RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Senate has killed legislation that would have allowed voters to indicate their political party affiliation when they register.
Republican Sen. Bill Stanley of Franklin County said his bill would give political parties more control over their primary elections, which now are open to all voters. It would allow the parties to continue to have open primaries, limit them to party members and independents, or allow only party members to vote.
Democratic Sen. Chap Petersen of Fairfax said the current system works fine. He said re-registration to add political party affiliation would create a burden for registrars. He also warned of confusion at the polls as voters show up, only to be told they aren't allowed to vote.
The Senate voted 24-16 to kill the bill Thursday.
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