The Virginia Republican State Central Committee has reversed its recent decision to require voters in the Commonwealth to sign a loyalty pledge before being able to vote in the upcoming Republican presidential primary. The decision to expand the pledge statewide prompted debate and some concern regarding the effects it would have on voters at the primary in February.
The loyalty pledge, though not legally binding, would have required voters participating in the Republican primary to pledge support to the Republican candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
The Commonwealth does not require its voters to associate with a political party when they register, so parties in Virginia cannot close primaries to include only party members.
According to Chris Schoenewald, vice chairman of the Fifth Congressional District Republican Committee, the committee decided the pledge could possibly "turn off more voters" and "stop crossover voters" from voting in the Republican primary.
"The decision came out of common sense more than anything," Schoenewald said.
Savanna Rutherford, the College Republicans' vice chairman of campaigns, agreed getting rid of the loyalty pledge was a "good move," as the pledge could "potentially turn away voters from voting Republican."
According to Schoenewald, however, even if the pledge had been enacted, he believes this would not have significantly impacted election results as a whole.
"In the big picture, it's not going to matter a whole lot," Schoenewald said. "By the time Virginia votes [in the primary], the decision will most likely be made. Other primaries, such as for governor or Senate, are more important."
According to University Democrats President Sarah Buckley, she would not find it surprising if the criticism Republicans received concerning the pledge "made them realize how anti-democratic it was."
"The fact that they proposed it in the first place is what will stick in people's minds -- not the fact that they later withdrew it," she said.
Rutherford noted that because of party loyalty, the pledge would not be necessary for Republicans to nominate the candidate of their choice.
"It's such an important election that nobody will want to cross party lines," she said.
Both the state presidential Republican and Democratic primaries will be held Feb. 12.
Read More
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 3 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
What does the University’s contract with dining service Aramark entail?
By Brandon Kile | 4 days agoThe Cavalier Daily submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the University for its contract with Aramark to understand the specific terms of the agreement.
