Party Control Legislation

Some states are considering legislation that would allow political parties more leeway in how they conduct their elections. The idea is that political parties have that power already if they care to claim it (as exemplified by recent Supreme Court decisions), so why not give them that freedom along with the responsibility to pay for entire primary election process as well.

In most states the major political parties are supposed to pay for their own primaries. However there are often major costs that are subsidized by the state. In particular, primary runoffs are often payed for entirely by the state. If the freedom and responsibility for conducting primary elections was squarely in the hands of the political parties, then this would be a fantastic opportunity to get Approval Voting used. Here is why:

• No runoffs saving a bundle of money;
• No need for new voting equipment (ditto); and
• Approval Voting is highly effective for primaries as well!

Given these facts, we should look for and support legislation that gives more control over party elections to the political parties. We should also build up good working relationships with the various political parties so that they understand that Approval Voting really is a level playing field that will serve their party -- as well as our country -- well.