Defending Montana’s Electoral Integrity: Why CI-126 and CI-127 Are Dangerous for Our State
As the summer draws to a close and the countdown to absentee voting on October 7th begins, Montanans are confronted with critical decisions that will shape the future of our state’s electoral process. Among these decisions, the initiatives CI-126 and CI-127 stand out as particularly problematic, threatening the integrity of our elections and the voices of Montanans.
Understanding CI-126: A Threat to Voter Representation
CI-126 introduces the “top-four” or “jungle primary” system, where all candidates, regardless of party, appear on a single ballot, and the top four advance to the general election. While this might seem like a way to broaden choices, in reality, it dilutes voter representation—especially for those who support candidates outside the political mainstream. This system could distort election results, allowing candidates with a narrow, fervent base to advance, even if they don’t reflect the broader will of the people. The risk? Extremist candidates could gain traction, undermining the
democratic process.
The Risks of CI-127 and the Introduction of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)
CI-127, on the other hand, aims to ensure that certain offices are decided by a majority vote rather than a plurality. While majority rule is a democratic cornerstone, Montana currently lacks a clear legal framework to implement this change. This ambiguity could lead to the introduction of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), a system that has proven to be confusing and, in some cases, disenfranchising for voters.
RCV complicates the voting process by requiring voters to rank candidates, which can lead to confusion and a significant number of ballots being “exhausted”—up to 27.1% in some cases—when none of the ranked candidates remain in the race. This effectively silences a portion of the electorate, creating a “false majority” that doesn’t truly represent the will of all voters.
The Misleading Promises of RCV and the Reality of Negative Campaigning
Proponents of RCV claim it reduces negative campaigning, but evidence suggests otherwise. Negative campaigning often shifts to third-party groups not directly associated with candidates, as seen in Maine’s 2018 elections, where independent expenditures for negative ads surged. Additionally, RCV disproportionately affects older voters, less educated individuals, and non-English speakers—further marginalizing voices that are already underrepresented.
The Influence of Out-of-State Money and the Need for Vigilance
Adding to these concerns is the alarming influence of out-of-state money in promoting these initiatives. Organizations like Action Now, Sixteen Thirty Fund, and Unite America PAC are pouring vast sums into Montana to reshape our electoral process according to their agendas—not ours. Montanans should be wary of these attempts to buy our elections and impose outside interests on our state.
Standing Up for Montana’s Electoral Integrity
In light of these challenges, it is crucial that Montanans stand up for the integrity of our elections. CI-126 and CI-127 are not the solutions they claim to be; rather, they are pathways to confusion, disenfranchisement, and the erosion of our state’s sovereignty over its own elections.
I urge my fellow Montanans to vote NO on CI-126 and CI-127. Let’s keep our elections clear, fair, and representative of the will of the people. Our electoral processes should be determined by Montanans, for Montanans—let’s keep it that way.
