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Fixing the primary election process before May 18
State Representative Eugene DePasquale has introduced legislation that, if passed, would change the way that 2010 primary elections are conducted. The bill, HB 1672, would allow voters not registered with the Democratic or Republican parties to vote in the 2010 primaries.
Currently, Pennsylvania holds closed primary elections. Voters may not vote for a Republican or Democratic candidate unless they are a member of that party.
As a result, independent voters not registered with any party are unable to vote before the general election.
“The intent of this legislation,” says DePasquale in a statement, “is to ensure that every elector’s voice is heard and recorded during primary elections. Our current closed primary system leaves thousands of Pennsylvanians disenfranchised on primary Election Day.”
The bill would add an additional clause to what is known as the act of June 3, 1937, which outlines voting procedures for the Pennsylvania primary elections.
The new bill adds an additional clause, which states that an elector who is “registered as an independent or nonparty voter” may “vote for the candidates of the party of the voter’s choice, the choice to be made at the polling place on the day of the primary election.”
This would open up the election process, allowing voters not registered with the Democratic or Republican party to vote for the candidate of their choice.
Primary day is May 18, 2010. The clock is ticking.
June 17, 2009 at 9:14 am
Tags: HB 1672
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Bio: Kenneth Elder is a Web designer and political junkie from Philadelphia.
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Orlenda
Apr 10th, 2010
This is weird-whats so hard about joining a party to vote in the primaries? Unnecessary legislation….
I joined a party so i COULD vote in the primaries!
horace vickery
Apr 16th, 2010
BAD IDEA
Moved from VA to PA
Apr 20th, 2010
Right … join a PARTY.
Be a Libertarian, (can’t vote a candidate for a primary), be an Independant (can’t vote a candidate for a primary).
Why have primaries at all?
All candidates should be on the ballot come election time so that no one is beholden to a PARTY ….
Left VA came to PA — In VA, please note, all vote the primaries and each party runs the box up with the other parties losers so that they show up in the election. Some process — primaries !!!
Pete Roeser
Apr 22nd, 2010
So join a party and vote. It’s a primary election to choose YOUR party’s candidates. Wake up and introduce some real legislation that is going to solve problems.
janet
May 6th, 2010
I am completely opposed to cross over primaries. I want Republicans and Democrats to choose their own candidates.
If I had my way presidential primaries that are crossover ones would be the last ones held. That way each party’s voters would be the ones in the early primaries to give wins to their own favorites and the crossover primaries coming later would not have as much influence on who became the final nominee.
Betty
May 10th, 2010
I try to vote qualifications, not party. Most of my ballots are split. As a registered Independent, I am shut out of the “primary” decision of who I feel in the best for the position.
AMP
May 10th, 2010
This is wonderful!! I am an Independent because, like Betty, I vote for who I feel is best for the office! Independents also keep the politicians on their toes, because who knows who we’re going to vote for, we’re WILD CARDS!! I usually affliate myself with one party, but I don’t want to declare myself a member of that party, because there are times when that party completly lets me down! I am VERY well informed and know who I think would be best, but I will not declare myself just to vote in a primary…..By making me, the state is disenfranchising me!
Dan
May 17th, 2010
What pisses me off is when policy questions get added to primary ballots (as has happened frequently here in Philadelphia). Independents get left out of voting for important issues that can affect the city.
clearwaterjoy
May 17th, 2010
I have joined a party so I can vote, the Green Party but since we have closed elections in PA (meaning I can only vote if I’m Dem or Rep)
I can’t cast my ballot. That’s why we should have OPEN elections. Open to everyone.
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