Why New York’s Closed Primaries Leave Most Voters Behind

The state’s closed primaries decide who will represent the city in every important office, yet most voters are excluded from that decision. This creates a democracy that works only for a small group.

More than 3.4 million New Yorkers are registered as independents or have no party label, making them the second‑largest voting bloc in the state.
Between 2016 and 2026 their numbers grew by over 924,000—faster than either major party.
In New York City alone, a little over 1.1 million voters are unaffiliated. Their voices never reach the ballot that actually picks leaders.

In heavily Democratic areas, winning the Democratic primary is enough to win the general election. The same is true in GOP‑leaning districts for Republican primaries. Because of gerrymandering, many November elections are mere formalities; the real choice is made months earlier.

• Last year’s mayoral primary attracted only 29.9 % of registered Democrats, meaning 70.1 % stayed home.
• In some districts nearly nine out of ten Democrats did not vote, allowing a tiny, highly motivated group to decide who gets elected.
• This pattern helped AOC win her seat by defeating a senior congressman while almost 89 % of Democrats stayed home.
• Just last month, a well‑known Hispanic congressman lost to an unknown challenger after 83 % of Democrats did not turn out.

The trend is clear: small electorates are choosing leaders who will shape the lives of millions, while most voters have no say.

What If Primaries Were Open?

• Candidates would need to appeal beyond a narrow activist base.
• They would be forced to build coalitions and consider the interests of all voters, not just a handful.
• Open primaries would also reduce polarization by discouraging extreme positions that thrive in low‑turnout contests.

New York markets itself as progressive and inclusive, yet its closed primary system is one of the most restrictive in the country. Most states allow some form of open primary, and if New York wants to broaden participation and reduce division, the solution is simple: open the primaries.