PRIMARY: Top to candidates should advance

Districts 3 and 5 in North Idaho are solidly Republican. In fact, most races find the Republican candidate unopposed in November. I would like to see at least two candidates on the General Election ballot.

In the event declared primary election candidates are from one party only, I propose that the top 2 candidates in a closed primary will be advanced to the General election. This will allow all citizens in the district to have a choice as to who becomes their voice in Boise.

Democracy demands citizen participation and by allowing a closed winner take all primary, many voters are disenfranchised or become non-participants in the process of selecting those who will represent them. That is probably a significant cause of our low voter turnouts.

I personally believe that a closed primary will result in more extremist candidates being elected by a minority of voters. Having at least two choices allows for legitimate debate and a final election open to all voters.

Should the closed primary become law, then the total cost of such an election should be borne by that party.

If there are candidates from other parties running, then there is a general election choice so the top two from a single party primary would no longer apply.

I realize this is a significant threat to incumbent legislators and that they will undoubtedly not allow such legislation to move forward. Much, if not most, of the special interest/PAC monies go to incumbent candidates so it is to the advantage of the incumbent to thwart competition in the general elections.

If we truly believe our system of government is "by the people, and for the people," then we must do as much as possible to allow the "people's" voices to be heard at the ballot box.

DAVID LARSEN

Coeur d'Alene