Let's say you're a San Francisco Republican who's choosing between two Democrats. You could vote for the more moderate candidate. But what if they're both pretty liberal?
Mitchell: "It might feel like
you're a Giants fan having to root for a game of the Dodgers
against the Dodgers."
Democratic consultant Paul Mitchell is an expert in redistricting and political data. He says that was the case in this year's campaigns that featured two Democrats or two Republicans.
Mitchell: "If there's no
difference between the two teams, where do you find a rationale to
engage and vote - and how does that make you feel more empowered
than the old system did?"
Mitchell says candidates and consultants are still figuring the "Top Two" system out - and many voters may never be willing to vote strategically for someone who doesn't share their values.