It’s time to put Montana’s elections back into the hands of Montana voters.
Big-money special interests have too much power in Montana’s elections. Open primaries put voters first, giving Montana voters better choices, more freedom, and greater accountability in our elections.
These are Montana-made solutions for Montanans, by Montanans. It’s the Montana way.
How Do Open Primaries Work?
CI-126 is a constitutional citizen initiative that creates an open primary election so that all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot in June and all voters can choose between them. The top four candidates, regardless of party, would then move on to the November election.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying About CI-126
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“I lost nine of my paratroopers in Afghanistan, and the politics we see today isn’t what they sacrificed for. That’s why I’m voting YES on CI-126, so we can choose the candidates who truly match our values.”
David O.
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Helena -
“Our children deserve leaders who work for them. CI-126 puts voters back in charge so that our children can live, work, and raise their families here.”
Starsha F.
Teacher, Helena -
“Candidates should have to work to earn our votes. Open primaries mean more competition in our elections, helping us hold our leaders accountable.”
Sandy T.
Kalispell -
“Better choices in our elections puts the power back in the hands of Montana voters where it belongs.”
Ready F.
Carpenter, Butte -
"Politicians should work for us, not the other way around. Open primaries make politicians more accountable to us, so they work harder to solve the real problems facing our state.”
Dave M.
Firefighter, Helena -
“I’m tired of being forced to choose between two parties when I vote in the primary. It’s time to put the power back in our hands, not political parties and special interests.”
Kristi A.
Nurse, Helena -
“As a veteran, I’m concerned about the strength of our democracy. Open primaries give us better choices and a way to hold politicians accountable, which is why I’m voting YES on CI-126.”
Scott W.
Retired Navy Commander, Bozeman -
“Montanans know our state is special. CI-126 helps hold politicians accountable to us so they’ll put Montana first instead of big money special interests.”
Frank G.
Retired Police Chief, Kalispell -
“In Montana, we know our neighbors. We should have the right to vote for who we think will do the best job serving our state, regardless of party. CI-126 gives us that power.”
Heather H.
Hairdresser, Helena
Montanans are tired of politicians who ignore the issues affecting our state.
With open primaries, politicians can’t ignore Montanans – they have to put voters first, not big-money special interests.
Why Open Primaries?
Open Primaries Put 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.
Political parties and the big-money special interests who fund them 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.
Better Choices On the Ballot
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.
People, Not Politicians
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 also 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.
