Keep Primary System

Summary: One of two propositions concerning the primary system, this measure would preserve California’s current system.

It would amend the state Constitution to add a guarantee that the top vote-getter in each party in a primary would advance to the general election.

As originally drafted by the Legislature, Proposition 60 included language that would have required the state to use money from the sale of surplus property to help pay off bonds. A court split the surplus property provisions into a separate measure, Proposition 60A, because initiatives are required to treat only a single subject.

Supporters: Proposition 60 is backed by the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green, American Independent, and Peace and Freedom parties. Other supporters include the California School Employees Assn., the Congress of California Seniors and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn.

Opponents: The backers of Proposition 62, which would change the current primary system, oppose this measure.

Impact: Proposition 60 would maintain the power of political parties. Under current law, candidates who are the top vote-getters of each political party advance to the general election. If Proposition 60 and Proposition 62 both pass, whichever gets the most votes will prevail.

Websites:

Yes on Proposition 60: www.yeson60.com.

No on Proposition 60: www.openprimary.org.