Question

which is a major argument against the closed primary?
○ the ballots are confusing and hard to read.
○ registered voters are left off the poll books.
○ the opposing party cannot vote.
○ independent voters cannot vote.

Explanation:

A closed primary is a primary election where only registered members of a political party can vote in that party's primary. Independent voters (those not affiliated with a major party) are excluded from participating in a closed primary. Let's analyze each option:

• "The ballots are confusing and hard to read" is not a major argument against closed primaries, as ballot design issues are not specific to closed primaries.
• "Registered voters are left off the poll books" is an issue with voter registration or poll book management, not specific to closed primaries.
• "The opposing party cannot vote" is incorrect because in a closed primary, it's about one's own party affiliation, not the "opposing" party in a general sense (and the main issue is independent voters, not opposing party members).
• "Independent voters cannot vote" is a key criticism of closed primaries, as they restrict participation to party members, excluding independents.

Answer:

D. Independent voters cannot vote.