Invented in the early 20th century as a way to encourage voter participation, the current primary contest for Democratic and Republican presidential candidacy now fosters a system that leaves the choice in the hands of a few states. If candidates do not do well in early primaries, such as in Iowa and New Hampshire, they typically drop out of the race before the rest of the nation gets to vote. Now, about 30 states are holding their primaries earlier, putting extra pressure on election officials.

 Do primaries still contribute to the political process, or should the system be reformed?

 Please send your responses to Ed Brock at edward.brock@penton.com. Include your name, title and the organization with which you work. American City & County will print some of the responses.

See how readers responded to the November Platform question: Did the proposed expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program go too far?