1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

# Vote No on Closed Primary Legislation I'm asking you to vote no on the bill that would force Alabama voters to register with a political party to participate in primary elections. This proposal solves a problem that doesn't exist and will suppress voter turnout across our state. Alabama's current open primary system works. Voters can participate in the primary of their choice without government-mandated party registration. The only people pushing for this change are Republican Party officials who want to hand-pick more conservative candidates by keeping independents out of the process. That's not how democracy should work. Many Alabamians identify as independent voters who don't want to affiliate with either major party. Forcing party registration at the ballot box creates an unnecessary barrier that will discourage participation, especially among younger voters and those who value their political independence. Lower turnout in primaries means fewer voices heard and candidates who represent a narrower slice of Alabama voters. Primary elections in Alabama are funded by taxpayer dollars. Every registered voter in this state, regardless of party affiliation, pays for these elections and deserves the right to participate in them. Don't let party bosses dictate who gets to vote.