Prop 140 Committee Wastes Millions in Frantic Bid to Bring California to Arizona

By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |

The recent campaign to introduce ranked choice voting and jungle primaries in California-style elections has hit a significant roadblock. The Make Elections Fair Committee faced enormous opposition as Proposition 140 was decisively rejected by nearly 60 percent of voters. The initiative’s defeat raises questions about its viability and support among Arizonans.

Despite a formidable financial backing totaling at least $15 million, primarily sourced from out-of-state billionaires, the effort fell short. This funding provided the committee with a staggering 20:1 spending advantage over opponents, who invested only $750,000 to campaign against the proposition. Even with such financial clout, the results were not in their favor.

This outcome reflects a broader sentiment among voters weary of experimental election systems. The failure also parallels past rejections of similar measures, including ranked choice voting, which Arizona voters decisively turned down in 2012. Such recurring defeats underline the lack of appetite for these voting methods, prompting advocates to reconsider their strategies.

With the dust settled on Prop 140, many are left speculating about the implications for future electoral reforms in Arizona. The campaign’s collapse serves as a potent reminder that financial resources alone cannot sway public opinion against established preferences.