California election system does 180 with Prop. 14 approval
By Susan Ferriss, Sacramento Bee
Disgruntled California voters have blown up their election system by approving Proposition 14, which tosses out the current political party-based primary system in all but presidential races.
The measure was far ahead in returns, with about 60 percent of votes in favor and 40 against with more than 20 percent of precincts reported.
Backed strongly by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Proposition 14 called for a new “open” primary, in which all candidates for an office – except those in presidential primaries – appear on a ballot given to voters regardless of party registration.