Gov. Quinn pushes for open primaries in Illinois

November 16, 2010

By Kyle Maichle

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois: Governor Pat Quinn is pushing for the State of Illinois to have an open primary election system.

Quinn inserted language into an elections bill during the 2009-2010 session of the Illinois General Assembly that would have allowed open primaries. Under current law, a voter in Illinois must declare a party preference before being given the chance to cast a ballot in a statewide primary. Various reform groups have pushed for a open primary system in Illinois for many years. Organizations in favor of open primaries argue that turnout would be increased among those who don't identify themselves with a political party.

If Governor Quinn is successful in getting open primaries, Illinois would join the bordering states of Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin which use a open primary system. However, lawmakers may kill the proposal without seeing a vote in either house of the General Assembly.

See also

• Illinois House of Representatives
• Illinois State Senate
• Illinois State Board of Elections