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Proposition would create a presidential primary

Ballot item comes after chaotic March caucuses
Proposition 107 would recreate a presidential primary in Colorado. The proposal was spurred by chaotic and frustrating March caucuses this year.

Voters are being asked to create a presidential primary system in Colorado that would include unaffiliated voters.

It was proposed after a chaotic and frustrating March caucus, in which participants complained of long lines and confusion, while unaffiliated voters on the sidelines felt left out.

The statutory Proposition 107 question reads, “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes recreating a presidential primary election to be held before the end of March in each presidential election year in which unaffiliated electors may vote without declaring an affiliation with a political party?”

The issue gained steam during a tumultuous presidential primary on both sides, where Republicans had a long list of candidates to choose from, and Democrats had to make a decision between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

With restlessness growing over the two-party system, unaffiliated voters have increasingly asked to be allowed to participate in primaries.

The caucus system in Colorado is run by the parties. Delegates are chosen to represent candidates at nominating conventions.

Presidential primary elections were last conducted in Colorado in 1992, 1996 and 2000. In other years, the process was dictated by caucuses.

Caucuses are limited to voters who have affiliated with that political party at least two months prior to the caucus.

Under Proposition 107, the presidential primary would be conducted by mail ballot, no later than the third Tuesday in March. It would be limited to the presidential race.

It would have no impact on the existing primary election in Colorado, which is held in June, for state, federal and local offices. Candidates for those offices caucus onto the primary ballot, though they can also petition onto the ballot.

A separate ballot question this year, Proposition 108, would address unaffiliated voter participation in primary elections.

Unlike a proposal that failed in the Legislature this year, Proposition 107 would not require voters to affiliate with a political party to participate. Parties would see a separate primary ballot for affiliated voters.

Unaffiliated voters would receive a combined ballot that shows candidates from each party. But unaffiliated voters would be allowed to vote for a candidate of only one political party. Voting for candidates of more than one party would spoil the ballot.

The winner of a party’s presidential primary would receive all delegates to the national convention, and the delegates would be bound.

Parties could hold caucuses to conduct party business, such as electing party leadership.

The cost of the new system would shift from parties to counties and the state. It is estimated that counties would have administrative costs of $5.3 million for the 2020 election. Counties would be reimbursed by about $2.6 million from the state.

A “yes” vote for the initiative would create the presidential primary system.

A “no” vote would maintain the caucus system, without unaffiliated voter participation.

Those in favor of the proposal say the caucus system is confusing and discourages participation. They say a primary would give voters several weeks to cast their ballots, rather than have to stand in long lines on one night.

Supporters also say unaffiliated voters should have a voice, pointing out that those voters represent one-third of all registered voters in the state.

The effort also would add anonymity thanks to a secret ballot, whereas during a caucus, neighbors must publicly voice their support or opposition for a candidate.

But those on the other side of the debate say preserving the caucus system is maintaining a grass-roots practice that protects the integrity of party politics.

Fears have been raised that a combined ballot would lead to voters voting for multiple parties, which would spoil ballots and change election results, leading to lawsuits.

The financial aspect is also of concern. Taxpayers save money by parties incurring the costs of caucuses.

A final argument against the initiative is that it is unnecessary. Opponents point out that unaffiliated voters can participate in a caucus by declaring party affiliation.

pmarcus@durangoherald.com

Election Guide

The Durango Herald will bring you daily stories through Sunday on every contested race and every local and state ballot issue. You can find all election coverage, including previous election guide stories, at durangoherald.com/election.

Voter information

The Nov. 8 election is the first presidential election in which all voters will receive a ballot through the mail if registered to vote by Oct. 31. Here are some details:

Ballots were mailed beginning this week.

Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at a secure, 24-hour drop boxes at: La Plata County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 98 Everett St., Durango; Bayfield Town Hall, 1199 Bayfield Parkway, Bayfield; La Plata County Administration Building, 1101 E. Second Ave., Durango, or Farmers Fresh Market, 535 Goddard Ave., Ignacio.

Voter registration is open through Election Day.

Voter Service and Polling Centers in La Plata County will be open Monday through Saturday, beginning Monday.

For a sample ballot and times and addresses for polling centers, go to

bit.ly/2dGU3VD

.



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