The Choosing Of Legislators-Federal Part Two

The Choosing Of Legislators-Federal Part Two

In the earlier post the Non-Partisan Blanket Primary was discussed. This post will elaborate on how it can be used and also on its value.

Let's say an individual is a Republican who is interested in running for Senator. However, since another Republican is heavily favored to win the party nomination, the Non-Partisan Blanket Primary would definitely be of interest to that individual. If that individual had broad based support from supporters of both parties and from independents, then obviously he or she would be much more keen in contesting that.

There is a strong possibility that the individual mentioned may be expelled from the Republican Party for contesting that primary. However the State Republican Party may want more than one of its members to contest that primary. After all, the top four vote recipients in that primary advance to the general election in which their names will be listed on the ballot. A candidate does not have to win the primary in order to make the previously cited advancement.

The Non-Partisan Blanket Primary is an excellent way to allow the general electorate more choice. Since all voters will decide who the four candidates will be on the ballot, campaigning for the position of legislator becomes significantly less polarized. 

The Non-Partisan Blanket Primary is not an election. It is one primary in which all eligible voters can decide who will be listed on the ballot. Other than choosing the field of four, that primary has no bearing on the results of the general election.

The smaller parties will be more competitive by fielding a candidate for this primary because party affiliation plays a much smaller role in this election scheme.