Montana-made Solutions Upholding Montana Values
Imagine an electoral system that allows us to vote for the person, not the party. Or a primary that doesn’t force us to choose one party’s ballot. In a world of much partisan division, this sounds like music to our divided ears. Two Montana-made solutions, CI 126 and CI 127, would create that system, decreasing extreme partisanship and improving democracy.
CI 126 would allow voters in the primary the freedom to choose from ALL qualified candidates running for state and federal offices, regardless of party affiliation. Up to four candidates who receive the most votes in the primary would appear on the general election ballot in November.
CI 127 is a majority-winner initiative that requires candidates to receive at least one more than 50% of the votes in the general election, thus ensuring that a majority of voters support the winning candidate.
Here’s how it would look. In the primary, all voters would receive the same ballot and choose from the same list of qualified candidates. Up to four candidates receiving the most votes would advance to the November general election. In the general election, the majority-winner initiative (CI 127) ensures that a majority of voters support the winning candidate.
Although some might say these changes would alter the make-up of our legislature, the two major political parties will most likely win races at the same rate they do now. This process will moderate extremism—in both parties. With these changes, more moderate candidates would be more likely to advance from the primary to the general election. Requiring a majority vote will make elected officials accountable to a majority of voters rather than a simple plurality.
Signatures are being gathered to qualify these two initiatives for the November ballot. If approved in November, the 2025 state legislature will be tasked with implementing them.
These reforms were developed by Montanans to uphold Montana values. If asked, sign the petitions so we can vote in November for more freedom, more independence of choice, and greater accountability in our political leadership.
For more information on these initiatives and the Montanans leading this effort, visit the Montanans for Election Reform website: www.montanansforelectionreform.com
Kathleen Ralph
Columbus