The fight in federal appeals court over Washington state’s primary-election system is polarized around two principles. One argues for wider voter choice through a “top-two” primary, while the other pulls for the right of free association by way of a Montana-style system of partisan ballots.

These two important elements of our democratic experience – choice and free association – need not be mutually exclusive. Nor can we let this false dichotomy distract us from the challenges facing Washington elections.

Just a small modification of the top-two system would alleviate the concerns of all parties involved. The change, to a ranked-choice ballot, would remove the constitutional problems created by Initiative 872, now before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and ultimately build a quality democratic system that would invite increased participation.

Novoselic is a board member at FairVote and Music for America , which promotes turnout among youthful voters. He cofounded the band Nirvana with the late Kurt Cobain.