Voters push for presidential primary in 2020

Colorado’s Super Tuesday caucuses were plagued by low voter turnout, no Republican candidate visits and a lot of confusion.

The push to go back to a primary system died at the State Capitol Tuesday, but voters still favor the change.

“It’s important for people to be able to vote and let their voice be heard because it sure beats the six percent that showing up now,” GOP voter Linda Potter said.

“Mail-in primaries, mail-in ballots, it’s worked very well in Colorado and around the country,” Democratic voter Steve Meyer said. “I believe that’s the way we should go for having those primaries in the spring to select candidates who will be on the ballot in November.”

A grassroots group, “Let Colorado Vote” is working to bring the primary question to voters on the fall ballot. An initiative would require an estimated $1 million.

Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams favors a presidential primary.

Williams hopes lawmakers can come together if necessary next year.

“Caucuses work very well for local races, but for presidential races you don’t have that kind of contact, Williams said. “Most Coloradans prefer a primary and we’re going to be looking at that process.”

The fight for a primary is a bipartisan goal. How to get there is the tricky path state leaders and voters will have to navigate together.

“Let Colorado Vote” decided to pursue a ballot measure, after the caucus chaos on Super Tuesday.

The group is working for an open primary which would allow Colorado’s unaffiliated voters to participate. They represent about 35 percent of our state’s voters.