Open Access to the Ballot Box: Allow Independents to Vote in Primary Elections

Op-ed by Senator Lisa Boscola

With primary election season upon us, it is apropos to talk about our Independent voters who are disenfranchised from these elections.  For nearly 25 years, I have been a leading voice, unrelenting advocate, supporter and prime sponsor of bills to give voters unaffiliated with any party the right to participate in our primary elections. Membership in a political party (or the decision to avoid joining a political party) should not dictate whether a voter can vote in a primary.