In 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Tashjian v Republican Party of Connecticut that if a party with a government-administered primary wants to let independents vote in its primaries, the state government cannot block that desire. Many state Democratic Parties have exercised their Tashjian rights to let independents vote in Democratic primaries. However, in Florida, the Democratic Party has never invited independents to vote in its primaries.
But, according to Open Primaries, the state chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried, now supports the party letting independents vote in its primaries. Fried was re-elected State chair on January 25, 2025.
Overturn Tashjian (a 5-4 decision).
Option A: All private except general election (private registration, private nomination, party-blind ballot access)
Option B: All public with parties (public registration, public nomination – open primaries, party-based ballot access – separate and unequal for independents and minor parties)
Option C: All public without parties (registration irrelevant, party nomination irrelevant, party-blind ballot access – Washington State for example)
The Florida Democratic Party chair supporting any change to the closed primary scheme in Florida is a good indication that they will invest in challenging the one-party status quo in the state.
It is my hope that Independent voters will also be allowed to participate more in Democratic Party activities. Hopefully, it will bring inspiration and focus to the Democratic Party, helping us to connect to more voters. This move is welcome and long overdue.
I’d rather vote in Republican primaries. MAGA victory is not yet total in the GOP, and as a retired law enforcement officer and KKK member I want to make sure they keep moving in the direction President Trump set out and not revert back to the rhinos and country club Republicans. Hail Victory!