Arizona’s Prop. 140: A Bold Move for Open Primaries and More Unveiled!

Proposition 140, part of Arizona’s ballot this year, has significant implications for the state’s electoral process. If enacted, the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act would introduce open primary elections, prohibit taxpayer funding for closed partisan primaries, and allow for ranked choice voting in general elections. The debate surrounding this proposition has intensified as supporters and detractors seek to clarify its potential impact.

Recently, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the proposition’s placement on the ballot after resolving concerns regarding the validity of the signatures gathered by its proponents. As a result, both proponents and opponents will have their positions scrutinized as voters prepare to cast their ballots.

Currently, Arizona residents participate in a presidential preference election set every four years. This election, funded by taxpayers, restricts voting based on party affiliation: registered Republicans and Democrats can vote within their parties, while independents are excluded. Should Proposition 140 pass, taxpayers would no longer fund these elections unless parties agree to open them to unaffiliated voters, placing further pressure on the party system.

In terms of statewide primary elections, these are generally held in August, where voters from each party select their nominees. Taxpayer-funded primaries cater exclusively to registered party members, creating barriers for independents who must inform county officials of their ballot preferences each election. If Proposition 140 is approved, the primary system would transform into an open format, allowing all candidates from various parties to compete on a single ballot for all voters, regardless of registration status.

The Arizona Legislature will need to establish the rules for how candidates advance to general elections by November 1, 2025. This could lead to scenarios where multiple candidates from the same party could vie for a single position, thereby increasing competition and choice for voters.

Currently, general elections in Arizona follow a plurality system, allowing the candidate with the most votes to win, regardless of whether they secure an outright majority. Proposition 140 could alter this, introducing ranked choice voting in cases where more than two candidates proceed from the primaries. Voters would then rank their preferences, promoting a more comprehensive reflection of voter sentiment and potentially leading to more representative outcomes.

This reform proposes a significant shift in how elections are conducted in Arizona, sparking widespread discussion on its potential consequences for voter engagement and party dynamics. As the election draws near, the public’s understanding of these changes will be crucial in shaping the outcome.