Jungle primary

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It has been suggested that run-off primary election be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

In the jungle primary (also known as a blanket primary), all candidates run in the same initial election regardless of party label. This format has only been used for regular elections in Louisiana. The 1976 congressional elections were the last in Louisiana under the closed primary system for approximately 30 years. Starting in 1978, elections for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate were switched to the jungle primary format, which had already begun for state elections in 1975. The only labels permitted under the Louisiana law were "Democrat," "Republican," and "No Party." There was a runoff between the top two candidates if no one won a simple majority in the first round of balloting. That runoff constituted the "general election" under Louisiana law even if the "general election" had two candidates of the same party, a phenomenon which frequently occurred. Often, Louisiana elections were settled in the initial jungle primary, with no need for a general election. This was particularly true when incumbents sought reelection.^{[citation needed]}

The jungle primary was adopted by the Louisiana legislature at the insistence of powerful Democratic Governor Edwin Edwards (1972-1980; 1984-1988; 1992-1996) as a way to reduce growing Republican strength in traditionally Democratic Louisiana. The plan, in the long run, did not achieve that particular purpose, but it did keep candidates from having to undergo three possibly contested elections to win office.^{[citation needed]}

The jungle primary was never used for presidential primaries in Louisiana, for national party rules forbid it. To participate in presidential primaries, Louisiana voters must be registered members of their party at least 30 days before the election. Federal courts have upheld the constitutionality of the unique Louisiana system.^{[citation needed]}

The plan is also used in Texas and some other states in special elections, but not primaries. Sometimes the Louisiana system has inaccurately been called an "open primary." California, Alaska, and Washington have used similar systems, and there is an effort in Oregon in 2006 to pass a similar law.^{[citation needed]}

In June 2006, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed Senate Bill No. 18,^[1] which became Act No. 560^[2] into law. Starting in 2008, Congressional races are returned to the closed primary system. However, the nonpartisan primary will remain for state and local races, including the 2007 governor's race.