MT DSA Steering Committee: Brendan Work, Alessandro Mitchell, Rachel Calderon-Navarro, Steven Clark
As proud Democratic Socialists, we believe in building a political system that prioritizes working-class interests and challenges the dominance of corporate power. Open primary elections, which allow all voters to participate regardless of party affiliation, undermine these goals. While they are often seen as fostering inclusivity and increasing voter participation, they actually dilute the power of parties to shape their own political direction.
Political parties exist to advance distinct ideologies and policies. Allowing everyone to participate in a party’s primary undermines the ability of committed Democratic Socialists to select candidates who represent their vision. This opens the door for corporate interests and centrist voters to choose candidates who may compromise on key issues like the Green New Deal, workers’ rights, and environmental justice.
Open primaries weaken our ability to build a strong, ideologically coherent movement. By allowing outsiders—often influenced by corporate media or political elites—to shape the agenda, the party becomes more susceptible to neoliberal influence. In a world where the political establishment already marginalizes leftist movements, we need mechanisms that empower grassroots socialist activists, not dilute their influence. Closed primaries, while less inclusive, protect the integrity of the parties by ensuring that its direction is determined by those who are committed to its principles.
This election, please vote no on CI-126.