May 17, 2015 2 min read

For the first time in 41 years, I will not be voting in a primary election. It is not because I am disinterested, apathetic, or ill, rather it is due to both major political parties decreeing that I shall have no voice.

For a host of good reasons, I could no longer stomach being registered as a Republican, so left the GOP this spring in favor of “no affiliation,” a sort of conscientious objector status.

This means that I have served to disenfranchise myself, rendered unwelcome to have a say in who is placed on the ballot for the November general election since every race, including judicial contests, are partisan efforts, notwithstanding the fact that some candidates are able to cross-register, appearing on both ballots.

The failure to allow open primary elections, as well as the added burdens that are placed on the non-Republican and non-Democrat in his or her efforts to make it on to the ballot, sends the message to independent voters that the deck has been stacked against them, that we are persona non grata.

It will be odd to be staying home on Tuesday and having no say in who reaches the general election, but that is the way it must be under the circumstances in order for me to be true to myself.

Oren M. Spiegler

Upper St. Clair