Arizona Supreme Court Decision Sparks Debate Over Ranked-Choice Voting Proposal

The Arizona Supreme Court has allowed a ranked-choice voting measure to remain on the November ballot, despite concerns over nearly 38,000 duplicate signatures that were discovered during the petition process. The decision has prompted outrage from conservative groups who argue the initiative lacks sufficient support.

Proposition 140, which would amend Arizona’s Constitution to allow an open primary system and ranked-choice voting, has faced significant opposition. Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates, with votes reallocated until one candidate receives a majority. Critics argue the system confuses voters and disrupts the tabulation process.

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AZFEC) filed a challenge after a court-appointed special master revealed the significant number of duplicate signatures supporting Prop 140. Despite this, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that the measure will remain on the ballot, citing the fact that ballots had already been printed.

AZFEC President Scot Mussi condemned the ruling, stating that the duplicate signatures should have disqualified the measure from consideration. “The special interest groups behind this proposal knew about the duplicate signatures but delayed the review to keep it on the ballot,” Mussi said.

Many conservatives share concerns that ranked-choice voting could lead to voter disenfranchisement. Jordan Kittleson of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Election Integrity warned that ranked-choice voting “manufactures confusion” and risks undermining the principle of one person, one vote.

The Arizona Supreme Court has not yet explained its reasoning behind the decision, but an official opinion is expected in the coming weeks.