If parties want closed primaries, they can pay for it

In response to Maureen Patterson's recent letter, if a political party wants a closed primary, they can pay for it out of their own pocket and not have all taxpayers pick up the tab. Otherwise, this is like saying that if a family wants a big fancy wedding for their marriage-age child they could force all the residents in their neighborhood to contribute to the expense, yet not invite them.

To dispel Patterson's points: Low-cost software such as in Utah can be used, "without new machines" such as Dominion. We use the same machines as they do along with most other states using an inexpensive software called: "RCTab" which is as secure as the current system. RCV can also be hand recounted if necessary. There will be no tens of millions of dollars needed for new machines. No votes will be thrown out just as they aren't currently. However, only the top four will go into the general election runoff. If you have the ability of a third grader, this won't present any confusion to you.

Until 13 years ago, Idaho had open primaries and still went for Republicans with only an occasional Democrat being elected. This issue harkens back to Scott Herndon's trick of making all of us taxpayers pay for both sides, through our county and city taxes for his private partisan vendetta to allow guns into the Festival at Sandpoint. In other words, Republicans talk up their grievances, but when it comes to mounting a campaign to settle them; "Oh, we can't be expected to pay for it!" In other words, They won't put their money where their mouth is. This is a red herring by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador. I rather doubt we'll see Idaho turn blue because of RCV/Open primaries anytime soon.

For information, check out yesforopenprimaries.com/mythvsfact.

LAWRENCE FURY

Sandpoint