ASU hosts debate on Prop. 121, the 'Open Elections/Open Government Initiative'

If Proposition 121, the “Open Elections/Open Government Initiative,” still has you confused, then come to Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus at 6 p.m., Oct. 9, for an open debate on the pros and cons of this initiative.

The debate takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cooley Ballroom in the Student Union and is sponsored by Arizona State University.

Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, head of The Arizona Open Government Coalition, the group behind the measure, will debate Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, who heads the opposition group, Save Our Vote. Gilbert Town Manager Patrick Banger will moderate.

Proposition 121, known as the Open Elections/Open Government initiative, would amend the state Constitution to give Arizona what is commonly known as a top-two primary system. In this system the primary, in effect, becomes more like a general election in which all candidates and all voters may participate regardless of party affiliation. The top two vote getters of that election, regardless of party label, would then advance to the November general election

This proposition applies to all Arizona elections in which a candidate's party affiliation, registration, or preference may appear on the ballot. It does not apply to elections in which no party affiliation, registration, or preference appears on the ballot, and it also does not apply to the system for the election of President and Vice President of the United States.

The debate is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Lot 10. For directions to ASU’s Polytechnic campus, visit the website: http://www.asu.edu/map/interactive/?campus=polytechnic. The Cooley Ballroom is in the building titled “UNION.”