Open Primaries Maine

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Open Primaries Maine

Maine's closed primaries law denies 4 out of 10 voters the opportunity to vote in taxpayer-funded el

11/17/2025

Our friends at Open Primaries are hosting Rick Bennett for Governorr for their next Primary Buzz Discussion: Can Two Party Politics Meet the Needs of the People?

Click here to register -->https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v1Z1ztfQTnCjJgVU7fumbQ #/registration

On Tuesday November 18th at 3pm ET Open Primaries President John Opdycke will sit down with Sen. Bennett for a conversation where he’ll ask the simple but big question: Can Two Party Politics Meet the Needs of the People?

11/05/2025

Our friends at Open Primaries are hosting Rick Bennett for Governor for their next Primary Buzz Discussion: Can Two Party Politics Meet the Needs of the People?

Click below to register!

On Tuesday November 18th at 3pm ET Open Primaries President John Opdycke will sit down with Bennett for a conversation where he’ll ask the simple but big question: Can Two Party Politics Meet the Needs of the People?

Former State Senate President Rick Bennett represented Mainers for decades as a Republican, but in June he announced he’s leaving the GOP and running for Governor as an Independent: “I’m running as an independent because Maine’s next chapter can’t be dictated by party bosses in Washington ...

08/15/2022

Check out this terrific video from our friends at Open Primaries on our efforts here in Maine!

cc: Betsy Sweet, League of Women Voters of Maine, Chloe Maxmin, Matt Pouliot

openprimaries.org

06/07/2022

Thank you to everyone who came out to our VICTORY PARTY last night at Flight Deck Brewing! It was incredible to see everyone in person to celebrate the success of passing semi-open primaries. We couldn't have done it without you!

05/13/2022

And, more great coverage on semi-open primaries in the The Ellsworth American!

"It is one thing to vote for a bill, but it is entirely another to work that bill. Nicole Grohoski, State Representative, a co-sponsor of the bill, has many virtues as a legislator (thoughtfulness, diligence, honesty, energy) and she deployed every one of them in support of LD 231. Said Grohoski: “The status quo is not in line with our values.”

"She took everything she has learned in four years in the House and applied it to getting this bill passed. Those of us who are not enrolled in a political party but who are as conscientious about our duty as citizens as the most ardent party member owe her a debt of gratitude.

"This would not have happened had not many party members supported the rights of independents to vote without hindrance. Thanks to all Democrats and Republicans who welcomed independents into the primary electoral process."

On May 6, Governor Janet Mills announced she has “completed her review of bills enacted during the second session of the 130th Legislature.” That review

05/12/2022

Great endorsement from The Bangor Daily News for semi-open primaries!

“Semi-open primaries are certainly not a panacea for the hyperpartisanship that is gripping America...But making this change, with an analysis of its impact, has the potential to help engage more Mainers in our democracy through the vital act of voting.”

“Power resides with the people through the ballot box,” Sen. Olympia Snowe said in a statement circulated by the group Open Primaries Maine last year.

05/11/2022

Some great national coverage on our successful effort here in Maine to pass semi-open primaries legislation!

“We are grateful that L.D. 231 has become law, enfranchising hundreds of thousands of independent voters,” said Kaitlin LaCasse, campaign manager for Open Primaries Maine. “The significant bipartisan support for semi-open primaries here in Maine is particularly notable during this time in which many states are considering the rollback of voter rights. It is a good day for democracy!”

Legislation creating semi-open primaries in Maine went into effect Sunday, expanding the list of states that allow unaffiliated voters to participate in nominating contests.

05/09/2022

We did it! Thanks to your tremendous advocacy, L.D. 231 is now public law, enfranchising hundreds of thousands of independent voters. It is a good day for democracy!

And, an important note as we're heading into election season: Semi-open primaries will take effect January 1, 2024.

05/02/2022

Click below to watch Betsy Sweet talk about semi-open primaries with Pat Callaghan and Phil Harriman on the Political Brew on NEWS CENTER Maine.

Our analysts this week are former state senator and Yarmouth town councilor, Republican Phil Harriman, and longtime Democratic activist Betsy Sweet.

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Open Maine’s Primaries

In today’s election, Maine voters will “officially” elect their state lawmakers. However, roughly 70% of those “winners” were effectively chosen in the June primary election. Most of Maine’s legislative race are not competitive in the general election because the districts heavily favor either the Republican or the Democratic nominees.

4 out of 10 Maine voters are prohibited from voting in June primary elections. Maine is one of only 13 states with "members-only elections" that limit participation to only the most loyal and engaged members of the two major parties. Open primaries would allow all registered voters to have their voices heard in all elections.

We worked on an open primaries bill in the last legislative session and we’re working on another bill for this coming session. We need your help to get it passed.

Sign the petition asking lawmakers to open Maine’s primaries to all registered voters at either Change.org or StandUnited.org.