Washington voters sound off about state primary, not-so-secret ballots
komonews.com/news/local/washington-voters-sound-off-about-state-primary-not-so-secret-ballots
KENNEWICK, Wash. – This year if Washington voters want to take part in the presidential primary election, they're required to publicly declare a party affiliation on the mailing envelope next to their signature.
Much to the chagrin of independents or voters valuing the anonymity of a secret ballot.
"I won't do it," says Lori from Kennewick. "Making me sign my name next to my party-of-choice is an invasion of privacy."
She clarifies, saying it's not that she's ashamed of who she's voting for– President Trump.
Lori says her decision to disclose party affiliation needs to be up to her, not the state.
"It's none of their business," she says.
Washington's Secretary of State Kim Wyman says she agrees.
The Republican says she's boycotting the 2020 primaries, ruining her perfect voting record.
"On the Republican side of the vote there is only one choice," she explains. "So it's really hard to protect the secrecy of my ballot."
Wyman says the system is especially problematic for Republicans in 2020.
"I either have done a write-in or I have voted for President Trump to be the nominee," she says. "And either way I have to publicly disclose that."
Wyman says this is something she tried to change before it became official.