The Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee has unanimously backed closed primaries, a measure that would limit participation in primary elections to only those registered with a political party. This decision comes after a bill to implement closed primaries, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, died in the last legislative session.

Closed Primaries Debate

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell voiced strong support for the measure, stating that political parties are exclusionary by nature. Sorrell argued that closed primaries are necessary to prevent non-Republicans from influencing the party’s nominees. However, some legislators opposed the bill, citing concerns that it would eliminate conservative independent voters from participating in primaries.

Democrats characterized closed primaries as voter suppression, arguing that it would further erode voter participation in a state with already low turnout rates. The GOP committee’s decision to add closed primaries to the party platform this fall was made on a unanimous voice vote.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.