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King bill would give independents, third-party voters a say in Pa. primary
I am writing with regard to the rules of Pennsylvania's primary election. Residents new to the area may not understand that they can only vote in primary elections if they are affiliated with one the two major parties.
Because Pennsylvania is playing a pivotal role in potentially determining the next president of the United States, we are seeing increased activity in voter registration. This increase has provided an opportunity for further discussion about opening up our primary election to all registered voters who wish to exercise their right to vote.
Under current state law, residents must be registered as either a Democrat or Republican to vote in a primary. Additionally, they may only vote for candidates of their registered party. This means residents registered non-partisan or affiliated with third parties, such as the Green Party and independent voters, cannot vote in the state primary election.
I recognize that this poses a problem for many voters who deserve to have a say in the election, which is why I recently introduced legislation (H.B. 2462) that would allow Pennsylvanians registered as independents or affiliated with third parties to vote in state primary elections.
Under the bill, third-party voters would still need to select which party ballot to vote on in the primary. Additionally, a voter’s choice of parties in one primary election would not prevent that voter from choosing a different party in a later primary election.
This year’s presidential primary race has led to an increased level of registered voters in Pennsylvania. Not all of our voters are registered in one of the two major parties. My bill would make it easier for all Pennsylvanians to vote and give many more voters the chance to have their voices heard.
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State Rep. Chris King (www.pahouse.com/King) represents the 142nd Legislative District in Bucks County.