One of the most closely watched elections in Idaho in 2024 may not involve any candidates or political parties.
Instead, Idahoans across the state are following Proposition 1, the ballot initiative that seeks to repeal Idaho’s closed party primary elections.
The Idaho Capital Sun reports Proposition 1 would create nonpartisan top-four primary elections that are open to all candidates and all voters, regardless of party affiliation.
Proposition 1 would also create ranked-choice voting in the general election.
In Idaho, a ballot initiative is a form of direct democracy where the voters – not the Idaho Legislature – decide whether to pass a law.
It takes a simple majority of votes – 50% plus one – to pass a ballot initiative.
Luke Mayville, a spokesperson for Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition, said Proposition 1 makes it so that all voters can vote in all elections.
Mayville said these are taxpayers, their tax dollars pay for primary elections and they should have the right to participate in those elections.
