The map below identifies states in which at least one political party utilizes closed primaries for congressional and state-level elections. The two tables below reflect these changes: 1. For information on voter participation rules for the 2020 presidential primaries and caucuses, below. As in a closed primary, the highest voted candidate in each party then proceeds to the general election. In a traditional open primary, voters may select one party's ballot and vote for that party's nomination. These closed-primary states also prohibit independent and third-party voters from voting in primaries and helping the parties choose their nominees. This webpage is being updated frequently to reflect election postponements as they happen. January 22, 2020 / By Sandy Parker Florida is one of just nine “closed primary” states in the country. "This system generally contributes to a strong party organization," according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. 2020 State and Presidential Primary Dates, Chronological 2. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has disrupted election calendars across the country and prompted states to delay state primaries, runoffs and presidential preference primaries. The first primary contests of the 2020 election begin in just four days with the February 3 Iowa caucuses. In a nonpartisan blanket primary, all candidates appear on the same ballot and the two highest voted candidates proceed to the runoff election, regardless of party affiliation… Hover over a state for additional details. An open primary is a primary election that does not require voters to be affiliated with a political party in order to vote for partisan candidates. See also: Closed primary. These closed-primary states are: Delaware; Florida; Kentucky; Maryland; Nevada; New Mexico; New York; Oregon; … Detailed information about elections postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak can be found on COVID-19 and Elections. Open primaries activists in Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maine, Arkansas, New Mexico, Missouri and other states are applying pressure at the grassroots. Closed Primary States The 16 states operating closed primaries, as reported by FairVote, are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. In 14 states and the District of Columbia, at least one political party conducts closed primaries for congressional and state-level offices. In 14 states and the District of Columbia, at least one political party conducts closed primaries for congressional and state-level offices. 2020 Stat… States in which at least one political party utilizes closed primaries for … The 2020 presidential primary schedule voting calendar is listed below with the date of each …