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Restore Presidential Primary and Open Primaries for a Healthy Democracy

This proposal aims to restore the presidential primary and implement open primaries, allowing unaffiliated voters to participate. With impressive support from various political figures and the business community, the current caucus system is seen as inadequate as it leaves out a significant number of voters. By adopting semi-open primaries, the proposal ensures fairness, democracy, policy pragmatism, and a more centrist candidate pool.

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Restore Presidential Primary and Open Primaries for a Healthy Democracy

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  1. HEALTHY DEMOCRACY – HEALTHY FUTURE July 2016 As of June 9, 2016 – v4.0

  2. It’s about the health of our democracy

  3. Restore Presidential Primary Open Primaries to Unaffiliated Voters

  4. Impressive support across the political spectrum and in business community, including: • Former State Rep. B.J. Nikkel • Former State. Sen. Lois Tochtrop • Former state GOP chair Don Bain • Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce • Metro Mayors Caucus • Colorado Concern • Club 20 • Colorado Association of Realtors • Rocky Mountain Farmers Union • Colorado Contractor’s Association • Gov. John W. Hickenlooper • Former Gov. Bill Ritter • Former Gov. Bill Owens • Former Gov. Roy Romer • Former Gov. Dick Lamm • Former U.S. Sen. Mark Udall • Former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown • CO Springs Mayor John Suthers • Former Transportation Secretary Federico Peña

  5. What is the issue?

  6. The caucuses were a major disappointment … again March 6, 2016 • “Colorado’s caucus upset people of all political persuasions…” “Hundreds of Democrats were left in the cold. Thousands of Republicans didn’t get to vote. And 1 million unaffiliated voters sat on the sidelines.” March 2, 2016 “We’re merely asking for a small step from 18th-century meetings to actual voting so that people who still believe in the political system can participate.” March 6, 2016 “Colorado’s caucus system offer voters too little opportunity to participate”

  7. … with a (growing) plurality of voters left out Other • 36% = 1.3 million voters • CO leads nation in growth of unaffiliateds • +40% since 2008 • 67% of new voters in 2014 • 50% of voters age 25 and under • 47% of voters age 40 and under • Only 5% of registered voters participated in 2016 caucus process Democrat 1% Unaffiliated 32% 36% 31% Republican Sources: Colorado Secretary of State, June 2016; Third Way

  8. And participation in primary elections is declining • Just 21% of active voters participated in the 2016 primaries. • Down from 23% in 2012 and 22% in 2013. • Andfew candidates had opponents.

  9. What are we proposing?

  10. We propose “semi-open” primaries Closed Primary Semi-Open Primary Open Primary OR Our proposal

  11. No mischief: Same standard as currently exists • Cannot switch parties < 22 days before primary • No “split ticket” voting • Only change is Independent voters not forced to register with a party

  12. Restore the Presidential Primary … • Increase CO’s relevance nationally • Substantial economic benefit • Healthy democratic process • Let the people speak

  13. … and Open Primaries to All Voters • Fairness and democracy • All tax-payers currently pay for primaries • Policy pragmatism / “I might get primaried”

  14. More centrist candidates will run • Equally or more important, all incumbents will be able to compromise and govern more effectively

  15. A nonpartisan organization dedicated to opening elections to all voters. www.letcovote2016.com

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