Libertarian Party of California backs ‘Undo the Top Two’ initiative

The Libertarian Party of California has endorsed a ballot measure that would end the state’s top-two primary system and return November general election access to recognized parties. Party leaders say the change would restore voter choice and give minor parties a path back onto the ballot.

Why it matters: - The proposed “Undo the Top Two” initiative would reopen California’s November general election ballot to all recognized political parties. - The measure targets a system the Libertarian Party of California says has pushed third-party candidates off the ballot and limited voter choice. - California also bars write-in votes for partisan offices in the general election, leaving some voters without a candidate who matches their views.

What happened: - The Libertarian Party of California endorsed the “Undo the Top Two” ballot initiative. - The party’s Executive Committee unanimously reaffirmed that endorsement at its August meeting. - The Executive Committee had already voted to support the measure before the initiative was officially released for circulation by the California Secretary of State. - Loren Dean, chair of the Libertarian Party of California, urged California voters to sign the petition.

The details: - The initiative would end California’s top-two primary system. - The change would restore the ability of all recognized political parties to place candidates on the November General Election ballot. - Dean said the top-two system has largely eliminated third-party candidates from the November ballot. - Dean also said California’s ban on write-in votes for partisan offices leaves millions of voters without a general-election candidate who represents them. - The Libertarian Party of California also supports broader reforms, including ranked ballots and proportional representation. - The party has opposed the top-two system since it began. - The party opposed Proposition 14, which created the system in 2010. - In 2024, the party joined the Peace and Freedom Party and the Green Party of California in a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the top-two system and its effect on minor-party candidates and voters.

Between the lines: - The endorsement fits a broader campaign by minor parties to claw back ballot access in California. - The party’s support for ranked ballots and proportional representation suggests the initiative is being treated as one step in a larger electoral reform effort. - The unanimous committee vote signals internal unity behind the measure.

What's next: - The Libertarian Party of California is urging voters to sign the petition supporting the initiative. - The ballot measure would move forward if it qualifies for the ballot and reaches voters for consideration.

The bottom line: - The Libertarian Party of California is betting that ending the top-two primary would make California elections more competitive and more open to third-party candidates.