Clash of Opinions: Az’s Nonpartisan Primary Proposal Takes Center Stage Thursday Night

On Thursday night, Arizona voters will have the opportunity to hear compelling arguments surrounding Proposition 140, a ballot measure poised to overhaul the state’s election system significantly.

If approved, Prop. 140 would introduce a nonpartisan primary, enabling all candidates—regardless of political affiliation—to compete in a single primary election. This would replace the current model where Democrats and Republicans face off in separate primaries to determine their party nominees for the general election. The new system would also lead to changes in how candidates progress; the Arizona Legislature will dictate the number of candidates advancing to the general election, while adopting ranked-choice voting would be mandatory if more than two candidates are accepted.

In opposition, Legislative Republicans have proposed Proposition 133. This measure seeks to preserve the existing primary system while prohibiting ranked-choice voting. Additionally, it would shift Tucson’s elections to align with presidential and midterm election cycles and enforce partisan designations for local races, affecting communities now conducting nonpartisan elections.

A pivotal debate centered on these propositions is scheduled, featuring former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson supporting Prop. 140 and attorney Andrew Gould opposing it. Sponsored by Clean Elections and the Arizona Media Association, the debate will be broadcast at 6 p.m. on PBS 6 and NPR 89.1 FM, with streaming available on various local news websites, including TucsonSentinel.com.

Earlier in the day, a separate debate regarding Prop. 137 will take place at 4 p.m. This proposition seeks to strip voters of the power to decide on the retention of judges. Currently, judges in counties such as Pima and Maricopa are appointed and face retention votes every four years. Campaigns to remove two justices over their recent ruling on abortion rights have sparked debate on this issue.

Prop. 137, initiated by Republican lawmakers, would operate retroactively, nullifying any voter-driven effort to remove justices Clint Bolick and Kathryn King if the proposition passes. Kory Langhofer will argue in favor of Prop. 137, whereas retired attorney Andy Gordon will provide counterpoints.

In addition to these debates, candidates for the Catalina Foothills Unified School Board will convene for a forum at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature four candidates competing for two available seats, alongside two candidates contending for a special election seat.

A few important upcoming dates include: a debate on Sept. 28 between Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva and independent candidate Val Romero, the last day to register for the general election on Oct. 7, and a rematch between U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and former lawmaker Kirsten Engel on Oct. 8. Furthermore, a highly anticipated debate featuring Kari Lake and Ruben Gallego will occur on Oct. 9, as will the mailing of early ballots.

These events highlight an active political landscape in Arizona, as critical decisions loom in the lead-up to Election Day on Nov. 5.