Ray Hudkins: Ask me why I can’t vote in Florida’s 2014 primary election

When you vote in Florida’s 2014 primary election on August 26 (or vote early or by absentee ballot), ask why more than 2.9 million Florida voters who are registered “no party affiliation” (NPA) or are affiliated with a minor political party can’t vote.

They can’t vote because Florida’s primary election is closed, meaning it is only open to voters who registered with the major political parties, the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. Supporters of the closed primary say voters should declare their affiliation with a major party. Why not? The simple truth is, this violates our First Amendment right of association.

In a recent Context Florida column, Stephen Goldstein highlighted 17 initiatives to make Florida “world class.” This column expands on his discussion of Initiative No. 2, open primaries.

Imagine a Florida primary where ALL voters can choose among ALL candidates on a single ballot, with the Top Two vote-getters advancing to the general election. Party affiliation or no party affiliation doesn’t matter.

What if Florida’s 2010 gubernatorial election had featured a Top Two open primary election?

Election totals were as follows: Alex Sink (Democrat), 669,630; Brian Moore (Democrat), 201,705; Rick Scott (Republican), 599,909; Bill McCollum (Republican), 563,538; Mike McCalister (Republican), 130,991.

Setting aside party preferences, examine the possibilities. Given the small Scott/McCollum vote difference (3 percent), the 182,514 no party affiliation/minor party general election votes might have created a Sink/McCollum race in the general election.

Whether you agree or disagree with this hypothetical scenario, it illustrates an opportunity to change voting patterns and political culture over time, where all voters have more choices and more influence in primary elections.

Why support a Top Two Open Primary?

–First, all registered voters can choose the best candidate regardless of political party or no party affiliation.

–Second, 2.9 million no party affiliation/minor party voters would have a voice in primaries.

–Third, candidates would have to listen to views of all voters, not just their party base.

–Fourth, Top Two will encourage candidates to run for office based on their principles and positions, not those dictated by party affiliation.

–Fifth, Top Two preserves party rights to hold caucuses or meetings to select candidates.

–Sixth, minor party candidates can form coalitions to run candidates or influence major party candidates. Top Two affords them the opportunity to be heard, in contrast with being lost as the news media focus on major party candidates during the general election.

Florida Independent Voting is leading a statewide effort to place a Top Two Open Primary constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot. Please join us in that effort.

Ray Hudkins of Florida Independent Voting can be contacted at 850-346-5199 or [email protected]. Column courtesy of Context Florida.