Imageable elements useful as lithographic printing plate precursors are disclosed. The element comprises an imageable layer over a support. The imageable layer contains a photothermal conversion material and a polymeric binder that comprises a polymer backbone with sulfobetaine- and/or carboxybetaine-containing side chains. The imageable elements do not require processing in a developer. They can be thermally imaged and immediately treated with fountain solution and ink without a development step.