Washington: The Top Two Primary, Iniative 872

Washington State voters have created a new primary system that seeks to diminish the power political parties have in the process. The Top 2 program, will open the primary to all voters. Instead of voting by party, there will be one general ballot with all of the candidates.

Subsequently, the top 2 vote-getters will proceed--regardless of the party. It could mean two Democrats, or two Republicans advance. Parties are rejecting the new system. They argue that it forces the candidate on the party and infringes upon their right to choose their own nominee.

The Supreme Court will review the system.