Voters have approved Proposition 14 which will change California’s primary election system. That’s to the delight of Governor Schwarzenegger and the dismay of political party leaders.
Schwarzenegger campaigned for Prop 14. Under the measure, the top two vote getters, regardless of their party, advance to the November runoff.
Campaign spokeswoman Amanda Fulkerson calls it a victory for voters. “From now on when you go to the polls, everyone gets the same ballot, so you’ll be able to vote for whoever you think is the best candidate, regardless of party affiliationt,” said Fulkerson.
Opponents of the measure include the Democratic and Republican Parties, as well as other political parties in the state.
Cres Vellucci, spokesman for California’s Green Party, said they’ll file a lawsuit. He said the measure was meant to confuse voters.
“What unfortunately is going to happen is that if people don’t like the government they have today, which they don’t, voters are just going to get more of the same, because Proposition 14 in other states where it’s been tried, the incumbents win and win and win,” said Vellucci.
California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has not taken a position on the measure, but said she expects lawyers will look at its constitutionality. It takes effect in 2012.
