California Readies for Top-Two Open Primary Election System
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(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) -- California voters will head to the polls in two weeks to vote in the June primary, the state's first open, or "top-two" primary, ABC affiliate KABC reports.
The upcoming primary's new format will impact the state's legislature, state programs and policies. Californians are not required to belong to a political party to vote for nominees for congressional, legislative and statewide elections. Voters will still get one vote per office, but the first and second-place winners will go to the November general election, regardless of their party.
The goal of a "top-two primary" is to help elect more moderate candidates and lawmakers who are more willing to compromise. Critics, however, say the system could leave two candidates from the same party competing for one office, leaving candidates from smaller, less-funded parties with smaller chances of winning.
The primary will take place on June 5.
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