PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The annual push to eliminate the straight party voting option -- also known as the "master lever" --- gets its day at the State House on Wednesday.
The House Judiciary Committee is set to take up three proposals to remove the option, which allows voters to cast votes for all candidates of a single political party with a single mark on the ballot. It will begin around 4:30 p.m.
Rhode Island was among 14 states that offered the option in the last election cycle. The term "master lever" dates back to when voters had to physically pull a lever to select the option.
Ending the option has been a perennial debate, but has gained traction this year.
Kenneth Block, founder and chairman of the Moderate Party of Rhode Island, has launched a campaign to get rid of the master lever, saying it's outdated and creates confusion for many voters.
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, state Democratic Party Chairman Edwin Pacheco and Governor Chafee, an independent, have all recently thrown their support to the idea.