All Episodes

August 18, 2022 18 mins

Send us a text

We just had the primary election here in WA, and voter turnout, as usual, was low, at about 40%. Primary elections for the mid-term elections typically have low voter turnout, and there are a number of possible reasons for this. 

Mid-term elections have a higher voter turnout in our state, on average about 63% since 2000.

Presidential election years have about an 80% registered voter turnout here in WA since the year 2000. And about 60% of the eligible voting age population votes. 

Should primary voters vote? Why should voters vote in the primary? There are 2 sides to this issue regarding the primary here in WA. 

First of all, we should explain what a primary election is and why the one in WA is so messed up. 

We have what some have called a jungle primary here in WA. 

In all other states except 3 or 4, to vote in the primary a voter must choose to vote on a Republican ballot or a Democrat ballot, and only one parties’ candidates appear on that ballot. 

In 2004, Washington became the first state to adopt a top-two primary system for congressional and state-level elections. 

California followed suit in 2010. 

In Nebraska, a top-two primary system is utilized for state legislative elections, but this really is a non issue because Nebraska's state legislature is nonpartisan. 

In 2020, Alaska voters approved a ballot initiative establishing a top-four primary.

So of course, WA led the way in this unusual and dysfunctional method of holding it’s primary elections. 

Some believe, in theory but not in reality, this approach would focus on the individual in the race, instead of political parties. In reality, it’s often that the top two candidates are of the same political party, disenfranchising voters who do not see their party's candidate make it to the general election ballot. 

For example, there was a hot primary race this month in the 3rd congressional district here in WA State , where a patriot and Pres. Trump endorsed candidate Joe Kent was going up against Jaime Herrera Beutler, who has been in the the Republican incumbent for 6 terms, since 2011.

Joe Kent, one of her primary Republican challengers, pulled it out with only 1096 votes over Jamie Herrera Butler. The candidate field was diluted with a whole bunch of Republicans, which is another problem in Washington state because so many times the Republicans shoot themselves in the foot because they have way too many Republicans in a single race, diluting the vote.
What if those 1,096 voters who support Joe Kent decided that their vote doesn’t really matter, and didn’t vote?

Voter fraud, why is necessary to vote in a primary election, and why every vote matters is further discussed in this podcast.

Instagram: @janiskrist
Twitter: @janiskrist
Podcast@TheTangledAngle.com

For health on the inside, visit https://tangledangle.isagenix.com/?_ga=2.72066453.740549029.1658431450-758889019.1658431449
for quality dietary supplements. The Collagen Elixir is my favorite for my hair, skin, and joints. And the Isagenix Isa-Pro Plant Based Protein is my favorite protein powder that tastes great without the gritty texture, and has no unpleasant aftertaste.

For beauty on the outside, visit https://www.marykay.com/janiskrist
My favorite products are the TimeWise Repair Vole-Firm line of skin care for fabulous skin.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Cardiac Cowboys

Cardiac Cowboys

The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.