The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-07-08
SAFEG GUARD TIE PRIMARY by
PARTY REGISTRATIUN

In recent issue The rimcs-Dis-
patch declared that system OF party
registration must bc established in
Virginia for the preservation OF the
Democratic party. Such a device will
expel from Democratic ranks Rcpub-
Leans who wear Democratic clothing
for sinister purposes BY party regis
tration is meant that at tho time for
registration as voter the citizen has
an opportunity to declare his party af-
nliation. which is indicated in a col
umn of the registry book y roll of
party voters is then made up from
these preferences and serves as tho
registry list for tho ensuing primary
election. In this manner a means is
provided whereby voters may be check
ed up.and persons unentitlcd to vote in
a party primary challenged. Public
record takes the place of unverincd
assertion. The test exactcd might be
that the voter declare at the time OF
party registration that he Is In gen
ernl sympathy with the party. that he
intends to support its candidates at
the next election, and that he has not
participated In the primaries or cleo
lions of another party within, say, a
year.
Tho suggestion has met with the in
dorscmcnt OF the Lynchhurg News ana
the Newport News Press. The former
newspaper says that Sooner or later
the Democratic party Of Vir-
sinia Will recognize the need OF just
that sort Of safeguard for the integrity
OF Its nominating methods. The party
registration plan or designation plan
has been adopted in many progressive
States and with results that appear
to Nindicatc its efficacy" The News
recommends that three days in each
year be set aside for the registration
OF party aililiation or independent
status, so that a record could he
created that would render II about
as difficult as legislation could make
it for other than Democrats to vote in
Democratic primaries"
The Newport News Press considers.
ours valuable suggestion" and is
of the opinion that whatever the test
may be. there can be no two opinions
on this point that the political status
of the voter should be determined and
recorded before the primary is held"
Under the present system as our con
temporary points out there Is no OIL
cial record TO show who on the regis
tration books are Democrats and who
are not II the voter is challenged
the judge is embarrassed Moreover.
the present method Is open TO abuse
and fraud The Press takes advanced
ground in declaring against partisan
primaries for purely local elections
where no question OF local or national
politics is involved, but thinks that
when a partisan primary is held, none
but recognized members Of the party
holding the election should be per
United to vote"
The Times Dispatch trusts that such
public pressure will be brought 70 bear
on the next General Assembly as will
Induce that body TO pass a statute au-
'hori%inS party registration. The need
for the method has been accumulated
hy revelations in recent election invcs-
legations The Democratic party must
lac enabled To drive Republicans out OF
It's fold II must rid itself OF those
who are Democrats for one day ONLY
II must pat up the bars against the
politically alien elcmen, that the
bosses seek to Introduce in primaries
to assist IN the execution of their evil
designs \ Democratic primary should
be such In fact as well as in name.