"The state's top-two primary system has been in place since California voters passed Proposition 14 in 2010. The goal was to help end partisan gridlock in Sacramento and force candidates in primaries to appeal to a wider range of voters, rather than just those in their own party. Proposition 14, as well as the state's once-a-decade redistricting process, has led to some dramatic races, including the 2012 face-off between Democratic Reps. Brad Sherman and Howard Berman for a congressional seat in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley."
A proposal filed with state officials seeks to change California’s open primary system by repealing Proposition 14. Under the proposal, the top candidates from each party would advance to the general election in November. The current top-two system advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, which can produce general elections featuring two Democrats or two Republicans. Concerns have been raised that Republican candidates could eliminate Democratic contenders in statewide races. Democratic voters outnumber Republicans, and some consultants previously worried that many Democratic candidates could split the vote, though that concern has eased as candidates have advanced. Proposition 14 was intended to reduce partisan gridlock and encourage broader voter appeal in primaries.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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