Republicans in Columbus are at it again. Instead of competing in the open marketplace of ideas, they are scheming to change the rules and silence millions of Ohio voters. Their newest weapon is House Bill 320, introduced this year, which would close Ohio’s primary elections to only those who declare a party affiliation at least 30 days in advance.
The proposal may sound like a minor administrative tweak, but the consequences are enormous. More than 5.7 million Ohioans, over 70 percent of registered voters, are unaffiliated. These citizens would be locked out of the most important stage of our elections. Primaries often decide the real contest in gerrymandered districts where the general election is a foregone conclusion. Under HB 320, millions of Ohioans would effectively be told to sit down and stay silent.
The argument about election integrity does not hold up. No credible evidence has been presented that so-called “raiding” of primaries is a problem in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine has admitted there is no urgent need to change the system. The true aim is obvious: keep challengers off the ballot and protect the Republican and Democratic duopoly.
The story does not start with HB 320. Last year Republicans in the Senate pushed Senate Bill 147 with the same intent. That proposal sought to close primaries and restrict independent voices. Public scrutiny killed it, but the message was clear. When one scheme fails, another follows. HB 320 continues the pattern. Republicans are rewriting the rules to weaken democracy and shut down competition.
Ohioans deserve better. Elections should welcome participation, not restrict it. A healthy democracy depends on competition, not coronation. Voters, not politicians in the Statehouse, should decide the outcome of elections.
The Libertarian Party of Ohio is committed to resisting these attacks. Our plan is to register hundreds of thousands of new Libertarians and run 99 candidates for State Representative in 2026. HB 320 exists to derail that progress.
Ohio voters should ask one question. If Republicans are confident in their ideas, why are they desperate to keep millions of citizens out of the process? The answer is clear. They fear competition.
True democracy is messy, unpredictable, and fair. Ohio deserves nothing less.
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Learn more about SB147: https://ohiosenate.gov/legislation/135/sb147
Learn more about HB320: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb320