Proposition 140 would create an open primary election system in Arizona in which voters and candidates, regardless of political affiliation, would participate.
The measure, known as the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act, would abolish taxpayer-paid partisan primaries and outline a process to determine how many primary contenders advance to the general election ballot. It also would require voters to rank their choices if there are more than two candidates on the general election ballot seeking a single seat.
If approved by the voters, it would amend the state Constitution. Open primaries would take effect for the 2026 elections.
As a citizen initiative, this measure would be shielded by the Voter Protection Act of 1998. That act states the Legislature cannot repeal an initiative approved by the people. Lawmakers can amend an initiative if the amendment advances the purpose of the law, but it requires a three-fourths vote to do so.
The Make Elections Fair Act faced a lengthy and contentious legal battle before it qualified for the ballot.