The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a closed-party primary bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s proposal would shift, federal, statewide, and certain judicial elections from a jungle primary system to a closed-party primary. New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell says this is a big change and legislators should not rush this.
“I do not believe we should waste time or spend time on a matter that deserves much more time than we are able to dedicate to it,” said Emerson.
Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to pass this legislation during the current special session which ends next Tuesday.
Opponents also raised concerns that Independents will be disenfranchised because they can’t vote in the primaries. But Emerson says that’s not accurate.
“It’s not like we are telling voters they can’t vote in the general election, they certainly can, this is a party primary system where you are getting a nominee for each party according to the members of their party,” said Emerson.
Supporters of the closed primary system say it will lead to better candidates on the ballot for the general election. Emerson says voters who identify with a party should be in control of that process.
“Most independents also feel that other people should not be able to interject their voices in individual party primary process to come up with that party’s nominee,” said Emerson.
Louisiana uses a closed-party system to nominate a President and the state had closed primaries for the 2008 and 2010 federal elections. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says voters found closed primaries confusing and demanded the state goes back to the jungle primary system.
“It was clear everyone knew it was costing a lot of money and causing confusion, it was an overwhelming vote in the House 77-16 and unanimous in the Senate to get rid of it,” said Procipio.
Despite the objections, the measure was approved on an 11-4 vote and heads to the House floor for another key vote.
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