Journal article
Public opinion on reforming US primaries
Social science quarterly, Vol.105(3), pp.876-893
05/2024
DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13370
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
Objective Few studies have measured public attitudes about reform proposals for changing direct primaries. Despite strong public support over the past century for holding primaries, does the public want to change the direct primary, given its very low voter turnout and its potential role in fostering political polarization? Method Using a unique nationally representative survey of 3000 U.S. adults conducted in March 2023 by YouGov, this study shows that a majority of Americans support reform of primary elections. Results The reforms which receive the greatest support are those that seem more "democratic" such as establishing national congressional primary and holding open primaries. There is lower support for reforms that give political parties more control over selecting candidates, such as state party conventions. There are significant differences between Republicans, Democrats, and independents, while factors such as interest, education, gender, and race have a minimal impact. Individuals living in states with nonpartisan primaries are more favorable toward this specific reform, ranked-choice voting, and open primaries, but primary type was not significant in regression models. Conclusions The public is opposed to reforms that give parties more say in choosing candidates, consistent with public sentiment a century earlier when the direct primary was adopted.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Public opinion on reforming US primaries
- Creators
- Robert G. Boatright - Clark UniversityCaroline J. Tolbert - University of IowaNathan K. Micatka - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Social science quarterly, Vol.105(3), pp.876-893
- Publisher
- Wiley
- DOI
- 10.1111/ssqu.13370
- ISSN
- 0038-4941
- eISSN
- 1540-6237
- Number of pages
- 18
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 03/20/2024
- Date published
- 05/2024
- Academic Unit
- Political Science; Public Policy Center (Archive); Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9984580433402771
Metrics
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