by voter advocacy group is sounding the alarm after an exceptionally low turnout in Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election. Only 17% of registered voters in Philadelphia cast ballots, raising concerns about growing voter apathy and disconnection from the democratic process.
The Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan civic organization, called the turnout numbers a “warning sign” for the future of representative democracy in the state.
What Happened
On May 20, 2024, Pennsylvania held its primary election.
Despite national political urgency and widespread civic activism following the 2024 presidential cycle, voter participation in the state’s primary remained notably low.
Turnout in Philadelphia hit just 17%. Suburban counties also posted disappointing numbers—25.8% in Bucks County and 21.09% in Montgomery County.
Key Details
Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, responded strongly to the figures.
She rejected the idea that low turnout is routine or dismissible, stating:
“We cannot dismiss this as ‘just another low-turnout election.’ Low turnout like this is a warning sign. It means too many of our neighbors feel disengaged, disillusioned, or disconnected from the process.”
The Committee emphasized that voter disengagement is a systemic issue that threatens the integrity of elections and democratic participation.
Reactions or Statements
Cristella urged action from elected officials, civic leaders, and citizens alike:
“Tuesday’s primary should be a wake-up call.”
She called for reforms to make voting more accessible and appealing, including:
- Expanding early voting
- Allowing independents to vote in primaries
- Transitioning to merit-based judicial selection
Cristella stressed the need for bold, structural changes and more efforts to engage voters year-round—not just during presidential elections.
Investigation or What’s Next
Pennsylvania remains one of 14 states with closed primaries.
In this system, only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in their respective primaries, excluding nearly one million unaffiliated voters.
Bills proposing to open primaries to independents are under consideration in the state legislature. However, they lack strong, vocal support from elected officials.
FAQs
Why was voter turnout so low in Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary?
Many voters may feel disengaged, uninformed, or excluded due to the state’s closed primary system, according to the Committee of Seventy.
What is the Committee of Seventy?
Founded in 1904, it is a nonpartisan organization promoting election integrity, government ethics, and civic engagement in Pennsylvania.
Can independents vote in PA primaries?
Currently, no. Pennsylvania is one of 10 states that bars independents from voting in party primaries.
Are there efforts to change the primary voting rules?
Yes, legislation has been proposed to allow unaffiliated voters to participate, but momentum has been slow.
What reforms does the Committee of Seventy support?
They advocate for early voting, open primaries, and judge selection based on merit instead of elections.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The startlingly low turnout in Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary has renewed calls for election reform and voter engagement.
As watchdog groups like the Committee of Seventy push for systemic changes, officials and citizens alike are being urged to take voter participation seriously—before trust in the electoral process erodes further.
