| Paige Wilton | The Argonaut |
If passed, Idaho Proposition 1, the Top-Four Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative, would strip away the classical partisan primary system and replace it with a top-four primary system. This means that the leading four candidates then go on to the general election instead of just two. This voting system would apply to all Idaho elected positions, from U.S. Senate members to county elective offices.
Currently, Idaho is one of only 10 states that has prohibited the use of ranked choice voting through state statute. On March 24, 2023, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 179 into law, prohibiting RCV.
Enacting RCV in Idaho
On Nov. 5, 2024, the Idaho Proposition 1 would potentially be overriding the law set by Little in 2023 and enacting RCV in Idaho.
“There are many theoretical benefits, like ideological moderation, a more complete expression of candidate preferences, larger and more diverse candidate pools and less negative campaigning,” said Markie McBrayer, an American politics specialist for the University of Idaho.
