The Arizona Globe has closely followed the quiet behind-the-scenes battle between proponents of Prop 140, which would change Arizona’s current party-primary process into one that mimics California’s ranked-choice voting system. Initial stories on August 26 and September 20, 2024, highlighted the continued attempts by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AFEC) to thwart the change. They argued that the ranked-choice system would prevent future fair elections by eliminating party choices to compete.

At the heart of the initial challenge is the alleged failure of supporters to garner the required number of signatures to get the measure on the ballot. A Special Master appointed to review claims of duplicate signatures found approximately 40,000, a number that would disqualify the ballot measure from appearing. However, delays in the challenge resulted in the State including Prop 140 on the ballot.

AFEC’s challenge initially resulted in a decision to discount votes for the proposition since it was too late to strike it from the ballot. However, the most recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court allows the proposition to be enforced if it prevails. The ruling prompted a quick response from both the Republican and Libertarian parties.

How the state’s voters will react is unclear, but Arizona business leaders and political observers oppose the measure. Polling on the issue has been notably absent, and the outcome is likely to be determined by whichever side can communicate its message most effectively.