Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
TEXAS — The Texas GOP is pushing to close its primaries. Proponents of the move have raised alarms that Democrats are meddling in those contests.
Last month, those who participated in the Republican Primary voted in favor of a nonbinding proposition to prevent Democrats and Independents from crossing over. It was a 73-27 split for closing primaries.
Texas is one of 16 states that have open primaries, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Texas voters do not have to declare a party affiliation when they register to vote, and they can choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primaries. If there’s a runoff election, they cannot switch to the other party’s primary runoff to vote.
On this week’s ‘Inside Out’ segment, former Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, and former State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, discuss what it could mean for Texas elections if primaries were closed. They also offered up some other ideas.
Click the video link above to watch the full segment.
