BATON ROUGE, La. — In what would be an overhaul of Louisiana’s unusual open “jungle primary” system used for much of the past 50 years, lawmakers next week could consider shifting the state to a closed primary — a move that political officials say experts in theory would emerge. stronger partisan candidates, but could also disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters.
The decades-long debate has often led to divided opinions among leaders within the same political party. Opponents argue the change would lead to a host of problems, from logistics and costs to alienating political independents. Supporters of a closed primary say the current system disadvantages the newest members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation because the runoff election isn’t until December — a month after almost every other state has settled its seats.
But experts say personal gain is a likely factor in the decision, especially under new conservative leadership in Louisiana, because closed primaries are believed to favor more ideologically driven candidates over moderates.
“It’s a strategic calculation,” said Robert Hogan, professor and chairman of the political science department at Louisiana State University. “I think that politicians who advocate certain changes in the rule also defend them because they see that change as something that will benefit them.”
The Republican Party-dominated Legislature could vote on the issue next week during a special session called by new Governor Jeff Landry. The Republican governor has supported a closed primary system in the past. The Associated Press contacted Landry’s office for comment.
Louisiana has used jungle primaries since 1975, with the exception of a three-year period for congressional elections. Under the system, all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, run against each other on the same ballot. This also means that voters can vote for any candidate, even if they do not affiliate with the voters’ registered party.
What sets Louisiana’s open primaries apart from other states is that if a candidate earns more than 50% of the vote in the primary, he or she wins the job outright. If not, the top two vote-getters will advance to a head-to-head runoff, which could ultimately pit two Republicans or two Democrats against each other.
A closed primary involves Republican- and Democrat-only contests with the winners facing off in the general election. Additionally, voters must be a registered party member to vote in their primaries.
Louis Gurvich, chairman of the Republican Party of Louisiana, told The Advocate that the party has been advocating for a closed primary for decades.
Hogan said a common belief among a closed primary is that it would result in more “true conservatives,” by eliminating Democratic and moderate voters with no party who would have a say in which Republicans would advance to a runoff.
However, not all studies have shown this to be true. In recent years, social scientists have looked at states with open primaries versus states with closed primaries and haven’t seen a “major difference” in where moderate candidates are elected, Hogan said, citing studies conducted by numerous universities.
Not everyone, including some in the Republican party, is in favor of a closed system.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has raised concerns about the potential higher costs of holding closed primaries, saying the money would be better used to tackle crime, build infrastructure, raise teacher salaries and for coastal protection.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Let’s spend our money wisely. Let’s not just spend it on more elections,” Cassidy said in a video statement he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
However, proponents argue that a closed primary would benefit Louisiana’s congressmen.
The current system could result in Louisiana’s congressional elections being decided in the December runoff — a month later than in the rest of the country — which could result in newly elected members often missing orientation sessions discussing committee assignments. negotiated, people build relationships and offices are assigned.
Years ago, Louisiana tried to hold its congressional primaries in October with a runoff in November, but the state ran into trouble with federal courts. In the mid-2000s, the Legislature briefly changed the process for congressional elections, but quickly changed course amid complaints about voter confusion and costs.
Opponents of closed primaries also say the system could disenfranchise 27% of the state’s registered voters — about 822,000 people — who are not registered Republicans or Democrats. Currently, political independents can vote in the Louisiana primary, but may be excluded from a closed primary.
Louisiana’s eight-day special session begins Monday. If closed primary legislation is passed and signed by Governor Landry, it would be a constitutional amendment, meaning voters would get the final say.