Many Americans feel frustrated with the state of the country, voicing concerns about the economy, foreign policy, and domestic issues. While venting online or complaining to friends provides temporary relief, there’s a concrete step individuals can take to influence the direction of politics: participating in primary elections.
Despite widespread dissatisfaction, roughly 80% of Americans skip primary elections, which determine who appears on the general election ballot. This has significant consequences. As Laurel Harbridge-Yong, a political science professor at Northwestern University, explains: “The primary elections is really where the action is… if they feel like these are two awful choices, then things could have been different had they had different people come out of the primaries.”
Why Primaries Matter More Than You Think
The influence of primaries often goes unnoticed. Most congressional districts are predictably red or blue, making the general election a formality. The real contest happens earlier. Ben Sheehan, author of “What Does the Constitution Actually Say?”, emphasizes this point: “The real action isn’t the general election, it’s the primary election where you’re picking the person who is most likely going to be the election winner.”
This is especially critical because primaries dictate who controls the legislative agenda. Congress, designed as the most powerful branch of government, can halt, check, or reverse presidential actions. With razor-thin majorities in Congress, losing control of even one chamber would severely limit the President’s ability to push through legislation.
Legislators Listen to Primary Voters
Research shows that legislators are more responsive to voters who participate in primary elections. These voters often focus on specific issue positions – abortion, gun rights, healthcare – while general election voters tend to follow party lines. Harbridge-Yong notes: “Legislators have incentives to be responsive to the people who participate in elections, and, more importantly, incentives to respond to the interests of people who participate in primary elections.”
How to Get Involved
Primary election rules vary by state. Some require party registration, while others don’t. To find out your state’s specific requirements, consult resources like the National Conference of State Legislatures (ncsl.org). Once informed, you can plan to vote or take steps to become eligible.
If you’re concerned about the direction of the country, participating in primary elections is a direct way to hold elected officials accountable and push for change. Congress holds the ultimate check on the President, and primary elections determine who wields that power.
The path to change lies in electing new people to Congress, and this year’s primary is the time to do just that. Ignoring this step means accepting the status quo.
