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People who want to see the commonwealth’s primary elections open up to over a million independent voters hope the legislature will act this year. Pennsylvania is one of nine states that has closed primaries, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote during partisan spring elections. Though the change has bipartisan support and has gained traction in recent legislative sessions, it has never passed both the state House and Senate. Opponents argue that allowing voters from outside a party to participate in choosing its candidates dilutes the platform.