One significant experiment in American democracy is about to come to an end

The longstanding experiment in Louisiana’s unique open primary system for non-presidential offices may be coming to an end, prompting discussions about its impact on political dynamics. This experiment, in various forms over the past 50 years, allows voters to choose from all candidates, irrespective of party, and holds a runoff if no candidate secures a simple majority. The open primary system has been influential, inspiring similar systems in other states like California and Washington.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, advocates for a closed primary system, open only to party members, citing fairness to political parties and expressing concerns about delayed election outcomes. While not fully embracing a closed primary, Louisiana legislators have agreed to scale back the open primary system for congressional and some races, preserving it for statewide races like governor.

The potential shift has implications for the political landscape, as research suggests that states with open primaries tend to produce more moderate lawmakers. Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California, found that states with completely open primaries tend to have less extreme lawmakers based on their voting records. The argument is that open systems provide an opportunity to elect candidates who are less extreme, fostering a more moderate political environment.

However, there are counterarguments suggesting that open primaries can lead to party leaders losing control of the primary process, potentially resulting in the emergence of more extreme candidates. The case of Donald Trump’s candidacy in 2016, despite opposition from Republican Party leaders, exemplifies this perspective. Nevertheless, many states have opened their primaries to varying degrees, allowing independent voters to participate.

In Alaska, the ranked-choice voting system has been introduced, enabling voters to pick first, second, and even third-choice candidates. This system contributed to the reelection of Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who collaborates with members across party lines. Alaska’s legislature is currently considering undoing the ranked-choice system, approved by voters in a 2020 ballot initiative. Ranked-choice voting has also been adopted in New York, leading to the election of Democrat Eric Adams as mayor. These developments showcase the ongoing experimentation and adaptation of electoral systems in the United States.