Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no magic solution to the extreme partisanship our nation is experiencing, addressing the Primary Problem is the most practical and powerful way bringing about change. By changing the incentives, policymakers are rewarded for working together to pass legislation that serves all their constituents, rather than appealing to a small faction of hyperpartisan  primary voters. A study by the University of Southern California found that, “among new members of Congress elected between 2003-2018, those elected in nonpartisan primaries were more than 18 percentage points less extreme than those elected in closed partisan primaries.”

Learn more about the primary problem here.

The goal of open primaries isn’t to elect moderates, it’s about ensuring better representation for all voters. Winning candidates should represent the views of the majority of voters — wherever they are on the political spectrum.

No. Unite America only supports reforms that are truly party-neutral and that put voters first. The candidates who benefit are the candidates most aligned with the views of their constituents — regardless of political affiliation.

For example: Under top-four elections in 2022, Alaskans elected a conservative Republican governor, Mike Dunleavy, on the exact same ballot as Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican, and Rep. Mary Peltola, a moderate Democrat. In fact, 52% of Alaskans split their ticket in the primary to vote for the candidate most aligned with their views, regardless of political party. In 2024 under the top-four system, Alaskans elected Republican Nick Begich to serve as their state Representative.

We rank things everyday — from food options to sports teams. This is no different. Instead of only having one choice, voters can rank their preferences — eliminating the spoiler effect and increasing the chance that they’ll end up with a winner they support.

Numerous polls in cities and states where voters rank their preferences have shown that voters like it and find it easy to use — with upwards of 99% of ballots cast without any issues.

Early evidence shows that open, all-candidate primaries increase voter turnout. In 2022, the average national turnout in congressional primary elections was just 21%, while turnout in all-candidate primary states was 37% in Alaska, 29% in California, and 35% in Washington State. 

What’s also important to note is that, thanks to open, all-candidate primaries, voters are more likely to cast meaningful votes in competitive elections. 

You can read more about how open, all-candidate primaries impact turnout here.