I have to wonder why we have primary elections wherein the voter must declare his or her party to vote. Times have changed and the majority of people no longer vote a straight Democratic or Republican ticket. People are better informed and more likely to vote for a candidate based on credentials and issues than on party. Because of the need to declare, many eligible voters bypass primary elections.
I would like consideration given to combining the two ballots so that the voter can be given the opportunity to cross over for the offices under consideration. The purpose of the primary would still be maintained-to select the Democratic and Republican finalists-as well as giving the voter the opportunity to vote for his or her favorite candidate regardless of party affiliation.
