Forced to destroy ballot

Thu., May 19, 2016

I have voted 57 times since 1996, but I cut up my primary ballot. You must declare a party, and the declaration is visible on the outside envelop, along with your signature. My party preference is nobody’s business.

That our names are public record and available to the parties is vexing enough. It’s plain cynical that in the case of the Democratic Party the results do not figure in determining convention delegates. The parties want us on their mailing lists, the better to target mailings and phone calls. Our input when determining party candidates? Not so much.

This primary will cost the state of Washington millions. It deprives Washingtonians of a secret ballot. It’s wrong.

It pained me mightily to destroy my ballot. I should not have to vote with my scissors.

Bert Caldwell

Spokane

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