The NPR Politics Podcast Our Changing Democracy: Non-Partisan Primaries, Internet Voting
Sep 21, 2023
The podcast delves into the divisive nature of closed primaries, discussing how non-partisan primaries may promote consensus among candidates. It highlights the challenges and benefits of internet voting, particularly the significant uptake in the 2020 election. Experts express concerns over security and anonymity in online voting methods, emphasizing the delicate balance between making voting accessible and ensuring election integrity. The conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of voting practices and the implications for both traditional and modern methods.
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Closed Primaries and Extremist Candidates
- Closed primaries often result in candidates who are less representative and more extreme.
- This is because a small percentage of eligible voters, mostly party loyalists, are choosing the vast majority of congressional seats.
Party Loyalty and Political Compromise
- The current primary system makes it challenging for candidates to compromise.
- This is because they must appeal to their party's loyalists, not the broader electorate.
Non-Partisan Primaries
- Non-partisan primaries list all candidates on the same ballot, regardless of party affiliation.
- This system aims to encourage candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters, including independents.