So Republicans want to be exclusive

If the Montana Republican Party wins their federal lawsuit (to close primary elections to registered party members), they will be free to associate and exclude the rest of us. Consider just what that will mean for Montana voters.

First, Montanans will lose a primary election that presently assures a secret ballot for every voter.

Second, we will lose the open primary that Montanans enacted by Initiative in 1912. This initiative was designed to end the stranglehold that the Copper Kings held over Montana elections. Because of their foresight, we’ve enjoyed more than 100 years of fair and honest elections.

Third, we will lose our right to privacy. The political party that each of us chose to support is no one’s business but our own.

Every voter should think about this. The Republicans want to trash our cherished civil rights just so the GOP can control their membership.

Carole Mackin

People’s Power League

Helena