"The Value of Party Registration, Closed Primaries, and Saturday Elections"
Voting is one of the most important rights we have as Americans. It is how we choose those who represent us and influence the direction of our country. But the way we run elections matters just as much as the act of voting itself. I believe there is three key things that could make our system work better: requiring party registration, holding closed primaries, and moving elections to Saturdays. These changes could bring more fairness, clarity, and participation to the process while also ensuring election security and integrity. One thing we must remember as Americans is that people gave their life for the right of us being able to vote. So voting should be simple, safe and secure!!
Why Party Registration Matters:
When people register with a political party, they signal where they stand and what they believe in. I believe that if we close our primaries, it will strengthen each political parties turnout. The goal of each political party should be to build a strong base of voters. If we build a strong base in the primary election we will see a substantial increase in the general election.
This has several benefits:
- Keeps Voters Engaged: People who register with a party are more likely to stay involved in politics, follow important issues, and vote in every election.
- Strengthens Candidate Selection: Only those who truly align with a party’s principles get a say in choosing its candidates.
- Increases Accountability: Elected officials can better understand what their supporters expect from them.
- Focuses Elections on Ideas: Party registration helps ensure that debates center on policies instead of just personalities.
The Need for Closed Primaries:
Closed primaries where only registered party members vote in their party’s primary are a keyway to keeping elections fair. Unlike open primaries, where anyone can vote in any party’s primary, closed primaries protect the nomination process from outside influence.
Why We should Close Our Primaries:
- Stops Manipulation: Without closed primaries, members of opposing parties can vote in each other’s primaries to push for weaker candidates. Democrats and Republicans should pick their own candidates for the General Election.
- Keeps Parties on Track: Closed primaries make sure the people who pick a party’s candidates are those who support its goals. Democrats and Republicans should pick their own candidates for the General Election.
- Encourages Long-Term Involvement: When voters must register with a party to participate, they become more invested in the political process. Democrats and Republicans should pick their own candidates for the General Election.
- Strengthens Political Parties: Closed primaries help keep parties focused and accountable, which leads to better policy discussions. Democrats and Republicans should pick their own candidates for the General Election.
Ask yourself this question! Why would a republican want to vote in a Democrat Primary? Why would a Democrat want to vote in a Republican Primary? There is only one reason that I can think of :)
Why We Should Vote on Saturdays:
Holding elections on a Tuesday creates unnecessary obstacles for many Americans. The tradition of Tuesday elections dates to an era when travel and work schedules were very different. Most states still hold their elections on a Tuesday, including battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin. People have work, school, and other responsibilities that make it hard to find time to vote. If elections were moved to Saturdays, participation would likely increase.
Here is why:
- Easier for Working Americans: Many people cannot take time off work to vote on a Tuesday. A Saturday election would remove that hurdle.
- Encourages Family Involvement: Families could go to the polls together, setting an example for future generations.
- More Young People Would Vote: College students and young workers would not have to worry about class or job conflicts.
- More People, More Legitimacy: Higher turnout makes election results more representative of what the country wants.
I know voting on Saturday would be a different concept for many and would take some getting used to. But I truly believe we would see a significant increase in voter turnout if we made the change from Tuesday to Saturday.
Ensuring Election Integrity:
A fair and functional Constitutional Republic not only requires participation but also demands trust in the electoral process. That is why we need to take measures to ensure elections are simple, safe and secure. Every political party should want and work toward having safe, secure and simple elections!! This includes:
- Poll Watchers: Trained poll watchers play a crucial role in overseeing elections and making sure voting procedures are followed correctly. Their presence helps deter fraud and provides transparency. Contact your local political party to get more information on where to sign up and get further training.
- Voter ID Laws: Requiring identification to vote ensures that only eligible citizens participate in elections, preventing fraud and strengthening confidence in the process. No one should be allowed to vote without a photo ID. The idea that this even happens is unbelievable. There is no way you can say we have safe, secure and strong elections when people are allowed to vote without a PHOTO ID!!
- Election Audits: Routine audits of election results help verify accuracy and detect any irregularities, reinforcing public trust in the outcome. Every candidate should be allowed to audit the election.
- Public Engagement: The more citizens are involved in the process—whether through volunteering at the polls, monitoring elections, or simply staying informed—the more secure and legitimate our elections will be. When I look at the numbers of the actual percentage of people who get out and votes it sickens me. We must do better as citizens when it comes to getting out the vote!!
Having safe, simple and safe elections should be every citizens desire. I know this seems like a complicated concept to some but I think voting should be a very simple process for each person who desires to vote.
