Oregon’s newest major political party, the Independent Party, will open its primary election to unaffiliated voters in the state next spring.
Unaffiliated voters generally have been barred from voting in party primaries unless they’re willing to join a party to do so. Both Democrats and Republicans have made exceptions over the years, but closed primaries have been a reality more often than not.
The Independent Party’s move to allow unaffiliated voters a say in who will be on the November General Election ballot is surely a good thing in a state where more than half a million have chosen not to align with any political party.
Independent Party Secretary Sal Peralta told reporter Taylor Anderson his hope is to “elect four or five people in the center” sometime soon. Oregonians are running from political parties in droves partly because of the increasing polarization of politics in this state. A party that can entice voters with centrist candidates can help correct the situation.
The hope is an Open Primary can help accomplish this centrist goal, by drawing Republicans and Democrats voters back from their corners on the far opposite sides of the political spectrum.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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