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

2. It’s about the health of our democracy

3. Restore Presidential Primary Open Primaries to Unaffiliated Voters

4. 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

5. What is the issue?

6. 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”

7. … 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

10. 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.

11. What are we proposing?

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

13. 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

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

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

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

17. A nonpartisan organization dedicated to opening elections to all voters.