Dear Editor: Vote for CI-126 and CI-127

Dear Editor,

You may have heard the statistic that just 6% of Montana voters effectively elected 88% of the Montana House of Representatives in 2022. If you haven't heard that yet, it might shock you, but it's true! 

There was a time when I was one of those 6% who believed that our political parties should have all the power when it came to nominating candidates. I was all-in on the Republican party, even serving on the State Republican Executive Committee. I still believe in conservative principles, but a few years back, I started asking questions of my fellow Republicans. Why were we suddenly so concerned about total loyalty to the party? Why couldn't we have a conversation about our values and how to make the best decisions for the future of Montana?

I was told, "Toe the line, or you're no longer invited to the party." But I was born and raised in Montana, so I know that's not the Montana way. That's why I joined the group of Montanans working to pass CI-126 and CI-127. 

If you're happy with the way politics have been going, then you don't need to listen to me. Go ahead and toe the party line. But if you want a different way, CI-126 and CI-127 will get us there. 

I do find it interesting that the same election rules the Republican party is opposing in CI-126 and CI-127 are the same rules they use to elect members to their own state offices and national committees. If it's good enough for the Montana GOP, shouldn't it be good for all Montana voters? Or do we only want "our" side to have more choice and freedom in our elections?

Our politics are broken. If you care about Montana and you want to see us fix our broken politics, join me in voting for CI-126 and CI-127. Let's take our elections back into our own hands, take power away from our two political parties, and give it back to voters where it belongs.

TED KRONEBUSCH

Montanans for Election Reform