Montana, Not Just Party

10/31/2024

One more chance to see the film, Majority Rules. Get you tickets for the Billings Happy Hour and
Majority Rules Film Screening this Friday!

10/31/2024

Northern Plains proudly supports CI-126 and CI-127 because we believe our Montana communities are stronger when voters are empowered with more choices on the ballot and when candidates are incentivized to address the concerns of all Montanans, regardless of party affiliation. More choices allow for local representation that supports our Montana values of clean air, land, water, family farms and ranches, and a thriving democracy.

CI-126 will create a top-four open primary in Montana, with all qualified candidates listed on one primary ballot. Currently, voters are forced to pick just one party’s ballot in the primary. Under CI-126, Montana voters can instead choose between all qualified candidates, giving us better choices and greater ability to hold politicians accountable and helping us elect leaders who are more representative of the majority of Montana voters.

CI-126 gives Montana voters:
-Better choices on the ballot
-More freedom to vote for the person, not the party
-More voice in our elections
-Greater accountability over elected officials

CI-127 requires candidates to win a majority of votes in the General election. Why is this important? Because currently, candidates can win election to office with less than half of voters’ support. This enables candidates to focus on narrow interests and win elections without representing a majority of their constituents. Montana voters deserve elected officials who are accountable and responsive to all Montanans.

With ballots out, we hope you'll learn more about these important initiatives seeking to strengthen Montana's democracy. We ask you to consider voting YES on CI-126 and CI-127.

For additional resources and information, visit Montanans for Election Reform (see comments below for a link).

10/24/2024

Cathy Giessel stopped by Voices of Montana...

Cathy Giessel's transformation from opponent to advocate for Alaska's open primary system is noteworthy.

Check out the Alaska state senator's story and learn how these reforms are reshaping political landscapes in Alaska, and how they could potentially do the same in Montana: https://voicesofmontana.com/podcast/elections-on-elections-ci-126-127-from-an-alaskans-perspective/

10/24/2024

Join Veterans for Montana Voters and Veterans for All Voters Founder, Eric Bronner for a Happy Hour and Drinks at Art House Billings prior to the viewing 🥂

01/20/2024

Our current mode of electing candidates for office is a relic of the past.
https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/open-primaries-are-needed-now-that-the-two-party-system-has-failed

01/13/2024

"Elections: Integrity and Involvement" Come one and all to the Paradise Center on January 14th from 2-4 and hear from Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, Jesse Mullen, from 4-term Republican legislator, Frank Garner, and from Eric Buhler, Executive Director of Ranked Choice Voting Montana. See you there!

01/08/2024

Open Primaries President John Opdycke has a new monthly column in The Fulcrum in which he offers his own insights into how a people-powered democracy movement can revamp our political process.

There’s magic in an open primary system

01/07/2024

✨ We are as enthusiastic as you are, Mary! 🗳️ Elevating Democracy Together! 🗳️

Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting bring us closer to a democracy that truly represents our voices. 🤝

12/28/2023

‘Tis the season for the gift of democracy!✨ 🌟

12/25/2023

🗳️ Ranked Choice Voting: Your Vote, Your Voice! 🗳️

Fairbanks resident Scott Crass says:
✅ Candidates seek broad appeal
✅ Promotes civility in campaigns
✅ Removes the "spoiler effect"
✅ No need for strategic voting