Democracy + Elections
Election Reform Measures Lost; Election Reform Didn’t
What to learn—and what to leave behind—from the 2024 ballot measure losses in Cascadia.
Alaskans Keep Their Model Election System
The open primaries and ranked choice voting that have delivered more representation for independents and moderate Republicans survived a repeal effort. 
Portland Election Delivers City’s Most Representative Council Ever
Proportional ranked choice voting lived up to the promises of the voter-approved charter reform.
Montana: So Close to Better Elections
Primaries featuring more choice for voters and candidates almost became the law in Big Sky Country.
Almost One in Three Idahoans Wanted Open Primaries and Instant Runoff Elections
In the reddest patch of Cascadia, a sizable minority of voters wished for a system to thwart spoilers, promote cooperation, and allow participation beyond partisan labels.
Oregon Elections Will Continue to Suffer Spoiler Candidates
The state’s voters rejected Measure 117 to implement ranked choice voting in the state, though notably not in places where voters use ranked choice voting locally.
Portland Voters are Shifting into a Higher Gear
More choices mean more legwork but should lead to a more effective and representative government.
Idaho Has a Spoiler Problem
Closed primaries exclude voters, encourage divisive behavior, and can subvert the will of Idahoans.
What’s Different in Alaska Since Election Laws Changed
How Alaskans have responded to nonpartisan open primaries and ranked choice voting.
Montana’s Plurality Problem
Political gamesmanship and the spoiler effect prevent majority winners in some of the Treasure State’s most impactful elections.
