The federal courts have struck down Washington's blanket primary election system. In the coming legislative session, the state legislature must enact a new primary system, one that is consistent with the First Amendment right of the state's political parties to choose their candidates for elected office. If the legislature does not recognize their right to choose their own candidates, the state Democratic and Republican parties have indicated they will not participate in a primary election, and will instead pick their candidates at party conventions.
The court's ruling is based on the principle that vibrant political parties, formed by citizens who band together to advocate their philosophies, are the essential foundation of democracy.
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