I read with interest the article by Jim Larsen, “Party declaration required to vote,” in the Jan. 16 Whidbey News-Times.

I didn’t really know who I should send this to. So this seems like a good place to start. Besides, I would like to know how others feel about this.

The Supreme Court ruled that open primaries are unconstitutional. Well so is asking a person if they are gay.

The entire voting system should be overhauled. There shouldn’t be a primary. If someone wants to run for any office, then they should only be required to obtain a certain number of signatures for them to be eligible for that position. There shouldn’t be Democrats or Republicans. OMG! Did I really say that? Heaven forbid! All national elections should be done by popular vote from the qualified citizens of this nation. No electorial votes by Congress.

Now I may not always do my part as a natural citizen of this great nation, but I do try to.

Now that we have allowed someone to change the law and require me to declare a party, they have all lost my vote. I vote for the person who I feel is qualified without regard to party.

That right has been taken away from me, so now I won’t vote.

Ken Phares

Oak Harbor