PRIMARIES: Imperfect solutions
In the past couple of days and every election year, it seems, I read about complaints from folks regarding the closed Republican primary. It seems common sense to me that in our “two party” system plus independents, etc., that each group votes in their respective primary. I don’t allow my neighbor to have a vote in my family business, nor should I be permitted a say in his.
In many ways our system’s problems are exacerbated by the “us-versus-them” mentality each side invariably demonstrates. If we conducted one statewide primary for national elections, in which any registered voter could participate, with no parties, just the individual, that would alleviate many adversarial pitfalls in our current system. But like it or not, our system inherently divides Republicans, Democrats and Independents. So if you want to participate in the Democrats’ caucus, then one should be a registered Democrat, and likewise for the Republicans. It keeps the process fair for everyone, except, arguably, Independents.
If you’re an Independent who likes a particular Democrat in this year’s crop, then change your affiliation for this year’s election. I don’t see the big deal.
And a few words about caucuses: Complete waste of time and SO unfair! I participated in the last Republican debacle, which not only took way too long, but disenfranchised so many voters who for whatever reason could not be present at a specific time. Shut-ins, elderly, disabled, workers unable to get time off, etc. were completely eliminated from the voting process! I will never waste my time in a caucus again. For the Dems it’s not so difficult; far fewer to check in, thus much less time consuming, but still unfair to the aforementioned groups.
And concerning voter ID; we have to show identification for so many things, like DMV business, to fly, to attain entry into private organizations, and even upon entry to the Democrats’ National Convention. So doesn’t it seem to be completely reasonable that something as important and sacred as voting, which I have to say my past military brothers and sisters served and died to protect, should require simple identification to show the voter is who he purports to be? It helps to maintain integrity of the process, which I believe we all wish to achieve.
DAVE SHELDON
Hayden