Voters in the primary could blame themselves for invalidating their ballots by not specifying a party preference. But the responsibility for the foul-up lies squarely with Democrat and Republican insiders who can’t fight fairly in this state.
The parties got the blanket primary thrown out that allowed voters to pick candidates on their merits for office rather than by party affiliation. Now it’s the red or the blue. Voters must identify their political preference and vote only along party lines in partisan races.
About one in five Snohomish County ballots were invalidated in the primary. Some voters missed the “party” box while others didn’t check it off as a protest.
With primary election results skewed by this invasion into the process, have the people really had a chance to speak?
Secretary of State Sam Reed says he’ll try to convince legislators to repeal the pick-a-party primary process. He’ll likely have an uphill battle convincing politicians who rely on party support.
Tim Eyman could be voters’ answer to this dilemma. His record of getting reverse Robin Hood initiatives on the ballot is floundering. His initiatives typically line rich pockets while stealing tax money from public coffers that pay for essential services.
Yes, Tim, redemption could be at hand. Take on the party bosses and gather signatures (legitimate ones, of course) to repeal the pick-a-party primary.
The alternative is controlling political agitators who convince party members to stack votes against weak candidates in the primary. This strategy isn’t new and tactics of the opposing party must cancel out its effects. Regardless, protecting integrity of “one man, one vote” is vital. It must not be overridden by any party in a free democracy.
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