Prop 1 could increase voter turnout and signal the direction of population growth

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) – Across the country, measures on ballots demonstrate an interest in reform, and Boise State University political scientist Dr. Jaclyn Kettler said Proposition 1 signals that some Idahoans feel misrepresented and unheard.

“The intense focus and energy surrounding Prop 1 suggests that many Idahoans are interested in change,” said Dr. Kettler.

Proposition 1 aims to fundamentally change the way elections are currently run in Idaho by replacing voter selection of party candidates with a top-four primary and requiring a ranked-choice voting system for general elections.

Dr. Kettler believes this could increase voter turnout because of the election campaign and the questions people had about the system.

“There is a lot of interest in the question: 'How do we want our state to govern? How do we want to choose our leader? And how do we involve people more in the process?'”

Dr. Kettler also expects this proposal to shed light on Idaho's recent population boom and whether it will spark political change or strengthen the state's traditionally conservative political trajectory.

“The result could be telling about how many people seem dissatisfied with the way we govern this state and how many people are satisfied, or at least not equally concerned, with our elections.”

Even if Prop 1 is successful. Dr. Kettler said it may not bring major changes in terms of elected officials. And if it fails, she's interested to see what people get from that discussion and whether its failure motivates Idahoans to think about other ways to change or get involved in state and local politics.

Read Prop 1 in full here.