Governor Little Says He Opposes Proposition 1

By Greg Pruett • September 27, 2024

Governor Brad Little (R) has released a statement saying he is opposed to Proposition 1.

Little’s stance puts him on the opposite side of his predecessor, Republican Governor Butch Otter, who supports Prop 1. Little said in his statement that he is opposed to Ranked Choice Voting, which is one part of Prop 1’s changes to Idaho’s election system.

Here is the complete statement posted on Little’s website:

“As we inch closer to a big election, we reflect on the extraordinary importance of our election system in our great state and country. Elections are the cornerstone of our democratic republic, which is why I made Idaho the first state to take executive action to make sure only citizens vote in our elections. Idaho has a strong track record in championing investments that safeguard election integrity and encourage voter confidence.

I am opposed to ranked choice voting and signed House Bill 179 in 2023 banning it in Idaho. We must promote voting practices that are clear, increase voter participation, and don’t undermine confidence in our elections, and ranked choice voting meets none of those standards. Idahoans will make their voices heard on Proposition 1 at the ballot box in November. As for me, I will not be supporting Proposition 1.”

Little was one of the state’s top elected officials who had not made a public statement specific to Prop 1. Lt. Governor Scott Bedke (R) and Congressman Mike Simpson (R) remain the last two top elected officials who have not made a public statement on Prop 1.

Both U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R) and Mike Crapo (R) and Congressman Russ Fulcher (R) have come out against Prop 1.

Idaho Dispatch has a comprehensive list (click here to view) of Idaho’s state, congressional, and legislative lawmakers’ stances on Prop 1. They are listed by party in alphabetical order.

Idaho Dispatch will update this article with reactions to Little’s announcement as they become available.

Do you agree or disagree with Little’s stance on Prop 1? Let us know in the comments below.

Update on 9/27/24 at 1:46 p.m. MT: Idaho Dispatch has contacted Idahoans for Open Primaries, Reclaim Idaho, and GOP Chair Dorothy Moon for comment on Little’s opposition to Prop 1. We will post their reactions if one becomes available.