Idaho Secretary of State Confirms Open Primaries Initiative on November Ballot

‘Voting Yes on Proposition 1 is a vote for More Choice and More Voice’

Boise, Idaho – July 10, 2024 – In a landmark achievement, the Idaho Secretary of State's office announced today that the citizen-led Open Primaries initiative will be on the ballot this November as Proposition 1. This decision marks the culmination of months of dedication and work from Idaho volunteers and broad support from voters statewide.

“Just one week ago, we had nearly 400 Idahoans for Open Primaries supporters from across the state gathered on the Idaho State Capitol steps to submit the 97,000 signatures collected,” said Ashley Prince, Campaign Manager for Idahoans for Open Primaries. “They traveled from miles away in hopes that we would be able to move the Open Primaries Initiative forward. I’m elated to share today that Proposition 1 will be on our November ballots!”

The Open Primaries Initiative, now formally Proposition 1, will open Idaho's primary elections to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. This change will allow the 270,000 independent voters in Idaho to participate in taxpayer-funded elections without being forced to join a political party. 

An average 43 percent of U.S. adults identify as independents. That’s a record high and it’s still growing. But starting in 2011 when Idaho implemented the closed primary system, independent voters have been excluded from some of the most critical elections in the state. These include young voters, active military and veterans who fought for our freedom. 

“In a taxpayer funded election, no one should have to pick a party to participate,” said Luke Mayville, Idahoans for Open Primaries spokesperson. “Voting Yes for Proposition 1 is a vote to give every voter a voice in our elections.”

Idahoans for Open Primaries encourages all voters to learn more about open primaries, ask questions, understand why so many Idahoans support this initiative, and ultimately vote yes on Proposition 1 this November. For more information about the Open Primaries Initiative, visit YesForOpenPrimaries.com.

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