To the editor:

Recently, the Portsmouth Times editorialized against Question 7, nonpartisan elections. Its argument appears to be that voters need to see a candidate’s political affiliation while in the voting booth. This argument is difficult to understand since voters have multiple opportunities to identify a candidate’s political affiliation.

During election years and multiple times throughout the year, the Portsmouth Times identifies the political party of elected officials and candidates. Candidate forums and political palm cards clearly identify political affiliations. If party affiliation is so important, candidates should announce their party loyalty on those annoying, ubiquitous road signs.

Political parties proclaim their commitment to democracy, participation and accountability. Unfortunately, Democrats and Republicans have allowed our political process to steadily drift away from these principles. The current primary system serves these political parties, not the citizens.

The political parties decide who will run in the primary elections. Usually, these primaries are noncompetitive, and the handpicked politicians waltz into the general election. Why are most political parties against nonpartisan elections? They lose power, and party politicians are forced to actually compete with all parties during an election.

Most Rhode Island voters do not belong to a political party. A system built on shrinking party membership makes less sense with each election. Voters, take back your power from the special interests.

Vote yes on Question 7 and insist on nonpartisan elections.

Victor J. Howard

Portsmouth