The more I look at "Top-Two" primary voting, I find it too restrictive, removing the ability of a write-in effort. It also takes away the parties ability to opt-in or opt-out of the process.
So I decided the "Blanket Primary" would be a better choice if the process let the parties decide if they wanted to participate. This led me to Alaska.
The Voter Registration form:
Political Affiliation. Select only ONE.
Political Partiy:
- Alaska Democratic Party
- Alaska Libertarian Party
- Alaska Republican Party
- Alaskan Independence Party
Or Political Groups:
- Green Party of Alaska
- Alaska Constitution Party
- Veterans Party of Alaska
Or Other:
- Nonpartisan (no party affiliation)
- Undeclared (no party declared)
- _________________________________
2003 - State Superior Court allowed parties to appear on a Combined Party ballot
The Alaska Superior Court, in Green Party et al. v. State Of Alaska et al., prevented the State from enforcing portions of election laws regarding the Primary Election in 2004. The ruling allowed parties to decide if they wanted to appear on a Combined Party ballot. Parties also specified which voters could have access to their ballots. Parties were given until June 1, 2004 to indicate to the State, through their bylaws, if they wanted to appear on a Combined Party ballot, and which voters would have access to their ballot.
2004 - Voters to choose from three ballots in the Primary
The Republican Party chose to have only Republican candidates on its Primary ballot, and ONLY those voters registered Republican, nonpartisan and undeclared had access to the Republican ballot.
The Alaska Libertarian Party, the Alaskan Independence Party, and the Green Party of Alaska agreed to be on a Combined Party ballot available to all registered voters.
On the third ballot, the Alaska Democratic Party appears on a Combined Party ballot with the Alaska Libertarian Party, the Alaska Independence Party and the Green Party of Alaska. The Democratic Party specified this ballot to be accessible to all voters except Republicans.
2006 - Voters to choose from three ballots in the Primary
The Republican Party chose to have only Republican candidates on its Primary ballot, and ONLY those voters registered Republican, nonpartisan and undeclared had access to the Republican ballot.
The Alaska Democratic Party, the Alaska Libertarian Party, the Alaskan Independence Party, and the Green Party of Alaska agreed to be on a Combined Party ballot available to all registered voters.
The third ballot type contained ballot measures only and did not include any candidates. This ballot was for voters who did not want to vote for any candidates.
2008 to 2012 - Voters to choose from three ballots in the Primary
The Republican Party chose to have only Republican candidates on its Primary ballot, and ONLY those voters registered Republican, nonpartisan and undeclared had access to the Republican ballot.
The Alaska Democratic Party, the Alaska Libertarian Party, and the Alaskan Independence Party agreed to be on a combined party ballot available to all registered voters. The Green Party of Alaska no longer met the qualifications of a recognized political party in Alaska and was therefore prohibited from appearing on a party ballot for the 2008 Primary election.
The third ballot type contained ballot measures only and did not include any candidates. This ballot was for voters who did not want to vote for any candidates.
General Election
The name of the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for an office by a political party on the Primary Election ballot will advance to the General Election ballot. Candidates who do not represent a political party (no-party candidates) certified by the director will appear on the General Election ballot. A space will be provided in each race on the General Election ballot for voters to record the name of a write-in candidate certified by the director.
So the concept of a blanket primary with the parties by-laws accepting the process passed constitutionality in Alaska.
I think there is more tweaking for this type of primary to be accepted in other states. Blanket or Combined, this still does not allow voters to select their candidate choices irregardless of their party or non-party association.
Interesting that the Republicans allowed nonpartisan and undeclared voters to take part in their primary.
How would you modify this type of primary?
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!
Michael H. Drucker
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1 comment:
This is a good article for reference. Thank you for writing it and running it.
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