elector."^[66]

See S.C. Code Ann. § 7–9–20

Extra detail

South Dakota

Who can vote in this primary

State law

South Dakota law says: "No person may vote a party ballot at any primary election unless the person is registered as a member of that political party in the precinct in which the person seeks to vote. Any political party in its constitution or bylaws may allow for participation in the party's primary elections by any person who is registered to vote with no party affiliation."^[68]

See S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 12–6–26

Extra detail

Tennessee

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Tennessee law says: "A registered voter is entitled to vote in a primary election for offices for which the voter is qualified to vote at the polling place where the voter is registered if: (1) The voter is a bona fide member of and affiliated with the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote; or (2) At the time the voter seeks to vote, the voter declares allegiance to the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote and states that the voter intends to affiliate with that party."^[69]

See Tenn. Code Ann. § 2–7–115

Extra detail

Texas

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Utah

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Utah law says: "Each registered political party, in a statement filed with the lieutenant governor, shall: ... (ii) if the registered political party participates in the upcoming regular primary election, identify one or more registered political parties whose members may vote for the registered political party's candidates and whether individuals identified as unaffiliated with a political party may vote for the registered political party's candidates."^[71]

See Utah Code Ann. § 20A–9–403

Extra detail

Unaffiliated voters may affiliate with a party on the day of the primary. The deadline for an affiliated voter to change their affiliation and vote in their new party's primary depends on the year. In presidential election years, the deadline is the fourth business day after January 2, or the fourth day after the next business day if January 2 is not one. In other even-numbered years, the deadline is April 1.^[72]

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Washington law says: "Whenever candidates for a partisan office are to be elected, the general election must be preceded by a primary conducted under this chapter. Based upon votes cast at the primary, the top two candidates will be certified as qualified to appear on the general election ballot, unless only one candidate qualifies as provided in *RCW 29A.36.170. ... For partisan office, if a candidate has expressed a party preference on the declaration of candidacy, then that preference will be shown after the name of the candidate on the primary and general election ballots as set forth in rules of the secretary of state. A candidate may choose to express no party preference. Any party preferences are shown for the information of voters only and may in no way limit the options available to voters."^[75]

See Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.52.112

Extra detail

West Virginia

Who can vote in this primary

State law

West Virginia law says: "A voter who designates a political affiliation with a major party on a registration application filed no later than the close of voter registration before the primary may vote the ballot of that political party in the primary election. Political parties, through the official action of their state executive committees, shall be permitted to determine whether unaffiliated voters or voters of other parties shall be allowed to vote that party's primary election ballot upon request."^[76]

See W. Va. Code § 3–2–31 and § 3–4A–20

Extra detail

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Who can vote in this primary

State law

Extra detail

Recent legislation related to primaries[edit]

The table below includes state legislation related to primaries introduced during (or carried over to) the current year's legislative session. The following information is included for each bill:

State
Bill number
Official bill name or caption
Most recent action date
Legislative status
Sponsor party
Topics dealt with by the bill

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Footnotes[edit]

↑ In two states, Nebraska and Louisiana, participation laws vary by the state or congressional office up for election.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 For Nebraska, these figures include party participation rules for all statewide primaries except for state legislative or congressional offices. For Louisiana, these figures include participation rules for the state's "party primary" offices, and not offices which use the Louisiana majority-vote system.
↑ Alabama Secretary of State, "Frequently Asked Questions," accessed July 23, 2025
↑ General Statutes of Connecticut, "Section 9-431," accessed July 24, 2025
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 Illinois General Assembly, "Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 10, § 5/7–44," accessed July 15, 2025
↑ Indiana General Assembly, Ind. Code § 3–10–1–6," accessed July 24, 2025
↑ Iowa Legislature, "Iowa Code § 43.42," accessed July 24, 2025
↑ Iowa Legislature, "Iowa Code § 43.38," accessed July 24, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-115," accessed July 25, 2025
↑ In Louisiana and Nebraska participation rules change depending on the office up for election. Beginning in 2026, Louisiana will use a semi-closed primary for congress, justice of the supreme court, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Public Service Commission. For all other statewide offices—including state senator and representative—Louisiana will continue to use theLouisiana majority-vote system. In Nebraska, state legislative primaries use a non-partisan top-two system. Congressional primaries are partisan, but any voter may vote in the congressional primary of their choice. For all other statewide offices, a state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their primary ballot. Unaffiliated voters can also choose to vote a "non-partisan partisan ballot" on the day of the election which allows them to vote for any elective office that a party decides to include on that ballot.
↑ The Alabama Legislature, "Code of Alabama, Section 17-13-7 Persons Entitled to Vote; Voter to Certify Political Party Preference by Signing Poll List." accessed July 29, 2025
↑ Alaska Legislature, "Alaska Statutes, Sec. 15.25.010. Provision for primary election." accessed July 29, 2025
↑ Arizona Legislature, "Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated, § 16-467. Method of voting on ballot," accessed August 13, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "Arkansas Code Annotated § 7-7-307. Additional voter qualifications." accessed August 13, 2025
↑ California Secretary of State, "Primary Elections in California," accessed August 13, 2025
↑ California Legislative Information, "California Constitution, Article II, Section 5," accessed August 13, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-7-201. Voting at primary election.," accessed August 13, 2025
↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Connecticut General Statutes § 9-431. Eligibility to vote at primary." accessed August 13, 2025
↑ Connecticut Secretary of State, "Deadline Approaching: Connecticut Voters Who Want to Change Parties and Vote in 2025 Primaries Must Change Their Affiliation by June 9," May 20, 2025
↑ Delaware Code Online, "Delaware Code Ann. tit. 15, § 3110," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ The Florida Senate, "Fla. Stat. § 101.021," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "O.C.G.A. § 21-2-224," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Hawaii Legislature, "Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 12–31," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Idaho State Legislature, "Idaho Code § 34–904A," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ ^25.0 ^25.1 ^25.2 ^25.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Illinois General Assembly, "Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 10, § 5/7–44," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ ^27.0 ^27.1 Indiana General Assembly, "Ind. Code § 3–10–1–6," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ ^28.0 ^28.1 Iowa General Assembly, "Iowa Code § 43.42," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ ^29.0 ^29.1 Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, "Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25–3301," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, "Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25–3304," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Kentucky General Assembly, "Ky. Rev. Stat. § 116.055," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Louisiana State Legislature, "La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:410.3," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Louisiana State Legislature, "La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:401," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Maine Legislature, "Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 21–A, § 341," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "Md. Election Code Ann. § 8–202," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "Md. Election Code Ann. § 8–302," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Massachusetts Legislature, "Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 53, § 38," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "How to Vote in Primary," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Michigan Legislature, "MCL - Section 168.531," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Michigan Legislature, "MCL - Section 168.576," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Minnesota Legislature, "Minn. Stat. § 204D.08," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ LexisNexis, "Miss. Code Ann. § 23–15–575," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Missouri Revisor of Statutes, "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.397," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Montana Legislature, "Mont. Code Ann. § 13–10–301," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–912," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–314," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–302," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–304," accessed September 3, 2025
↑ Nevada Legislature, "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.287," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ New Hampshire General Court, "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 659:14," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ New Hampshire General Court, "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 654:34," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ New Jersey Department of State, "N.J. Rev. Stat. § 19:23–45," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ New Mexico One Source, "N.M. Stat. Ann. § 1–12–7," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ New Mexico Legislature, "2025 Regular Session - SB 16," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ The New York State Senate, "N.Y. Election Law § 17–102," accessed September 4, 2025
↑ North Carolina General Assembly, "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163–119," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ North Dakota Legislative Assembly, "N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1–11–22," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Ohio Laws and Administrative Codes, "Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3513.19," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Ohio Laws and Administrative Codes, "Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3513.05," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Oklahoma State Courts Network, "Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 1–104," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Oregon Laws, "Or. Rev. Stat. § 254.365," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ FindLaw, "Pa. Stat. tit. 25, § 299," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, "How to Update Your Registration," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Rhode Island General Assembly, "R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-24," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ Rhode Island General Assembly, "R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-9.1-23," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ South Carolina General Assembly, "S.C. Code Ann. § 7–9–20," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ South Carolina Election Commission, "Primaries Certified, Runoffs Set for June 25," accessed September 5, 2025
↑ South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council, "S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 12–6–26," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ ^69.0 ^69.1 Justia, "Tenn. Code Ann. § 2–7–115," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Texas Constitution and Statutes, "Tex. Election Code Ann. § 172.086," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Utah State Legislature, "Utah Code Ann. § 20A–9–403," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Utah State Legislature, "Utah Code Ann. § 20A-2-107," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Vermont General Assembly, "Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2363," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Virginia Legislative Information System, "Va. Code § 24.2–530," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Washington State Legislature, "Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.52.112," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ West Virginia Legislature, "W. Va. Code § 3–2–31," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Wis. Stat. § 5.62," accessed September 8, 2025
↑ Wyoming Legislature, "Wyo. Stat. § 22–5–212," accessed September 8, 2025

‎

[1] In two states, Nebraska and Louisiana, participation laws vary by the state or congressional office up for election.

[neladisclaimer-2] 2.0 ^2.1 For Nebraska, these figures include party participation rules for all statewide primaries except for state legislative or congressional offices. For Louisiana, these figures include participation rules for the state's "party primary" offices, and not offices which use the Louisiana majority-vote system.

[3] Alabama Secretary of State, "Frequently Asked Questions," accessed July 23, 2025

[4] General Statutes of Connecticut, "Section 9-431," accessed July 24, 2025

[illaw-5] 5.0 ^5.1 Illinois General Assembly, "Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 10, § 5/7–44," accessed July 15, 2025

[6] Indiana General Assembly, Ind. Code § 3–10–1–6," accessed July 24, 2025

[iowa1-7] Iowa Legislature, "Iowa Code § 43.42," accessed July 24, 2025

[iowa2-8] Iowa Legislature, "Iowa Code § 43.38," accessed July 24, 2025

[9] LexisNexis, "Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-115," accessed July 25, 2025

[10] In Louisiana and Nebraska participation rules change depending on the office up for election. Beginning in 2026, Louisiana will use a semi-closed primary for congress, justice of the supreme court, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Public Service Commission. For all other statewide offices—including state senator and representative—Louisiana will continue to use theLouisiana majority-vote system. In Nebraska, state legislative primaries use a non-partisan top-two system. Congressional primaries are partisan, but any voter may vote in the congressional primary of their choice. For all other statewide offices, a state party can determine if it will allow unaffiliated voters to vote their primary ballot. Unaffiliated voters can also choose to vote a "non-partisan partisan ballot" on the day of the election which allows them to vote for any elective office that a party decides to include on that ballot.

[11] The Alabama Legislature, "Code of Alabama, Section 17-13-7 Persons Entitled to Vote; Voter to Certify Political Party Preference by Signing Poll List." accessed July 29, 2025

[12] Alaska Legislature, "Alaska Statutes, Sec. 15.25.010. Provision for primary election." accessed July 29, 2025

[13] Arizona Legislature, "Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated, § 16-467. Method of voting on ballot," accessed August 13, 2025

[14] LexisNexis, "Arkansas Code Annotated § 7-7-307. Additional voter qualifications." accessed August 13, 2025

[15] California Secretary of State, "Primary Elections in California," accessed August 13, 2025

[16] California Legislative Information, "California Constitution, Article II, Section 5," accessed August 13, 2025

[17] LexisNexis, "Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-7-201. Voting at primary election.," accessed August 13, 2025

[18] Connecticut General Assembly, "Connecticut General Statutes § 9-431. Eligibility to vote at primary." accessed August 13, 2025

[19] Connecticut Secretary of State, "Deadline Approaching: Connecticut Voters Who Want to Change Parties and Vote in 2025 Primaries Must Change Their Affiliation by June 9," May 20, 2025

[20] Delaware Code Online, "Delaware Code Ann. tit. 15, § 3110," accessed September 3, 2025

[21] The Florida Senate, "Fla. Stat. § 101.021," accessed September 3, 2025

[22] LexisNexis, "O.C.G.A. § 21-2-224," accessed September 3, 2025

[23] Hawaii Legislature, "Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 12–31," accessed September 3, 2025

[24] Idaho State Legislature, "Idaho Code § 34–904A," accessed September 3, 2025

[quotedisclaimer-25] 25.0 ^25.1 ^25.2 ^25.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[26] Illinois General Assembly, "Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 10, § 5/7–44," accessed September 3, 2025

[inlaw-27] 27.0 ^27.1 Indiana General Assembly, "Ind. Code § 3–10–1–6," accessed September 3, 2025

[ialaw-28] 28.0 ^28.1 Iowa General Assembly, "Iowa Code § 43.42," accessed September 3, 2025

[kslaw-29] 29.0 ^29.1 Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, "Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25–3301," accessed September 3, 2025

[kslaw2-30] Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, "Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25–3304," accessed September 3, 2025

[kylaw-31] Kentucky General Assembly, "Ky. Rev. Stat. § 116.055," accessed September 3, 2025

[lalaw-32] Louisiana State Legislature, "La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:410.3," accessed September 3, 2025

[lalaw2-33] Louisiana State Legislature, "La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:401," accessed September 3, 2025

[melaw-34] Maine Legislature, "Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 21–A, § 341," accessed September 3, 2025

[mdlaw-35] LexisNexis, "Md. Election Code Ann. § 8–202," accessed September 3, 2025

[mdlaw2-36] LexisNexis, "Md. Election Code Ann. § 8–302," accessed September 3, 2025

[malaw-37] Massachusetts Legislature, "Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 53, § 38," accessed September 3, 2025

[38] Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "How to Vote in Primary," accessed September 3, 2025

[milaw-39] Michigan Legislature, "MCL - Section 168.531," accessed September 3, 2025

[milaw2-40] Michigan Legislature, "MCL - Section 168.576," accessed September 3, 2025

[mnlaw-41] Minnesota Legislature, "Minn. Stat. § 204D.08," accessed September 3, 2025

[mslaw-42] LexisNexis, "Miss. Code Ann. § 23–15–575," accessed September 3, 2025

[molaw-43] Missouri Revisor of Statutes, "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.397," accessed September 3, 2025

[mtlaw-44] Montana Legislature, "Mont. Code Ann. § 13–10–301," accessed September 3, 2025

[nelaw-45] Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–912," accessed September 3, 2025

[nelaw2-46] Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–314," accessed September 3, 2025

[nelaw3-47] Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–302," accessed September 3, 2025

[nelaw4-48] Nebraska Legislature, "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32–304," accessed September 3, 2025

[nvlaw-49] Nevada Legislature, "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.287," accessed September 4, 2025

[nhlaw1-50] New Hampshire General Court, "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 659:14," accessed September 4, 2025

[nhlaw2-51] New Hampshire General Court, "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 654:34," accessed September 4, 2025

[njlaw-52] New Jersey Department of State, "N.J. Rev. Stat. § 19:23–45," accessed September 4, 2025

[nmlaw-53] New Mexico One Source, "N.M. Stat. Ann. § 1–12–7," accessed September 4, 2025

[nmlaw2-54] New Mexico Legislature, "2025 Regular Session - SB 16," accessed September 4, 2025

[nylaw-55] The New York State Senate, "N.Y. Election Law § 17–102," accessed September 4, 2025

[nclaw-56] North Carolina General Assembly, "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163–119," accessed September 5, 2025

[ndlaw-57] North Dakota Legislative Assembly, "N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1–11–22," accessed September 5, 2025

[ohlaw1-58] Ohio Laws and Administrative Codes, "Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3513.19," accessed September 5, 2025

[ohlaw2-59] Ohio Laws and Administrative Codes, "Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3513.05," accessed September 5, 2025

[oklaw-60] Oklahoma State Courts Network, "Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 1–104," accessed September 5, 2025

[orlaw-61] Oregon Laws, "Or. Rev. Stat. § 254.365," accessed September 5, 2025

[palaw-62] FindLaw, "Pa. Stat. tit. 25, § 299," accessed September 5, 2025

[63] Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, "How to Update Your Registration," accessed September 5, 2025

[rilaw-64] Rhode Island General Assembly, "R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-24," accessed September 5, 2025

[rilaw2-65] Rhode Island General Assembly, "R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-9.1-23," accessed September 5, 2025

[sclaw-66] South Carolina General Assembly, "S.C. Code Ann. § 7–9–20," accessed September 5, 2025

[67] South Carolina Election Commission, "Primaries Certified, Runoffs Set for June 25," accessed September 5, 2025

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[tnlaw-69] 69.0 ^69.1 Justia, "Tenn. Code Ann. § 2–7–115," accessed September 8, 2025

[txlaw-70] Texas Constitution and Statutes, "Tex. Election Code Ann. § 172.086," accessed September 8, 2025

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[vtlaw-73] Vermont General Assembly, "Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2363," accessed September 8, 2025

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Primary election types by state

Contents

Primary election types by state[edit]

Open primaries[edit]

Closed primaries[edit]

Semi-closed primaries[edit]

Top-two primaries and variants[edit]

Laws governing primary participation by state[edit]

Vote requirement laws[edit]

State specific information[edit]

Recent legislation related to primaries[edit]

Explore election legislation with Ballotpedia[edit]

See also[edit]

Footnotes[edit]