Oregon Public Broadcasting

Even as political party bosses continue to fight the State of Washington in federal district court, a controversial new voting system is taking effect. Amanda Loder reports.

Monday is the first day political candidates can file under Washington’s new “top-two” primary election system.

Candidates can register with any party without having a party nomination. So, primary voters don’t have to commit to vote one party’s ticket if they prefer, say, a Democratic candidate for Congress, and a Republican for Sheriff.

All candidates will show up on the same ballot. The two with the most votes, regardless of party, will move on to the general election.

Secretary of State spokesman David Ammons says the new primary process will actually enfranchise more voters in traditional Republican and Democratic Party strongholds.

David Ammons: “If you’re in downtown Seattle, you’re going to pick the winner, essentially, in the primary, so the November election, when you have far more voters turning-out, is rather meaningless. Top two will continue the conversation clear into November, and it will allow a larger number of voters to pick their favorite.”

There are a few, basic rules for candidates filing under this new system.

Any party name they choose will be listed on the ballot as long as it falls under character limits, doesn’t include profanity, and doesn’t reveal whether they’re endorsed by a local party.

Ammons says the Secretary of State hopes they won’t list themselves as “Anti-war Dem” or “Pro-life GOP,” but there’s nothing in the rules preventing it.

Ammons also acknowledges that, in districts that heavily favor one party, for example, Republican, there’s nothing keeping a Democrat from showing up on the ballot as a Republican to try to win the primary.

The only primary elections that won't be affected by the new top-two system are presidential. Democrats and Republicans in Washington will continue to nominate their presidential candidates under the old primary-caucus system according to party rules in future election cycles.