Voters in an unprecedented number of states — including the critical battlegrounds of Arizona and Nevada — are scheduled to vote this fall on significant proposed changes to their electoral systems.
Many of these proposals aim to replace traditional party primaries with nonpartisan contests, in which all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. From these contests, a number of top vote-getters, such as the “top four,” would advance to the general election.
Nick Troiano, the founding executive director of Unite America, a philanthropic venture fund focused on nonpartisan electoral reform, described this year as “an inflection point for the primary reform movement.” Troiano noted that it is unprecedented to have so many initiatives on one year’s ballot aimed at abolishing party primaries and reimagining the election of leaders.
Several ballot measures will combine nonpartisan primaries with ranked choice voting for general elections. However, Alaskan voters will decide whether to keep or repeal their ranked choice voting system.
Advocates of primary reform argue that partisan elections often marginalize unaffiliated voters and favor more extreme candidates who cater to a party’s base, thus contributing to increased polarization. Currently, five states have some form of nonpartisan primaries. According to Troiano, these states experience higher voter participation, fewer uncontested races, and improved government representation. Moreover, elected officials in these states tend to be more willing to work across party lines as they do not fear being ousted in primary elections.
On the other hand, critics argue that nonpartisan primaries dilute the power of parties to control their internal elections and can lead to voter confusion due to significant changes like ranked choice voting. Some research indicates mixed results on whether these reforms actually lead to the election of more moderate candidates.
Here is a summary of what each state will decide:
Alaska — Repeal ranked choice voting
Alaska currently uses a nonpartisan, top-four primary system and ranked choice voting for general elections, both established by a 2020 ballot measure. The ranked choice voting system was used for the first time in the 2022 election, resulting in Democrat Mary Peltola winning the lone U.S. House seat. Opponents now seek to overturn this system through a ballot measure this year.
Arizona — Nonpartisan primaries
Proposition 140 proposes eliminating partisan primaries in Arizona, allowing all voters to vote for any candidate in the primary, regardless of party affiliation. Lawmakers will determine the number of candidates advancing to the general election. Complicating matters, voters will simultaneously decide on Proposition 133, which would keep partisan primaries.
Colorado — Nonpartisan primaries and ranked choice voting
Initiative 310, if approved, would establish a top-four primary system and implement ranked choice voting in general elections. This measure is set to take effect in 2026, though state legislation might delay its implementation until 2028.
District of Columbia — Semi-open primaries and ranked choice voting
Ballot Initiative 83 proposes allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in party primaries and implementing ranked choice voting, enabling voters to rank five candidates for most offices.
Idaho — Nonpartisan primaries and ranked choice voting
Idaho’s measure would create a top-four primary system and introduce ranked choice voting for general elections, repealing a 2023 ban on ranked choice voting.
Montana — Nonpartisan primaries and majoritarian general elections
Montana voters will consider two measures: one for a top-four primary system and another to ensure majority rule in elections, potentially through ranked choice voting or runoffs.
Nevada — Nonpartisan primaries and ranked choice voting
Ballot Question No. 3, if passed, would introduce a top-five primary system and ranked choice voting for general elections. This constitutional amendment passed once in 2022 and must be approved again this year.
Oregon — Ranked choice voting
Measure 117 proposes implementing ranked choice voting for both primary and general elections starting in 2028, impacting presidential, congressional, gubernatorial, and other statewide races.
South Dakota — Nonpartisan primaries
A ballot measure would establish a nonpartisan top-two primary system, allowing the two candidates with the most votes to advance to the general election.
Additionally, various states are considering other election-related measures. Connecticut will decide on allowing no-excuse absentee voting, Ohio may establish a citizen redistricting commission, and eight states, including North Carolina and Wisconsin, will weigh measures explicitly prohibiting noncitizen voting.
