STATEMENT: Midterm Results Show Continued Progress for Election Reform

Across the country, voters overwhelmingly supported protecting and defending the ballot initiative process, while the fate of Alaska’s election system remains too close to call. As of midday Wednesday, here are the initial results of some of the measures Unite America and partners are tracking:

• Win: Missouri voters approved Amendment 6, protecting the initiative process and making it harder for legislators to overturn voter-approved laws.
• Win: Montana voters approved CI-133, strengthening protections for citizen initiatives and referendums. 
• Win: North Dakota voters rejected Measure 1, preserving majority rule for constitutional amendments.
• Win: South Dakota voters rejected Constitutional Amendment L, preserving majority rule for constitutional amendments.
• Win: Utah voters rejected Amendment B, preserving majority rule for citizen-proposed laws.
• Loss: Massachusetts voters rejected Question 3, which would have established a top-two open, all-candidate primary for state elections.
• Still waiting: Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2, which would repeal the state’s top-four election system, is currently leading by nearly four percentage points but is too close to call.

Unite America Executive Director Nick Troiano issued the following statement celebrating the results:

“In addition to voters’ overwhelming desire for change, last night was a continuation of a consequential year for election reform. This year, open primaries made progress from New Mexico to Pennsylvania to DC, and reformers stopped attempts to close primaries in nine states. Everywhere it was on the ballot yesterday, voters protected their ability to enact change through the initiative and referendum process. And finally, while we’re still waiting for the final result in Alaska, initial returns are promising.”

We also commend the campaign leaders, volunteers and supporters of the Yes on 3 Campaign in Massachusetts, who overcame partisan political opposition and litigation to put this question directly to the voters. The campaign created an important statewide conversation about who gets to participate and how candidates are held accountable. Building support for structural reform takes time, and their work has laid a foundation for the future.

After a midterm season in which just fewer than 10% of eligible voters elected more than 80% of the U.S. House, and with Americans increasingly frustrated by the status quo, the need to improve our elections is more urgent than ever.”

What to expect in Alaska

Alaska accepts absentee ballots for up to 15 days after Election Day, in part because 82% of its communities are inaccessible by road. The Alaska Division of Elections is targeting November 25 for certification.

That timeline is not unusual. In 2024, repeal led by 1.9 points on Election Night before the remaining ballots reversed the outcome and the race was called for the “No” side 15 days later.

Additional resources:

• Under the Radar: Ballot Measures That Could Reshape How Americans Vote
• Unite America Statement on Election Gamesmanship in Alaska
• Alaska’s Election System Blunts Political Gamesmanship
• Election Day 2026: The Results We Already Know

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Unite America is a philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform to foster a more representative and functional government.

‍For More Information: Ross Sherman, Unite America Press Director, ross@uniteamerica.org, 207-749-2660

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