The U.S. has a 'primary problem,' say advocates who call for new election systems

A person puts their ballot in a drop box on Oct. 27, 2020, at a library in Seattle. Under Washington state's primary system, the top two vote getters advance to the general election in November, regardless of party. (Ted S. Warren/AP)

Most state and federal primary elections in the U.S. are divided up by political party, and many are only open to voters who are members of a party.

Reform-minded advocates and many political scientists say this system is not working. They say relatively small numbers of voters are selecting their nominee — often in a district or state that leans strongly toward one party, so whoever wins the primary cruises to victory in a general election.