DC funds semi-open primaries for 2028 elections
DC funds semi-open primaries for 2028 elections
DC funds semi open primaries for 2028 - The D.C. Council has taken a significant step toward expanding electoral participation by approving a 9-2 vote to implement semi-open primaries for district elections beginning in 2028. This decision follows over 18 months of deliberation after voters in the nation’s capital overwhelmingly endorsed a measure to reshape the political landscape. The initiative, which passed in November 2024, aims to increase voter engagement by allowing unaffiliated individuals to cast ballots in primary elections, a shift that promises to redefine representation in the city.
As part of this transition, the council has allocated $1.1 million to support the semi-open primary system from fiscal years 2027 through 2030. The funding was introduced by At-Large Councilwoman Christina Henderson, a registered independent who has long advocated for broader access to the voting process. Henderson’s amendment to the 2027 budget not only secures financial backing for the system but also marks a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize its electoral framework.
The decision aligns with the broader goals of Initiative 83, which voters approved in November 2024. This initiative has two core components: first, the adoption of a ranked-choice voting system starting in 2026, and second, the opening of district primaries to unaffiliated voters. While the ranked-choice system has already been implemented, the semi-open primary aspect is set to take effect later, reflecting a phased approach to reform. The council’s latest action ensures the necessary resources to support this phase, which will require updates to voter registration processes and adjustments to election logistics.
According to the D.C. Board of Elections, nearly 86,000 registered voters in the city are not affiliated with any political party. This group represents 17.86 percent of the over 481,000 total registered voters. In contrast, Republicans account for just 5.11 percent of the electorate, underscoring the dominance of other parties in local politics. Despite their small numbers, Republicans have not been entirely absent from the political scene, as evidenced by their role in shaping the 2024 primary election.
The recent high-stakes primary in D.C. highlighted the implications of this political divide. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George and Robert White, both progressive Democrats, secured the Democratic nominations for mayor and House delegate, respectively. This outcome was notable not only for its implications but also because the Democratic primary effectively served as the de facto general election. With no Republican candidate vying for mayor, the primary became the sole path to the office, a scenario that has persisted due to the party’s limited presence in the city.
Despite the council’s approval of the semi-open primary plan, the initiative faced challenges earlier in the process. In July 2025, the D.C. Council passed a resolution to implement ranked-choice voting, but the semi-open primary component was not included at the time. This was due to outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) failing to allocate funds for the initiative in her proposed 2026 budget. The lack of immediate funding delayed the full implementation of Initiative 83, but the council’s recent vote ensures the necessary resources for the 2028 elections.
Phil Mendelson (D), the chair of the D.C. Council, had previously estimated the cost of the semi-open primary aspect of Initiative 83 to be $930,000 in outreach and operational expenses between fiscal years 2025 and 2027. However, Mendelson cast a vote against the amendment on Tuesday, joining only one other councilmember in opposing the change. Wendell Felder (D), representing Ward 7, also voted against the measure, citing concerns over implementation costs or logistical challenges.
On the other hand, Lisa Rice, the original proposer of Initiative 83, praised the council’s decision. “This is a victory for our democracy in DC and across the country,” she stated in a public release. Rice, who co-founded and leads Grow Democracy DC, emphasized the importance of empowering voters in an era where democratic participation is often limited. “DC voters have shown that, even when democracy is not guaranteed, it can grow stronger if we never stop fighting for it,” she added.
Support for the reform has also come from nonpartisan groups like Unite America, which advocates for election modernization. The organization called the council’s vote a “huge victory — especially for the 86,000 independents who, prior to today, had no meaningful say in their representation.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the underrepresentation of unaffiliated voters in local elections. As the city prepares for the 2028 elections, the semi-open primary system is expected to create a more inclusive political environment, ensuring that all registered voters have a stake in shaping the future of D.C. politics.