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Why? Multiple states, including Florida, Nevada, New York, Maine, Michigan and Pennsylvania, hold closed-primaries, meaning those who are not registered as Democrat or Republican aren’t able to weigh in on the primary.

In Palm Beach County, Florida, elections supervisor Susan Bucher reported dozens of people had tried to vote in the primaries but were unable to because of their registered party affiliation, “and they’re really mad.”

“Traditionally they haven’t voted in primaries,” Bucher added.

Florida law requires voters to be party affiliated at least 29 days in advance of a primary. That was by Feb. 16, Bucher said.

In total, 28 states -- plus the District of Columbia -- have closed presidential primaries and caucuses. In some states, only one party holds a closed presidential primary: in Alabama, Democrats; and in Oklahoma, Idaho, South Dakota and Utah, Republicans.

More than 20 states hold what are known as open presidential primaries, meaning a registered voter can vote in any primary, regardless of party affiliation. A handful of states also hold a hybrid presidential primary.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez