OPEN PRIMARIES PUT
MONTANA VOTERS FIRST

What are Open Primaries?

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Open primaries allow voters to choose from all qualified candidates, regardless of party, in primary elections. In a top four open primary, all candidates appear on the same primary ballot, and every voter gets a single ballot to vote, instead of being forced to choose one partisan ballot and therefore having their choices restricted. Voters choose their one preferred candidate for each race, and up to four candidates with the highest number of votes advance to the general election in November.

 

How do Open Primaries benefit voters?

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Open Primaries Put Montana Voters First

• The status quo isn’t working. Over half of Montanans think our state is on the wrong track, the highest number in recent years. 

• In 2022, only 6% of Montana voters effectively elected 88% of the Montana House, and 36 candidates did not have an opponent in the general election.

• It’s time for politicians to focus on the issues that matter to Montanans. With open primaries, politicians can’t ignore Montanans – they have to put voters first, not big money special interests. 

 

Open Primaries Allow Us to Vote Person, Not Party

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• Open primaries give every Montanan, regardless of their party affiliation, the freedom to vote for the candidate they believe best represents them for each office. More choice in our elections puts the power back in the hands of Montana voters where it belongs.

• Extreme partisanship, attack ads, and millions spent in special interest money threaten to make Montana’s elections just like every other state. Open primaries let voters choose the person, not the party, restoring Montana values and preserving what is good about Montana’s elections.

• Open primaries put voters first, giving Montana voters better choices, more freedom, and greater accountability in our elections. 

 

Open Primaries Give Us Better Choices on the Ballot

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• People are tired of being forced to choose between two parties. It’s time to put the power over Montana elections back in the hands of Montanans, not political parties and special interests. 

• In taxpayer-funded elections, Montana taxpayers should have the right to choose between all candidates, regardless of party. 

• Open primaries allow voters to pick who they believe is the best candidate for each race instead of restricting who they can choose from in primary elections. This gives Montana voters better choices and more voice in our elections.

 

Open Primaries Help Us Hold Politicians Accountable

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• Political parties have too much control over our elections. Open primaries give voters the chance to vote for the person, not the party, holding politicians accountable to their constituents.

• Open primaries create more competition in our elections, requiring candidates to work to earn our votes. That makes our leaders more accountable to “we the people,” not party bosses and special interests.

• Open primaries create greater competition in the general election, when more voters participate, meaning candidates have to appeal to a wider group of voters instead of party fringes.