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Open primaries make sense for Idahoans

| September 17, 2023 1:00 AM

Imagine going to an Idaho primary election where, regardless of your political viewpoint, any registered voter could vote for any candidate on the ballot. Republican, Democrat, independent, or Libertarian — all on the same ballot! We could vote for Republicans for some offices and Democrats for others, if we choose.

That would be more in line with the beliefs of our first president, who warned of political parties gaining too much power. No restrictions by party. We vote for the person we think will do the best job.

We get to do that in the general election; why not for the primary?

The Open Primaries Initiative is circulating petitions to try to make this happen! The Open Primaries Initiative would also improve the general election.

The top four candidates for each position from the primary would advance to the general election, regardless of party. This creates a better chance that the "best of the field" will be available for final selection in the general election.

Petitions are being circulated. Find one and sign it! Help create a system that is truly representative of the voters!

Volunteers will be taking signatures at the city parking lot near the Farmers Market from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 16.

Learn more at openprimariesid.org.

DON JORDAN

Naples