One Step Closer To An Open Pennsylvania Primary

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Proposals to let independent voters cast ballots in party nomination primaries passed a Pennsylvania House of Representatives committee, raising the prospect that changes could pass and take effect in time for next year’s presidential contest. Two bills passed Tuesday with support only from Democrats and were advanced toward a full House vote. The measures would allow independent voters to choose which political party primary they want to vote in. Electors would be able to vote for the party nomination for public office candidates but not to elect candidates for party offices. Sponsors of the bills say more than 1 million Pennsylvanians are not affiliated with either party, making them the fastest-growing demographic within the state’s electorate.