The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Oct. 11, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Apparently sensing an existential threat to their power, Idaho GOP leaders are pulling every lever to defeat an open primaries and ranked choice voting citizen initiative. The measure would allow over 275,000 independent voters to have their voices heard in primaries, and offer more choices to voters.
Proposition 1 would repeal a 2023 law prohibiting ranked choice voting in Idaho, establish a “top 4” open primary system, and use ranked choice voting to ensure the winner among the four candidates in the general election receives a 50%+1 majority.
Over 97,000 qualifying signatures were delivered in July. Since then, the state attorney general filed a suit to invalidate the signatures claiming they QUOTE, “misrepresented” the proposition to voters. That suit was later dismissed.
Then, Secretary of State Phil McCrane quoted a scare-tactic cost of $25 to $40 Million dollars to implement ranked choice, citing the replacement of the state’s ballot tabulators. Idahoans for Open Primaries cites the State of Maine’s implementation for less than half a million dollars.
Governor Brad Little publicly opposed it September 27th. Then Oct. 1st, Republican House Speaker Mike Moyle told the Idaho Capital Sun that the legislature would likely amend or repeal the measure if voters approve it.
Six other states – Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota plus DC – vote on similar measures in November. We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
State of Idaho VoteIdaho – Initiatives & Amendments for 2024
Boise Public Radio – Open Primaries Initiative supporters to deliver verified signatures to Secretary of State
Boise Public Radio – Idaho judge dismisses AG’s challenge to open primaries ballot initiative
Governor Brad Little – Voter participation, confidence in elections paramount
Idaho Capital Sun – Move to ranked-choice voting could cost at least $25M to $40M, Idaho’s top election official says
Idaho Capital Sun – Idaho House GOP opposes Prop 1 ballot initiative, may repeal or amend it if voters pass it
Idahoans for Open Primaries – Frequently Asked Questions About Proposition 1
Groups Taking Action:
Idahoans for Open Primaries, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Open Primaries, FairVote
Check Your Voter Registration:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
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