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Q&A
Commissioner Weisbrod explores distinctions between open primary models and nonpartisan general elections
1:51:46
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114 sec
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks Jeremy Gruber to clarify the advantages of open primaries compared to nonpartisan general elections using ranked-choice voting.
Gruber explains that nonpartisan systems are a type of open primary system and offer the benefit of treating all voters equally with maximum candidate choice.
Weisbrod probes further, asking if nonpartisan general elections with RCV suffice to address independent voters' exclusion; Gruber confirms independents can participate in nonpartisan systems but stresses the importance of ensuring access occurs at the primary stage, whether through an open party primary or a nonpartisan primary.
Carl Weisbrod
1:51:46
I have a question to the two panelists.
1:51:51
Is the advantage of open primaries as opposed to nonpartisan elections?
Jeremy Gruber
1:52:01
So at its very basic
Carl Weisbrod
1:52:02
And let let me amend that.
1:52:05
Nonpartisan elections with ranked choice voting.
Jeremy Gruber
1:52:09
Yeah.
1:52:10
So at its very basic and an open primary just lets every voter participate.
1:52:15
And so at its basic, that's that's what we would need to make sure that independents can at least join up.
Carl Weisbrod
1:52:21
In nonpartisan elections as well, general elections.
Jeremy Gruber
1:52:24
Oh, that's true.
1:52:24
I would say the the advantage of nonpartisan elections over a plain party open primary is that every voter gets to vote for every candidate.
1:52:35
Every voter is seen equally at the voting box, and there's full and maximal choice, particularly as they get to utilize ranked choice voting as part of that process.
Carl Weisbrod
1:52:44
And it and it's just to follow-up a bit on that is with with nonpartisan elections, general elections, and, ranked choice voting, do you think that overcomes the issue of independence feeling shut out?
Jeremy Gruber
1:53:07
I think as long as independence can participate, that absolutely nonpartisan election is an open primary form of election.
1:53:15
Independents can vote, and absolutely they are, that's a very positive
Richard R. Buery Jr.
1:53:20
Right.
Carl Weisbrod
1:53:20
I'm and I'm talking about general elections now, not primaries.
Jeremy Gruber
1:53:25
I think that you need to have an open system in the primary, whether it's an open party primary or a nonpartisan primary.
1:53:33
Independents have to be able to vote in every taxpayer funded election, primaries and general, as they already can.