BOISE, Idaho — Idahoans for Open Primaries commended the Idaho Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general challenging a ballot initiative aimed at opening Idaho’s closed primary elections and implementing a ranked-choice voting system.
The challenge was brought by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador last month, who argued that organizers misled voters by using the term “open primaries” instead of “top-four primary” when collecting signatures. According to AP News, he also claimed the initiative violated the Idaho Constitution’s prohibition against including more than one issue in a single ballot initiative. However, the Idaho Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit.
“This court’s dismissal of Attorney General Labrador’s lawsuit is a major victory for Idaho voters,” said Luke Mayville, spokesperson for Idahoans for Open Primaries. “Based on his recent political maneuvers, it seems the Attorney General is reluctant to let Idahoans vote on this issue. The court’s decision ensures that all voters—including independents—will have the opportunity to participate in every taxpayer-funded election.”
Mayville also addressed the court’s suggestion that the Attorney General might re-file his lawsuit in a lower court.
“This lawsuit is dead in the water. Even if the Attorney General decides to try again in a lower court, he won’t have enough time before Election Day. Today’s decision guarantees that the people of Idaho will have the chance to decide at the ballot box in November.”
