Question

As opposed to a closed primary, distinguish which of the following is a potential result of the open primary process?

A) Results may not represent the party
B) Promotes partisanship
C) Decreased electoral spending
D) Entitlement spending

Answer 1

In an open primary process, a potential outcome is that results may not represent the true preferences of party members due to the possibility of raiding from members of other parties.

Step-by-step explanation:

As opposed to a closed primary, open primary systems allow any registered voter to participate in either party's primary election, regardless of the voter's official party affiliation. A potential result of the open primary process is that the results may not represent the party faithful because it allows for the possibility of raiding, where members of other parties vote in a primary to elect a weaker candidate. This practice could theoretically lead to the nomination of candidates who are less representative of the party's core values or base, aiming to give opposing parties an advantage in the general election.