In the current process, each registered Republican or registered Democrat gets to vote in the primary, and Independents get to vote in the primary if they request either a Republican or a Democrat ballot.
To become eligible to get on the ballot, the requirements for signatures for Independents is higher than that for Republican or Democrat candidates. By enacting Prop 140, everyone will be treated the same, which is fairer. All candidates meeting the legal requirements will be present on the primary ballot, which means all voters will be able to split their ticket in both the primary and the General Election.
In addition, Prop 140 allows voters to rank multiple candidates for an office. As an example, you can choose a first choice, and a second choice, and if your first choice doesn’t have enough votes, then your vote is tallied with your second choice to see if that candidate can win. This happens in both the primary election and in the General Election. Basically, in the current process you get all or nothing as far as your choice is concerned. With Prop 140 you can hedge your bets and have a better chance of getting someone you would approve of.
I encourage you to vote yes for Prop 140.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
