Open Primaries for True Democracy

There is a new petition circulating in Florida and other "closed primary" states that bears mentioning in this "moderate" leaning blog (no, not leaning.....decidedly moderate).  I am inserting the wording in this blog, but feel compelled to elaborate a bit on the topic and how important I believe it is to our country.  We cannot progress to our true potential with the two political parties controlling all the power as they do now.  There is no way their incompetence will lead to anything other  than more gridlock. Nothing is accomplished and the two parties (ideologies, philosophies) go 'round and 'round and 'round.   Please, any readers in "closed primary" states consider getting involved in restoring true democracy to America.  There is nothing fair about always having only the two parties to choose from.   We should all have a primary system  where the "Top Two" winners are selected as the final candidates, regardless of their party.  

Some people say that being Independent means that you can't make up your mind., but I've made up my mind.  I have decided we all have to rise up and start insisting our leaders cease their petty politics and get into the business of leading our country, our state and our communities.  Every single problem must stop being turned into an ideological debate and instead they must be treated with respect as an issue the American people need to have solved.   "Top Two" is the first step to easing the vice lock that the partisan politicians have on our government.

Here is the wording of the Amendment;


CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PETITION FORM
Note:
• All information on this form, including your signature, becomes a public record upon receipt
by the Supervisor of Elections.
• Under Florida law, it is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or
s.775.083, Florida Statutes, to knowingly sign more than one petition for a candidate, a minor
political party, or an issue. [Section 104.185, Florida Statutes]
• If all requested information on this form is not completed, the form will not be valid.
Your name:
________________________________________________________________________________________
Please Print Name as it appears on your Voter Information Card
Your residential street address:
________________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________ Zip_____________ County__________________________
Voter Registration Number ________________________ or Date of Birth __________________________
I am a registered voter of Florida and hereby petition the Secretary of State to place the following proposed
amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in the general election:
BALLOT TITLE: Top Two Open Primary Initiative
BALLOT SUMMARY: Top Two Open Primary elections are Primary Elections in which all registered
voters may participate regardless of political party affiliation. Only the Top Two winners by majority
vote advance to the General Election.
ARTICLE AND SECTION BEING AMENDED: ARTICLE VI SECTION 5
FULL TEXT: ARTICLE VI
SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS
(b) If all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition
in the general election, Florida Primary Elections are Top Two Open Primary Elections. All candidates
are to appear on the same ballot along with their party affiliation, if any. All qualified electors,
regardless of party affiliation, if any, may vote in the Primary Elections. for that office.
________________________ X_____________________________________
DATE OF SIGNATURE SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER
Political advertisement paid for and approved by:
Florida Independent Voting.Org
1030 Sylvia Lane, Tampa, Fl. 33613
Paid Petition Circulator’s Name For Official Use Only:
____________________________________________________________________ Serial Number:______________
Address: ___________________________________________________________ Date Approved:_____________