Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/116

 and it does. There is no caucus and there is no voting for delegates of any kind, except delegates to the national convention. Chapter 451, laws of 1903, provides for absolute secrecy and a thoroughgoing secret ballot incorporated into the primary election law. It is what is called the open primary, that is, there is no test of party affiliation. This latter feature is still under fire and has been subjected to great criticism, but the chances are that any attempt to repeal it would be defeated by at least 4 to 1 in the state. Those who favor it justify their attitude on the basis that although one party may go into another party's primary and nominate its weak man, it more often happens that the independent voter will cast his vote for the person whom he considers to be right, no matter to what party he belongs. The reform and not the party seems to be the main issue in Wisconsin, and there are those who vigorously state that the badge of party loyalty has too long been a mask used in defeating the manifest will of the people.

The non-partisan spirit generally prevalent in Wisconsin helps the position of those who are adherents of the open primary and aids the accomplishment of the whole program of direct legislation.

The law applies to all elective offices, except the judges, the state superintendent of public instruction and some minor offices in towns, villages, school districts, etc. It is not generally used in small cities because it is not