Former Governor Doug Ducey Calls on Arizonans to Reject Prop 140

Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has publicly opposed Proposition 140, a proposed electoral reform that seeks to alter the state’s elections system significantly. This announcement came through a press release from the ‘No on Prop 140’ Committee last week. The proposition is criticized for introducing a system modeled after California’s elections, emphasizing ranked-choice voting and jungle primaries.

Ducey voiced his concerns, stating that Prop 140 could potentially hand election control to a single partisan official, namely the Secretary of State, allowing this individual to unilaterally determine which candidates advance to general elections. “Like many Arizonans, I am open to reforms, but this is a recipe for disaster and unintended consequences,” he remarked, urging a bipartisan effort to defeat the measure.

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb and former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould, co-chairs of the No on Prop 140 Committee, expressed gratitude for Ducey’s opposition, underscoring the potential irreversible harms that could arise from this measure. They argued that joining together across political lines is essential to prevent Arizona from adopting this contentious election scheme.

Funding for the campaign supporting Prop 140 has come from ‘Unite America’ (formerly known as the Centrist Project), which contributed over $1.7 million to the Make Elections Fair PAC. Kent Thiry, a political figure leading these efforts, has previously supported similar electoral changes across various states, including Alaska and New York.

The proposal’s critics have raised several concerns, detailing its potential impacts on the electoral process. Under Prop 140, the Arizona Secretary of State would gain the authority to decide the number of candidates qualifying for the ballot across various races, which could lead to scenarios where only candidates from one party appear. Moreover, voters would face a confusing dual voting system where some contests would require ranked-choice voting, while others would not.

This overhaul could also exacerbate problems with tabulation errors, longer wait times at polling stations, and delayed election results. As the election year intensifies, Ducey has reiterated his commitment to support Republican candidates, including President Donald Trump and Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake, emphasizing the stakes for the state and the nation.

As the debate over Prop 140 unfolds, Howell’s coverage aims to provide clarity amid the ongoing discussions. Voters are being called to reflect carefully on the proposed changes and their potential implications for Arizona’s electoral landscape.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. For more stories, follow him on social media or email tips directly to him.