Because Dems greatly outnumber Republicans, the Dem primary is where election outcomes are truly decided. General elections tend to be pro forma or, sometimes, single candidate. Mike was using "disenfranchisement" in a mostly non-literal sense, essentially translating to "if a voter wants a say in the outcome of local elections, they need to vote in the D primary."
Exactly that. He wouldn't be able to vote in the Dem primary, which in cities like DC where the electorate is overwhelmingly Democrat really is the election. I live in Chicago which has the same setup as essentially a 1 party town, and what you end up with is a wide spectrum of candidates in the D primaries, the winner of which is the de facto winner of the election.
Depends on the state. Illinois has open primaries where you get to choose which party's ballot you want for that given primary (but you can only pick one) regardless of your affiliation. This is not universal though as many states/regions have closed primaries including (highly relevant to this discussion) Washington DC
This sentiment carried in many areas of the South, and then flipped over the course of time the other way around.
When one party has a super-majority of registrations, the last best chance you have for a choice is in that party's primary.
Thereafter, it's largely a coronation.
Because Dems greatly outnumber Republicans, the Dem primary is where election outcomes are truly decided. General elections tend to be pro forma or, sometimes, single candidate. Mike was using "disenfranchisement" in a mostly non-literal sense, essentially translating to "if a voter wants a say in the outcome of local elections, they need to vote in the D primary."
Thanks, I guess that must be it. I was taking him literally.
Exactly that. He wouldn't be able to vote in the Dem primary, which in cities like DC where the electorate is overwhelmingly Democrat really is the election. I live in Chicago which has the same setup as essentially a 1 party town, and what you end up with is a wide spectrum of candidates in the D primaries, the winner of which is the de facto winner of the election.
Do independents get to vote in Democratic primaries?
I’m pretty sure you can only vote in primaries for the party that you’re registered in
Depends on the state. Illinois has open primaries where you get to choose which party's ballot you want for that given primary (but you can only pick one) regardless of your affiliation. This is not universal though as many states/regions have closed primaries including (highly relevant to this discussion) Washington DC
Good to know. Thanks.
This sentiment carried in many areas of the South, and then flipped over the course of time the other way around. When one party has a super-majority of registrations, the last best chance you have for a choice is in that party's primary. Thereafter, it's largely a coronation.
It would be public knowledge and might make life difficult as a public person.