Prop 1 gives say to voters, not parties

I strongly support Proposition 1 because I want every voter in Idaho, regardless of party affiliation, to be able to select the primary candidates who are best suited for their communities, not the candidate that represents a small, powerful group in either party. 

About 2,000 Idaho volunteers for Open Primaries like me have heard how popular Open Primaries is with voters. Over the past year, I’ve discussed Open Primaries with many new residents in Boundary County who ask me, “Why should I have to declare a party to vote in the primary?” 

Many jurisdictions in Utah and the states of Maine and Alaska have adopted Open Primaries. Studies show that as many as 80% of voters use Open Primaries like them.  

If voters pass Proposition 1, every registered voter, regardless of party, will vote in the same primary election with the same slate of candidates, regardless of the candidates’ parties. The top four vote-getters will be on the general election ballot.  

During the general election, voters will have the choice of voting for one, two, three or four choices, and if they choose more than one, they will be able to rank them accordingly.  

It’s to the voter’s advantage because if their first choice is eliminated in automatic runoff, their second choice may win. But, contrary to what those opposed to Prop 1 are saying, if you vote for just one, your ballot is not trashed. 

CLARICE McKENNEY

Bonners Ferry