Will 2026 Be California’s Last Inclusive Primary Election?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Open Primaries, Unite America, Independent Voter Project, and Independent Veterans of America to host a pre-primary press call.

WHAT: Pre-primary press call ahead of California’s June 2nd primary election and efforts by both Democrats and Republicans to return the state to a closed primary system — which would disenfranchise 7 million independent voters.

WHEN: Friday, May 29th at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET

WHERE: Virtual press call via Zoom. RSVP here.

Who

  • Nick Troiano (Exec. Dir.) or Rich Barton (Fellow), Unite America
  • John Opdycke, President, Open Primaries
  • Chad Peace, Legal Advisor, Independent Voter Project
  • Paul Rieckhoff, Founder, Independent Veterans of America
  • Jeremy Gruber, Senior Vice President, Open Primaries

Topics Include

  • The growth of independent voters in California and emerging efforts to exclude them from voting.
  • New research about the impact of California’s “top two” nonpartisan system on participation, voter satisfaction, and policy making.
  • New legislative efforts underway to guarantee independent voters’ right to participate, and public education efforts to increase independent voter participation in primaries.
  • The increase in veterans registering as independents.
  • What California can tell us about independent voter trends across the country.

There will be a Q&A portion at the end of the call. This call will be recorded. Several independent California voters are available for on-the-record interviews following the call.

About Open Primaries

Open Primaries is a national advocacy organization working to enact and protect open and nonpartisan primary systems that let all voters vote.

About Unite America

Unite America is a philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform to foster a more representative and functional government.

About the Independent Voter Project

The Independent Voter Project is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to re-engaging voters and promoting election reform through initiatives, litigation, and voter education.

About Independent Veterans of America

IVA is a 501(c)(4) organization building a national community of independent veterans to run for office, reform the election system, and increase civic participation.


To RSVP, register here.
Unable to attend? Contact Gabby Richards at grichards@vision360partners.com to arrange an interview.

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