Is anybody focused on improving the primary election process?

[afertal]

In this cycle, many voters (self-included) are learning about just how screwed up and UN-democratic the primary election process is. Is there anyone focused on this that is not a party hack?

It is, IMHO, quite possibly the area where we need to begin, since many folks incorrectly view it as a government driven process and mistakenly feel it is inherently 'democratic'.

[yeoman6987]

1. I personally wish they'd get rid of caucus' not for any candidate

Just that I think they are awful with regards to getting an accurate look at support for the primary. The numbers are too small and don't take into account work hours or getting to the caucus spot if they have transportation or disability issues.

[afertal]

2. I agree completely....

....that replacing caucuses with primaries would be a great first step, but I am also a fan of limiting the schedule to no more than four regional primary dates and having a standard process for getting on the ballot for both party and independent candidates.

[elleng]

3. Probably not,

because it serves tptb, obviously.

[LiberalFighter]

4. I would support getting rid of all caucuses.

And reducing the number of dates for the primaries.

But that is up to the state legislators mostly. The federal government does not have any jurisdiction in the matter except how primaries are run regarding eligibility that is not discriminatory. They absolutely don't have any jurisdiction regarding caucuses. In both cases, the parties determine the rules as a result of the outcome. Under the primary system the states under state law determine the deadlines and criteria pertaining to voting in a Democratic or Republican primary.

States should make it easier for 3rd parties to conduct primaries at the same time as the major parties do. States have different rules for how 3rd parties are included in the process. They might conduct a convention instead of a caucus or primary.

If they make it easier for 3rd parties the primaries should be closed to those registered with a party affiliation.

[JimDandy]

5. Resolutions are being submitted up through the chain of Dem conventions

in WA and also, I have heard, in other states that have caucuses, to change to a primary process for purposes of apportioning party delegates in the presidential primary.

Laws at the federal level, enacted under HAVA (Help America Vote Act) also need to be changed. Specifically the laws that allow for purging of the rolls, ostensibly to remove inactive voters, must be fixed. This purging ability is a major reason that voters often are disenfranchised.

[afertal]

6. Thanks for your reply...

I think many Americans have learned a lot about how inconsistent and un-democratic the primary process is and I am hoping that some of that can be channeled into making improvements. Eliminating or reducing the caucus states would be a great first step.

[clarkkentvotes]

7. yes

keep calling congress and get involved - become a delegate etc - run for office locally etc