a primary election in which any registered voter may participate
Compare closed primary
open primary in American English
US
a primary election in which the voter need not declare party affiliation
open primary in American English
noun
a direct primary election in which voters need not meet a test of party membership
Word origin
[1930–35, Amer.]This word is first recorded in the period 1930–35. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: cloverleaf, old school tie, saddle stitch, technical foul, video
Examples of 'open primary' in a sentence
open primary
The party has promised to hold an 'open primary' to select its contender.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But is an open primary open to mischief-making from rival parties?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
We were pleased to have the chance to vote in an open primary.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
A really radical option would be to give voters a direct say in the choice of parliamentary candidates via open primary elections.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It may, however, be some time before the open primary system becomes widespread, democratic as it is.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Only 240 people voted at the 'open primary' selection, which was open to all 67,000 constituents.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The open primary system, if adopted more widely, could do a lot to restore people's faith in the mainstream political parties.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
She urged the party to revisit the open primary method of selection, under which she was chosen.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She recalls that she triumphed in an open primary election last spring with nearly 60 per cent of the vote.