Our approach
How the information here is gathered.
Last updated:
Every number on this site comes from official records or a named, linked published source.
This site states facts only when a source supports them. Organization figures come from source materials and state voter data pages updated in November 2026. Outside statistics, such as turnout and competitiveness, name and link the Bipartisan Policy Center, Ballotpedia, or MultiState. Pages show the month they were last updated.
How are the recommendations on this site formed?
The site recommends open primaries first because they are the foundation the other reforms build on: More Choice Voting needs a primary every voter can join. That ordering reflects established guidance to new supporters. Super PAC limits complete the mission.
The rules this site follows
- State a number only with its source and, where relevant, its date.
- Keep state classifications consistent with the primary elections guide.
- Note when rules differ for state, congressional, and presidential races.
- Show a Last updated line and change it only when content changes.
- Correct mistakes openly, in line with the value of being willing to be wrong.
Primary rules change. Always confirm your own registration and deadlines with your state election office. See the sourced statistics or return to the open primaries overview.
Common questions
- Which states have open primaries in 2026?
- Rules differ for state, congressional, and presidential races, so the answer depends on the office. Alabama runs open primaries, California uses a nonpartisan Top-Two, Alaska uses a nonpartisan top-four for state races, and Colorado is semi-open. For your exact state, check your election office or IVP's state voter data pages, updated in November 2026.
- Can independent voters vote in primaries?
- It depends on the state. In closed primary states, voters registered with no party cannot vote in any party primary. In semi-closed states they may choose one party's ballot, and in open and nonpartisan states they can vote freely. Confirm your state's current rules with your state election office or IVP's state voter data pages.
- Is the Independent Voter Project partisan?
- No. IVP is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that does not endorse candidates. It is funded by more than 4,200 individual donors from across the political spectrum, including Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens, and independents.
- How do I contact the Independent Voter Project?
- Email contact@independentvoterproject.org for general, media, and partnership inquiries, or call (619) 207-4618 during normal business hours, Pacific time. Mail goes to PO Box 34431, San Diego, CA 92163. IVP typically responds within 2 to 3 business days, and within 24 hours for urgent media requests.
- What should I do first to support election reform?
- Support open primaries first. It is the reform that reaches the most voters soonest, and the simplest step is signing the open primaries petition, which takes about 30 seconds. After that, explore More Choice Voting, which builds on open primaries by bringing more candidates into the general election.
Start with open primaries.
Signing the open primaries petition takes about 30 seconds. Then explore More Choice Voting, the reform that builds on it.