Washington State Republican Party, et al.
Respondents
John J. White, Jr., Counsel of Record In November 2004, the voters of Washington adopted Initiative 872, which established a top-two qualifying primary. Under Initiative 872, all candidates for a public office have access to the primary election ballot, and the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes advance to the general election — regardless of party affiliation. The Washington State Republican Party had used a primary system to designate its official candidate, but under the new system it could no longer do that. Instead, the Republicans decided it would hold a nominating convention. Prior to the first…
