America’s extremist party system is out of touch

Have you voted yet? That is, have you voted in this year’s presidential primary?

For the fifth time in our state’s history we are attempting a statewide presidential primary. For Minnesotans, it’s a pattern that seems to come and go every three to four decades. (Previous presidential primaries were held in 1916, 1952, 1956 and 1992.)

Because of political controversy, allegations of fraud and party manipulation, all of our previous presidential primaries were short lived. This year’s primary seems destined to the same fate.

On the surface, a presidential preference primary seems to make a lot of sense. It’s a process of balloting that allows citizens an opportunity to select the candidates who may, ultimately, be nominated as their political parties’ presidential contender in the nation’s general election in November.

There’s plenty of time to cast your ballot. Early or absentee voting began on Jan. 17 and closes on March 3 in conjunction with the Super Tuesday primaries of 13 other states. Polling places will be open for in-person voting March 3.

(Note: It’s no small coincidence that the winner of 17 out of 18 Super Tuesday primaries between 1984 and 2016 won his or her party’s nomination.)

So, what are the irregularities that make the presidential primary in Minnesota so questionable, if not outright scandalous?

1. The mere fact that our nation’s predominant two-party system still dictates our candidate considerations is a tragedy, at the least. The political party system in America has evolved to the point of extreme polarization.

Whether our “representatives” are chosen through a statewide primary or a series of party caucuses, we know that, for the most part, only a small minority who align themselves with far-right or far-left causes participate. For the rest of us, we can’t stomach the ridiculous advocacy of these fundamental conservatives and ultra-liberals.

If you don’t believe me, take the time to read their party platforms with an attempt to understand where they’re coming from. 

2. I find it utterly amazing, if not unconscionable, that the party chairperson for each of these political parties in Minnesota makes the final determination of which candidate names are placed on the primary ballot for our voting consideration.

To their credit, the DFL party chair allowed the names of 15 presidential contenders on the Democratic primary ballot in Minnesota — a range of options, I would contend, designed to offer party loyalists real choices in selecting their candidate preferences.

On the other hand, the state’s Republican chair, Jennifer Carnahan, decided that Republicans could only vote for one candidate. Out of three Republicans who have formally announced their candidacies, she determined that only one could be allowed for primary consideration in Minnesota – Donald Trump.

Really? If you’re a Republican, why vote at all?

3. Perhaps the greatest insult to eligible primary voters is the underlying bipartisan, smoke-and-mirror maneuvering to obtain your voter identification. A presidential primary as structured in Minnesota is a sure means to gain unfettered access to you name, address, age and political persuasion.

As it currently stands, all primary voter registrations will be turned over to the respective political party “officiants” for their exclusive use. If you have already voted, expect a barrage of partisan campaign and fundraising propaganda all the way to Nov. 3. 

Party politics have always been the curse of American democracy. In recent years we’ve seen it at its worst. Political parties should not be the controlling factor in determining candidate choices. The party system has divided the American people by creating an atmosphere of political, intellectual and cultural polarization.

Partisan labels need to be removed and political parties need to be abolished. Term limits need to be implemented for all political offices. Alternative voting systems need to be established to ensure intelligent candidate choices, due process and equal representation.

Voting shouldn’t be a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.

This is the opinion of Paul Bugbee, a Central Minnesota resort owner. His column is published the third Thursday of the month.