Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-03-25


The primary bill which has passed the House at Montpelier
seems to be happy solution of problem which
has vexed the people Of Vermont for considerable period
Ours is comparatively small State having large
tiers of population like Boston, New York Philadelphia or
Chicago. direct nominations system for Vermont would,
therefore, need to be elaborate those involving pr
large cities where repeating and other abuses
easy to perpetuate
On the other hand the people of Vermont pro-
verbally independent, and while voters cling tenacouy to
party rule they jealous of legislation red tape
which would make difficult for them support any indie
pendent candidate if they elect especially for the Lesa
ture.
The primary bill which has commended itself to the
great majority Of the members of the House of Representa-
tves while providing for the selection of candidates for office
by primaries does not preclude the possibility of nomina
ton papers, signed and filed provided by existing staues
and it safeguards nominations by minority parties More
the act does not apply to town. village school fire
district nominations but nothing in the act is to be
strued excepting members of the General Assembly from
the direct primary.
In general way it may be said that with the direct pri
mary in force voters will to the at
with trouble involved except that instead of
voting for somebody to choose your candidates for in
subsequent convention you will vote for your choice Of cand
dates direct,
For example. the voter who participates in in
burlington to choose DELEGATES to county convention now
candidates for the State Senate knowing whom they
will support for sheriff. States attorney and
Under the direct nominating system proposed the
voter in question will not only choose candidate for the
State Senate himself will direct
choice between two candidates for sheriff. States
attorney, assistant judges, Judge of probate, and
through the entire list of asprants for county Offices
The primary law it stands applies not only to
county nominations but also to nominations of candidates for
as we'll as for the presidency of the United States
Under the primary law proposed will be impossible for
fair field for all asprans Names will be placed on the
primary ballot by petition varying in requirements accord
For governor United States senator and all other officers
to be voted for throughout the State the number of sigma
25o for all county officers not less than two cent of the
total number of votes for the respective offices in the
mo es than three m of all @
all candidates for the office in the last preceding election
Blank lines to be provided ballots for the writing in
Of the of additional candidates by the voters them
selves
The primaries of all parties will be held the time
and provided for at the public The Of all
candidates for the Office to be printed ballot
the ballot used in general elections that each
vote for his choice of his party candidates. If he votes
out Check lists the same as for elections are prepared by
selecmen and posted subject to correction and
vote in primary unless his name the check list
the where check lists desired for
The difficulties attending registration carried out in
familiar which will not require long period, owing
the similarity of the primary election of candidates to the
questonaby become as fixed as the present secret ballot
system in elections
The State returns to be canvassed by board ncud
ing the secretary OF State one superior Judge to be assigned
by the chief justice of the court and the chairman
Vi committee OF
the official ballot Corresponding boards in the counties
consisting of the county clerks and county chaen will
the county returns while the for representatives
will be canvassed by the town clerks and town committee
chairmen.
1t is provided that candidates who receive plurality
will be entitled to the nomination sought and the polls
to be kept from twelve o'clock until eight o'clock
in the evening, all classes accommodated.
State convention to consist of the candidates for
ernor and other State officers county and represent
tatves to the General Assembly to be called by the chair
of the State committee for the purpose making
adopting State PLATFORM nominating presidential electors
and eectng party organization for the ensuing two
that the Legislature will be fairly bound by the platform
that prevails The party nominees from each county
elect county committee to have charge of the election and
select State committeeman subject to the approval of the
State convention The party members in each town eff
feet party organization deemed expeden and nominate
justices of the peace.
The presidential primary in accordance with the pro-
of the act to be held the third Tuesday of May
of each presidential year.
The proposed act provides also for the publication of
campaign expenses by candidates who must make
temzed statement setting forth each money thing
of value any consideration whatever contribute paid
promised by him and the party to whom the payment
promise made.
A person who solcts requests demands money, in
toxicatinp promise thereof