HEALTHY DEMOCRACY – HEALTHY FUTURE July 2016 As of June 9, 2016 – v4.0

It’s about the health of our democracy

Restore Presidential Primary Open Primaries to Unaffiliated Voters

Impressive support across the political spectrum and in business community, including: Gov. John W. Hickenlooper Former Gov. Bill Ritter Former Gov. Bill Owens Former Gov. Roy Romer Former Gov. Dick Lamm Former U.S. Sen. Mark Udall Former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown CO Springs Mayor John Suthers Former Transportation Secretary Federico Peña Former State Rep. B.J. Nikkel Former State. Sen. Lois Tochtrop Former state GOP chair Don Bain Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Metro Mayors Caucus Colorado Concern Club 20 Colorado Association of Realtors Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Colorado Contractor’s Association

What is the issue?

The caucuses were a major disappointment … again March 6, 2016 “Colorado’s caucus upset people of all political persuasions…” “Hundreds of Democrats were left in the cold. Thousands of Republicans didn’t get to vote. And 1 million unaffiliated voters sat on the sidelines.” March 2, 2016 “We’re merely asking for a small step from 18th-century meetings to actual voting so that people who still believe in the political system can participate.” March 6, 2016 “Colorado’s caucus system offer voters too little opportunity to participate”

… with a (growing) plurality of voters left out Other 36% = 1.3 million voters CO leads nation in growth of unaffiliateds +40% since 2008 67% of new voters in 2014 50% of voters age 25 and under 47% of voters age 40 and under Only 5% of registered voters participated in 2016 caucus process Democrat 1% Unaffiliated 32% 36% 31% Republican Sources: Colorado Secretary of State, June 2016; Third Way

And participation in primary elections is declining Just 21% of active voters participated in the 2016 primaries. Down from 23% in 2012 and 22% in 2013. And few candidates had opponents.

What are we proposing?

We propose “semi-open” primaries Closed Primary Semi-Open Primary Open Primary OR Our proposal

No mischief: Same standard as currently exists Cannot switch parties < 22 days before primary No “split ticket” voting Only change is Independent voters not forced to register with a party

Restore the Presidential Primary … Increase CO’s relevance nationally Substantial economic benefit Healthy democratic process Let the people speak

… and Open Primaries to All Voters Fairness and democracy All tax-payers currently pay for primaries Policy pragmatism / “I might get primaried”

More centrist candidates will run Equally or more important, all incumbents will be able to compromise and govern more effectively

A nonpartisan organization dedicated to opening elections to all voters. www.letcovote2016.com