Montana’s election landscape could get a significant shift this November, as the Secretary of State’s Office has certified two ballot measures aimed at overhauling the state’s election system. Constitutional Initiatives 126 and 127 which have been financed by out-of-state liberal so-called “Dark Money” groups have qualified for the ballot.
On Thursday evening, just before 7:30 p.m., the Secretary of State’s website confirmed that CI-126 and CI-127 have qualified for the ballot. This certification marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle, bringing these proposed changes directly to Montana voters.
Montanans for Election Reform (MER), the front group for the initiatives, expressed their enthusiasm in a statement. “We’re grateful to make it through the final step of the certification process and see the will of over 100,000 Montanans who want to see these initiatives on the ballot honored,” said Frank Garner, a board member of MER. “Our citizens’ initiative process is critical for us to uphold Montana values and hold our politicians accountable. We’re excited to spend the next few months talking with voters across the state about how CI-126 and CI-127 will give voters better choices and allow us to vote for the person, not the party.”
About the proposals:
– CI-126: This initiative proposes a “top-four primary” system, where all candidates from all parties would be listed on a single primary ballot. The four candidates with the most votes, irrespective of party affiliation, would advance to the November general election. This would not apply to non-partisan races, which remain a “top two” system, with only two candidates advancing to the general election.
– CI-127: This measure seeks to ensure that the winner of the general election secures a majority of the votes—at least 50%. It would allow the Legislature to determine the implementation method, which could include options like a runoff election or a ranked-choice voting system.
Both CI-126 and CI-127 will appear on the same ballot as CI-128, another constitutional amendment that was certified on Tuesday and seeks to create a right to unlimited abortion in the Montana Constitution.
By: DNU staff
