Proposition D - Proposed by Initiative Petition

Summary

An ordinance establishing an open, non-partisan system for elections to the offices of Mayor, Comptroller, President of the Board of Aldermen, and Alderman that enables voters to choose all the candidates they wish in the open, non-partisan primary and allow the top two candidates to then compete in a runoff general election.

A "YES" vote on Proposition D is a vote in favor of changing to an approval voting system, which will replace the current primary system with an open, non-partisan primary, enabling voters to choose all candidates they wish in the primary, and allowing the top two candidates to then compete in the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

A "NO" vote on Proposition D is a vote in opposition to changing to an approval voting system and maintains the existing primary and general election system.

Arguments

"The measure would significantly reduce the importance of the Democratic Party in the city since candidates for all but county-type offices such as sheriff and circuit attorney would run on a nonpartisan basis.", in opposition to Proposition D (Learn more)

"Because St. Louis is heavily Democratic, the Democratic primary has been the de facto general election for many decades.", in opposition to Proposition D (Learn more)

"It’s a simple thing that would be a really big change, and I would say a cool thing as a big change [that] would also tend to have better results for African American and forward-thinking politicians, folks who are progressives or folks who are more focused on the issues...We have what is known as really one of the worst possible systems of election. A partisan primary, again with a general partisan election, in a municipal election, doesn't really allow you to vote on the issues but more on the team that you’re on.”, in support of Proposition D (Learn more)

"People don't have to strategically vote for the candidate they view as most likely to win over their favorite. They can cast votes for multiple candidates, reducing the spoiler effect that can swing elections to those without broad support." , in support of Proposition D (Learn more)

Measure Details