California is a Top Two Primary State

It is important for our members and visitors to understand how California Primaries work; why we work so hard to get our candidates elected; AND WHY YOU ALL NEED TO VOTE!!

California legislators amended the California Constitution in 2010 resulting in all candidates for an office now appear on the primary ballot and the two candidates who receive the most votes in that primary advance to the general election in the fall, even if both candidates are from the same party.

The legislation was called the Top Two Primaries Act, which appeared as Proposition 14 on the June 8, 2010, ballot.

The consequence of the Top Two Primaries Act is alternative party platforms are curtailed from making it to the General Election. This limitation of broader policy platforms on the General Election ballot, when most voters are involved, betrays our founding principles.

Engagement of voters at each step in the election process is critical for a representative government.  

Primary voter turnout is paramount to winning at the General Election!