I recently attended an amazing example of democracy in action.
Earlier this month, the Pierce County Democratic Party held its central committee meeting. The primary object was to decide the protocol for the ranked choice voting program, which will take effect for several Pierce County races next November.
The people have given the mandate to the parties to declare who should wear the mantle of party candidate, skipping the primary process altogether.
Republicans decided to allow anyone who garners 40 percent-plus of delegate votes at the party’s county convention to run with their brand name. In theory, the party will have a maximum of two candidates for any of the countywide seats. In practice, it will propose one GOP candidate for each race.
The Democratic Party, in contrast, decided to allow an inclusive measure that would allow up to three party candidates per race. In practice, this means that voters will have a chance to decide, based on the merits of each candidate, to actually rank candidates based on their own values and agendas.
This is a major win for county voters. The Democratic Party has shown it values what the voters requested. It will provide a slate of candidates who reflect a broad choice that people have said they want.
Congratulations to all who made this possible by their hard work.
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