How has THIS California NIGHTMARE been kept a secret for so GOD DAMN LONG?

[Eliot Rosewater]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210368777


https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210368627

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. It certainly isn't a secret to those of us who live here. Me, for one.

I happen to like the system. And it doesn't matter to me whose idea it was.

[brush]

3. It works for blue state California where repugs have a minimal footprint but in red states...

Dems might not ever even get on the general election ballot.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Do you mean this is going on elsewhere besides CA?

I thought it applied to only CA.

[brush]

7. I'm not saying that. I'm saying that if the "top two vote getter" concept spreads to other states...

especially red states, Dems might never get on the general election ballot.

Another not so good thing about it is that, like in California, candidates from the same party are pitted against each other if they are the top vote getters.

Is that an intended or unintended, divisive consequence?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. I don't know the history of how this was written.

However, my guess is that the divisive consequence was on purpose.

Sorry for the delay; I had to stop for dinner.

[rufus dog]

5. The F'in nerve of Californians

A state that has led the way on almost every liberal cause in America, implemented a system that drew districts that best represent its constituents. The we had the unmitigated gall to make the top two in the primary face off in the general election.

In effect they are forcing people to pay attention, vote in the primary, and then get out again in the general election.

Now I live in Orange County, a district that has always been Republican, and could potentially have two Repubs in the general. But it won't. We will get a candidate through, then get that candidate elected, and our tRump loving, piece of shit carpet bagger, will be sitting on her ass in Laguna Beach in 2019.

Elliot, nothing personal, but don't ever fucking disparage California. We made this nation great and we are fucking sick and tired of outsiders questioning us.

We will lead this Country back to greatness, focus on your state/district.

[Initech]

9. Conservatives definitely have a grudge against our state for some reason.

And it doesn't matter if any liberal takes office, they will get pissed off. But you know what? Fuck 'em.

[Kilgore]

2. Dont get why its a "nightmare"

[Eliot Rosewater]

13. if you havent read the info i have provided, cant help you

[Kilgore]

17. Sorry Elliot, your wrong

Did read your link, and found it interesting enough to do further research.

My conclusion is thats its infinitely better to open up the process and let the people choose rather than close it down to having only two and sometimes three choices. Yes sometimes two republicans will make it onto the ballot but that serves to educate the voter in prep for the next election.

I will always default to a process that maximizes the will of the people and minimizes decisions made by a small number of elites.

[mythology]

4. Hardly a nightmare

Perspective is a good thing.

[Eliot Rosewater]

12. sigh

[msongs]

8. allows a party to g ame the system. run 2 while opposition runs 5 or more diluting the vote so your

2 will get in. a little strategic planning gets you 2 of your people instead of one of each party

[melman]

10. Starting a thread to link to your other threads?

That's terrific.

[GeorgeHayduke]

14. My thought exactly nt

[Exotica]

16. agreed

[displacedtexan]

11. I love it, but it takes research to choose which Dem I vote for.

My SF ballot is monster huge, but it comes in the mail, I research candidtes and propositions, and I deliver my completed ballot to my polling place around the corner so I can say hi to our great poll workers.

People freaking out over our CA system should check out states with closed primaries, where Green Party voters have hissy fits when they learn they can't vote in a closed Dem primary.