How are political parties protected if Ranked Choice Voting is used?

Political parties are private organizations. They have by-laws or constitutions and control their internal operations. To participate in the decision-making process of the party, membership is required. The       U. S. Supreme Court has upheld this point. However, while they are private organizations, they hold a unique place in our electoral and governing processes. Closed nominating primary elections are considered “elections” paid for with public funds. Nominating caucuses are considered internal party operations and paid for with party funds. This disparity exists despite the fact that both processes have the same goal, selection of nominees. Political parties were not encouraged by our nation’s founding fathers and they are not mentioned in our Constitution.

In Ranked Choice Voting, voters are selecting the winner of the general election.  Nothing prevents political parties, as private organizations, from endorsing or promoting one candidate over another or even conducting an internal nominating process.

The key point is any party action in that process is funded by the party not by the use of tax dollars.

If you believe the citizens of Nevada need greater choice and a greater voice while simultaneously protecting a political party’s right of association, click the “Donate” button on the bottom of this page or send a check to the address listed here and click here to volunteer so you too will be part of the solution.