California Considers Ending Top-Two Open Primary

Veteran columnist argues the system has failed to deliver on its promises.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a lone voting booth in a dimly lit room, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of contemplation and civic duty.As California debates the merits of its top-two primary system, the state's political landscape remains marked by the quiet solitude of the voting booth.Today in Sacramento

In a recent column, veteran California political columnist George Skelton argues that the state's top-two open primary system, implemented as a reform measure in 2010, has failed to live up to its promises and should be discarded. Skelton contends the system has not increased voter participation or moderated political polarization as intended.

Why it matters

The top-two open primary was touted as a way to give more power to independent and moderate voters, but critics say it has instead entrenched the two-party system and reduced competition. This debate over the state's electoral system could have significant implications for the balance of power in California politics.

The details

Skelton, who has covered California politics for decades, writes that the top-two system has not delivered on its core promises. He argues it has failed to boost voter turnout, with many voters still sitting out primary elections. Skelton also contends the system has not produced more moderate, compromise-oriented candidates as promised, and has in fact reduced competition in many districts.

  • The top-two open primary system was implemented in California in 2010 after being approved by voters.
  • Skelton's column criticizing the system was published on March 31, 2026.

The players

George Skelton

A veteran political columnist who has covered California politics for decades and is now arguing for the state to reform or discard its top-two open primary system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's probably time for California to reform the outdated 'reform'”

— George Skelton, Political Columnist

What’s next

The debate over California's electoral system is likely to continue, with potential proposals to modify or replace the top-two primary in the coming years.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the ongoing challenges of designing electoral systems that balance the interests of political parties, independent voters, and the goal of producing more moderate, compromise-oriented candidates.