Readers speak out on open primary process

• Why do we have to be boxed into a single party at any point!

• The process as it is now is fair. If a candidate for one major party is running unopposed, it makes sense that many voters would choose to participate in the opposite primary, and they should be able to make their votes count. That’s not “opposing party interference,” it’s voter participation which is the ultimate goal. No one should have to declare a party to exercise their right to vote no matter the election.

• 1. When I was 18, I registered as an Independent but could not vote in any primaries. I eventually selected a party just so I could do my civic duty. I still identify as Independent, but the only way to be truly involved is to register [Democrat or Republican]. 2. The system is so flawed, not sure what the fix is, if there is one. 3. Elections are going to be influenced regardless. Political favors, money, criminal acts, etc., votes can/will always be manipulated. Social media and AI will influence so I am not sure there is a win in that situation. 4. The current options for president are scary. Biden is too old and will probably die in office if he wins. That leaves us Harris, which does not give me confidence. Trump is a criminal and too old and will lead us to ruin. Haley is probably our best bet, regardless of party, but will more than likely get shafted by Trump and his supporters, which makes me scratch my head. 5. I often feel like politicians are all out for themselves, not their constituents. Watching them fight and not work together for the greater good, it is like watching spoiled children. 6. My faith is tested. The U.S. looks like fools to the rest of the world, it is embarrassing. 7. I see no winning solution in the near future, unfortunately. Good luck sorting it out.

• Ranked voting.

• I don’t want to declare allegiance to Democrats or Republicans but vote for who I feel is the best candidate. Open primaries gives me that opportunity to do so.

• Have people register as [Republican, Democrat or Independent] when they get their card. When there is a day to vote, the voting list will show he/she is registered as an [Independent] and they will be asked how they want to vote and given that ballot. If a [Democrat or Republican] wants to vote different they would have to go online and change their status a month before the voting day.

• It allows us to choose the best candidate for the job, rather than being forced into a party. We should move away from party politics and just put the best person forward.

• Start having multiple states vote simultaneously. There is far too much importance given to a few voters. Iowa? New Hampshire? The media wants to declare a winner after those two states? I don’t think so!!

• Stay in your lane

• Voting by party affiliation only