In 2023, the “Better Ballot, Better Arizona Act” was filed as a citizens’ initiative petition to amend the state constitution. Although the campaign ultimately didn’t collect the signatures needed to put it on the 2024 ballot for Arizona voters, we believe this proposed model would be a worthwhile improvement to Arizona elections.
This measure would:
- Equalize signature gathering requirements for candidates regardless of party.
- Allow all voters, regardless of partisan registration, to participate in a unified primary election that includes all eligible candidates.
- Allow voters to elect a majority winner by ranking up to 5 candidates in the general election.
These improvements would put voters first by better aligning the incentives for candidates and elected officials with the will of the voters, regardless of party, including independents. Elected officials would be accountable to the majority of the constituents that they represent, not just voters from their party’s primary.
You can find the Better Ballot, Better Arizona Act below.
Overview:
“This constitutional amendment broadens voters’ options for covered state and congressional offices in primary and general elections. For covered primaries, eligible voters may sign any nominating petition. Candidates for covered public office require the equal specified number of signatures and will be listed on the same ballot. For single-winner primaries, the top five candidates advance to the general election, while in multi-winner primaries, an additional candidate advances for each available seat. Voting is tabulated in rounds wherein candidates are eliminated or elected. If one’s first choice candidate is eliminated, one’s second choice candidate is counted as a first choice in the next round. Process continues until all available offices are filled with candidates receiving a majority of votes. Identifying candidate party affiliations is authorized. Any constitutional prohibition against local political subdivisions implementing this system is eliminated. Permits public money for presidential preference elections only if Independents and those with no party preference or registered with parties not qualified for representation on the ballot are allowed to vote in these primaries. Amendment exempts itself from Revenue Source Rule, or alternatively is funded with additional filing fee for political committees. Write-in candidates are disallowed.”