Swap Meet: Wes Gardner & Devon Viehman discuss primary elections

Do you like to discuss what you read but have a hard time committing to book club? The Swap Meet program is for you! Each week, a local elected will lead a discussion on a provocative article they've chosen. Join Town Councilor & County Commissioner Wes Gardner in a discussion about: Primary Elections

Are Primaries the Problem? Understanding Polarization and Election Reform: https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/are-primaries-the-problem-understanding-polarization-and-election-reform/

Wes and Devon have been thinking about how the rules governing primary elections may influence the polarization of our representatives. The study referenced in the article provides evidence that this is not the case, and the author suggests that the two-party system is the real culprit. I believe that there are multiple factors contributing to the polarization of our politics. A healthy representative democracy requires compromise, and polarized politics make compromise obsolete. I am interested to have a discussion around how the way we structure primaries affects the way we are represented at local, state, and federal levels, and I think this article can provide an interesting place from which to begin that conversation.

To read articles: tclib.org/swapmeet

Full Swap Meet Schedule:

7:00-8:30 PM

WED OCT 1: Wes Gardner & Devon Viehman
THUR OCT 2: Andrew Byron
WED OCT 8: Liz Storer
WED OCT 15: Luther Propst & Kevin Regan
THU OCT 16: Len Carlman
THUR OCT 23: Mark Newcomb & Alyson Spery
THUR OCT 30: Mike Yin & Natalia Macker

You may also like the following events from Teton County Library:

• Next Saturday, 4th October, 10:00 am, Writing for change: How to write impactful op-eds and commentaries in Jackson
• Next month, 10th October, 02:30 pm, Love Your Neighbor Outreach Event in Jackson
• Next month, 16th October, 10:00 am, A Vibrant Introduction to the Art of Colored Pencials in Jackson

Also check out other Arts events in Jackson, Literary Art events in Jackson.