Change the State’s Primary Election System

Summary: One of two propositions concerning the primary system, this measure would change California’s Constitution to provide that the top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party, would face off in the general election. Voters could cast ballots in any party’s primary. If passed, the change would take effect in March 2006.

The measure’s provisions would apply to elections for statewide constitutional officers, such as the attorney general and treasurer, as well as to the state Legislature and Congress. It would not apply to the primary elections for presidential candidates or political party committees.

California voters approved a similar initiative in March 1996 to create a so-called “blanket” primary.

The system was used for primary elections in 1998 and 2000 before the U.S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. Sponsors of this measure believe that it would pass judicial muster.

Supporters: The measure is backed by a bipartisan group of government and business leaders including state Controller Steve Westly, Education Secretary Richard Riordan and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Opponents: The backers of Proposition 60, which would preserve the current primary election system, include six political parties -- Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green, American Independent, and Peace and Freedom. Other opponents include the Congress of California Seniors and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn.

Impact: Because of the limited experience with blanket primaries, no one can say for sure how the measure would affect California politics.

By allowing voters to cast ballots in any party primary even if they are registered with third parties or decline to state a party preference, Proposition 62 could give those voters more impact on the process.

Supporters say the measure would boost voter turnout and help put more moderate politicians into office by forcing candidates to appeal to all voters in their district, not just the voters in their own parties.

They argue that it would be an antidote to the “safe” districts that lawmakers draw for themselves, which make general election winners a foregone conclusion in many districts.

Opponents say that in many parts of the state, the system would result in two Democrats or two Republicans running against each other in the general election and would effectively eliminate the role of smaller parties.

Websites: Californians for an Open Primary:

www.openprimary.org.

Californians for Election Accountability: www.noon62.com.