Northern Plains proudly supports CI-126 and CI-127 because we believe our Montana communities are stronger when voters are empowered with more choices on the ballot and when candidates are incentivized to address the concerns of all Montanans, regardless of party affiliation. More choices allow for local representation that supports our Montana values of clean air, land, water, family farms and ranches, and a thriving democracy.
CI-126 will create a top-four open primary in Montana, with all qualified candidates listed on one primary ballot. Currently, voters are forced to pick just one party’s ballot in the primary. Under CI-126, Montana voters can instead choose between all qualified candidates, giving us better choices and greater ability to hold politicians accountable and helping us elect leaders who are more representative of the majority of Montana voters.
CI-126 gives Montana voters:
- Better choices on the ballot
- More freedom to vote for the person, not the party
- More voice in our elections
- Greater accountability over elected officials
CI-127 requires candidates to win a majority of votes in the General election. Why is this important? Because currently, candidates can win election to office with less than half of voters’ support. This enables candidates to focus on narrow interests and win elections without representing a majority of their constituents. Montana voters deserve elected officials who are accountable and responsive to all Montanans.
With ballots out, we hope you’ll learn more about these important initiatives seeking to strengthen Montana’s democracy. We ask you to consider voting YES on CI-126 and CI-127.
