Article Summary –
The Montanans for Election Reform has collected enough signatures to place two initiatives that would change how Montana voters elect state and federal candidates on the November ballot. The first initiative, CI-126, would implement a fully open primary that sends the top four vote-getters from a party-agnostic ballot to the November general elections, replacing the current party-based June primary elections. The second initiative, CI-127, would require that candidates must receive at least 50% of the November general election vote to be declared a winner, and if this doesn’t happen, the state Legislature would pass a law determining what happens, possibly adopting an Alaska-style ranked-choice voting system or Georgia-style runoff elections.
Montana Initiatives for Election Reform Collect Required Signatures for Ballot Placement
Two constitutional initiatives revamping Montana’s election process have garnered sufficient signatures for inclusion in the November ballot, according to backing committee, Montanans for Election Reform. CI-126 and CI-127 propose significant changes to the state’s current voting system.
Initiative CI-126 aims to replace June’s party-based primary elections with a fully open primary, advancing the top four vote-getters to the November general elections. CI-127, on the other hand, stipulates that a candidate must secure at least 50% of the votes to win the November general election, as opposed to merely receiving the most votes under the current system.
If passed, CI-127 would necessitate a state Legislature law determining the course of action in general elections where no candidate achieves a clear majority. Solutions could include an Alaska-style ranked-choice voting system or Georgia-style runoff elections.
Former Republican lawmaker Frank Garner, speaking at a state Capitol event organized by Montanans for Election Reform, stated that these measures would empower independent voters and reduce extreme partisanship.
Garner revealed that the group had amassed over 200,000 signatures from all 56 Montana counties, exceeding the constitutional initiatives’ qualification requirement. Despite the frequent disqualification of illegible or unverifiable signatures, the group’s efforts have submitted a sufficient number of verified signatures to the Montana secretary of state.
Should CI-126 pass, voters will receive a primary ballot listing all candidates, irrespective of party endorsement. The top four candidates will advance regardless of party affiliation. If CI-127 is approved, the state legislature would determine the plan of action if no candidate wins an outright majority, potentially leading to Alaska’s ranked-choice system or Georgia’s runoff system.
Opposition and Support for the Initiatives
The movement for election reform draws support from moderate-leaning Montana Republicans and mainstream Democrats. In contrast, the official GOP party of Montana opposes the top-four primary initiative, criticizing it as a scheme to impose ranked-choice voting, which they believe would confuse and disenfranchise Montana voters.
Montanans for Election Reform has reported raising $4.2 million and spending $3.4 million in support of its initiatives. Significant contributions include approximately $2 million from national group Article IV and $1.7 million from Unite America.
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobson has expressed scepticism towards the proposed changes, particularly ranked-choice voting, citing concerns about voter confusion and election security. Meanwhile, Garner maintains that the successful signature collection demonstrates widespread public support for election reform in Montana.
—
Read More Montana News
