Colorado is evaluating Proposition 131, which would shift to an all-candidate primary system followed by ranked choice general elections. This proposal mirrors Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2, passed in 2020, which Giessel initially opposed but later supported after witnessing its benefits firsthand. Her successful campaign in 2022 exemplifies the positive outcomes of the new system, emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and education in navigating changes to the electoral process.
As Colorado considers Proposition 131, which proposes a shift to an all-candidate primary system followed by ranked choice elections, Alaska’s recent experience offers a pertinent example. In 2020, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 2, which bears a striking resemblance to Colorado’s proposal. This new electoral framework was first implemented in Alaska during the 2022 congressional special election and the subsequent regular elections. Alaska Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, a Republican from Anchorage, shared her insights with the Colorado Sun. Initially opposed to Ballot Measure 2, Giessel changed her stance after losing her 2020 reelection to a more conservative candidate, which led her to appreciate the benefits of the new system. Proposition 131 envisions that all candidates run in the primaries regardless of party affiliation, with the top four candidates advancing to ranked choice voting in the general election. In her 2022 campaign, Giessel contended with multiple candidates, ultimately winning the election with 57% of the votes in the second round of ranked choice tallying after the Democrat was eliminated. She noted that the ranked choice voting process allows voters to rank their preferences, fostering a more inclusive and representative electoral environment. Giessel emphasized the importance of voter engagement that the new system promotes, stating, “Elections are for the voters. They are not for political parties’ benefit.” This philosophy resonates with the shift in how candidates approach campaigning—encouraging outreach to all voters rather than solely targeting likely supporters. Addressing concerns about voter education, Giessel recounted the successful double implementation of the all-candidate primary system in Alaska, which resulted in more than 99% of ballots being filled out correctly. She pointed to extensive efforts to inform voters, highlighting the significance of understanding how the new system operates. In response to skepticism regarding her motivations for supporting Ballot Measure 2, Giessel argued that the focus should be on governance outcomes rather than merely electoral results. She noted that in Alaska, a bipartisan coalition emerged in the Senate, comprising both Democrats and Republicans, who collaboratively prioritized significant issues such as a balanced budget and educational funding, showcasing the potential for improved governance that can arise from the newly implemented system.
The article discusses Colorado’s Proposition 131, which proposes to alter the state’s election process by adopting an all-candidate primary system and ranked choice voting for general elections. This reform mirrors Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2, which Alaskan voters approved in 2020. The successful application of this measure in Alaska during subsequent elections provides a case study for Colorado. Cathy Giessel, a key political figure in Alaska, reflects on her initial opposition and subsequent support for the new system, illustrating its potential to benefit voters and enhance electoral representation. The article also addresses voter education efforts in Alaska that facilitated a smooth transition to this new electoral process, aiming to assuage concerns regarding public understanding of the system.
The insights provided by Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel of Alaska offer Colorado voters valuable lessons as they consider Proposition 131. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive electoral process by allowing all candidates to compete in primaries, followed by ranked choice voting. Giessel’s journey from opposition to advocacy underscores the potential for electoral reforms to enhance voter engagement and improve governance outcomes. With successful voter education initiatives already implemented in Alaska, Colorado has an opportunity to learn from these experiences, ensuring a smooth transition and strong voter participation in this new electoral framework.
Original Source: coloradosun.com
