Arizona GOP Grapples with Rank-Choice Phobia: A Growing Concern

A legal battle is intensifying over Proposition 140, known as the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act. This proposition aims to abolish partisan primaries and implement ranked-choice voting (RCV) in Arizona.

In a ranked-choice voting system, voters rank candidates according to their preferences. If no candidate secures a majority, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and their support is redistributed based on second choices. This process continues until a candidate emerges with clear majority support, acting similarly to an instant runoff.

Opponents argue that the measure lacks the required 575,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot due to alleged duplicate entries. Amid these legal challenges, Secretary of State Fontes is advocating for the Supreme Court to allow the proposition on the ballot, citing that ballots have already been printed.

Critics of Prop. 140 assert that their concerns primarily stem from political motivations rather than issues of election integrity. Many conservatives believe RCV poses a systemic disadvantage to their candidates, especially following significant losses in RCV-adopting states.

Right-wing interest groups criticize RCV as an import of “complicated California-style elections,” claiming it could suppress voter turnout. However, despite this opposition, evidence suggests Arizona Republicans could benefit from RCV.

By fostering collaboration among candidates, RCV may enhance electability and promote civil discourse. While many conservatives resist RCV, they could consider it an asset for the GOP. Historically, Arizona Republicans have labeled right-of-center third parties as threats, concerned these groups siphon votes away from them.

Instead of viewing Libertarians as rivals, the AZ GOP could harness the potential of a coalition with them. Under an RCV system, Libertarian voters, who comprise less than 1% of Arizona’s electorate, would likely be eliminated in the first rounds, allowing Republican candidates to capture residual second-choice support.

The challenges faced by GOP candidates in the 2022 midterms highlighted that extreme political positions may alienate independent voters. Candidates like Kari Lake and Blake Masters faced losses, suggesting that moderate conservative messaging holds greater appeal in Arizona.

Partisan primaries tend to push candidates to cater exclusively to their party’s ideological base, encouraging less electable positions. As RCV shifts this dynamic, it rewards candidates who pursue broader appeal and practical platforms, potentially enhancing their viability in general elections. Voters can express their preferences for candidates across party lines, further spotlighting those who prioritize pragmatic policies.

Moreover, RCV could cultivate a more civil political environment by encouraging candidates to connect with diverse voter bases. This may help the GOP return to its foundational values, moving away from the polarizing tactics that have increasingly characterized the party’s recent discourse.

Ultimately, RCV may not only improve Arizona’s political landscape, but it could also serve as a strategic advantage for Republicans. Rather than resisting change, the GOP could benefit from embracing RCV’s potential to cultivate new alliances, enhance electoral prospects, and foster a more civil political discourse.

Peter Clark is an Arizona-based writer whose work has been featured in various publications, including AzCentral and AZ Capitol Times.