02/05/2008: "Election 2008: How It Works In Washington"

By Milene Henley

San Juan County voters have the opportunity this month to participate in one of the most spirited presidential races in recent memory. Ballots for the Presidential Preference Primary were mailed last week, and are due February 19, the official day of the election.
As of this writing, there is no clear candidate from either party. Depending on the results of yesterday’s “Super Tuesday” primaries, Washington voters may be in a position to determine the final candidates who will face off in November.

Washington’s presidential primary was created by citizen initiative in 1989, driven by a frustration with the party caucus system. Only 2% of registered voters attend caucuses, yet those caucuses determine how our state’s political party delegates are selected. Presidential primaries were held in 1992, 1996, and 2000, with successively increasing turnouts. The State Legislature cancelled the primary in 2004, and considered cancelling it again in 2008.

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The objections to the primary derive from the parties’ indifference to it. This year, the Republicans have pledged to select 51% of their delegates based on the results of the primary, and the balance based on the caucuses. The Democrats, who have never used the results of the presidential primary, will continue to allocate delegates based on the caucus system alone.

Yet the significance of the primary goes beyond this year’s delegates. A strong turnout in the election will show both parties that the voters—all of them—want to be heard. And prior to the election, merely having the primary is likely to give Washingtonians the opportunity to see and hear from the candidates themselves.

After Super Tuesday, the remaining candidates will focus their energies on the states with upcoming primaries. They will not only visit the states, but also take positions on issues of importance to them, fighting for the support of voters both in the primary and in the general election in November.

One factor may work to dampen voter turnout. Washington voters will have to sign a party oath in order to vote for the candidates of either party, similar to the “pick-a-party” ballots used in primaries in the past. The difference in this election is that the oaths are on the envelope, not on the ballot, and so are considered public information. As a result, each party will receive a list of voters who voted in that party’s Presidential Primary.

Voters have the option of signing the ballot as a non-affiliated voter. In that case, they cannot vote for presidential candidates, but can vote on other ballot issues. Three of our local school districts—San Juan, Orcas and Lopez—have issues on the ballot, and Eastsound Sewer and Water has an annexation proposition. So even if you choose not to vote for a presidential candidate, remember to vote on the other measures.

For the first time since 1952, the race for the White House is wide open, without an incumbent president or vice president on the campaign trail. Be a part of history, and cast your vote.