Boise State University Survey Finds Majority Favor Open Primary System
Researchers say support for open primaries consistent across political parties
Boise, Idaho – January 19, 2024 – The Ninth Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey presented by the Boise State University School of Public Service includes a battery of data about elections in Idaho. The findings, which represent all parties and counties in Idaho, show support for key elements of the Open Primaries Initiative.
Results show Idahoans favor open primary elections by a 31-point margin, with 57.6 percent of respondents supporting a top-four primary system where voters use one ballot with all candidates listed, regardless of the candidate’s or the voter’s political affiliation.
“This strong support for open primaries validates what so many of our volunteers have experienced,” said Bruce Newcomb, former Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives and member of the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition. “We’ve seen enthusiasm for this initiative across the state, securing more than 55,000 signatures and eight districts in a matter of months. Voters want a chance to participate and have their voices heard.”
The survey captures issues affecting Idahoans and tracks sentiment year-over-year. Conducted Nov. 4-14 among 1,007 adults across all 44 counties in Idaho, researchers are confident that the sample is representative of the whole state.
“To build this survey each year, we meet with stakeholders including legislative leadership, the Secretary of the State and various groups,” said Dr. Matthew May, report co-author and Survey Research Director for the School of Public Service. “When we hear an issue brought up by multiple parties, it’s a strong indicator that it will be a relevant issue in the upcoming legislative session. The battery of data about elections was incorporated because it continued coming forward in those conversations.”
In addition to 67 percent of respondents saying they had no concerns about the security of Idaho elections, the election-focused questions included voter sentiment on ranked choice voting. Respondents were asked whether they favor ranked choice voting as an alternative to a top-four primary system.
“The survey shows broad support across party lines for top-four open primaries—the core element of the open primaries initiative,” said Luke Mayville, Idahoans for Open Primaries Executive Director. “The numbers on ranked choice voting should be read with skepticism. The survey presented ranked choice voting as an alternative to the top-four system and was unclear about how they work together. In fact, the two reforms work hand-in-hand to give voters more choice and more voice.”
Enhancing voter voice will be critical in 2024, especially considering the key finding that for the first time in the survey’s history, those who feel Idaho is on the wrong track outnumber those who feel the state is on the right track. The full report is available on the Boise State University School of Public Service website.
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