Judge hears arguments on AZ primary election changes - CBS 5 - KPHO

A Maricopa County judge heard arguments Friday in a lawsuit filed by opponents of the open elections initiative.

The initiative would allow any voter, regardless of partisan affiliation, to vote for any primary election candidate for partisan office.

Also, the two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary would advance to the general election, regardless of partisan affiliation.

Currently, a voter registered with a party can only vote for primary election candidates from that party, though independents can pick candidates on one party's ballot. Also, only the top vote-getter from each party now advances to the general election.

Stay with cbs5az.com and CBS 5 News for updates on this developing story. 

Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.