CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The party faithful — Republican or Democrat — who make their marks at the top of a General Election ballot and call it done may not have that option in 2016.
A bill that would eliminate the straight party ticket voting option on a ballot passed the state Senate on Tuesday on a split 25-8-1 vote.
Sen. Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, said the measure could hurt Republicans and their newly found majority in the statehouse.
“We have benefited from this over the last couple of election cycles,” Carmichael said. But, he said, eliminating the straight party ticket voting option is the “right thing to do.”
In opposing the bill, some Democrats said the options for voting should be increased, not decreased.
Sen. Art. Kirkendoll, D-Logan, said eliminating a voter option could further discourage voter turnout.
“I think it’s a silly bill,” said Sen. Mike Romano, D-Harrison. “All we’re doing is getting rid of a tradition because we think it gives someone an advantage. I don’t think we give voters enough credit…
