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PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona voters have rejected a ballot measure to adopt a top-two primary election system.

The measure placed on Tuesday's general election ballot through an initiative campaign called for Arizona to adopt a system similar to ones used by California, Louisiana and Washington state.

Approval would have meant that only the primary's top two finishers regardless of party affiliation would advance to the general election. And voters could vote for any primary election candidate regardless of party affiliation.

Now, each party's nominee advances to the general election. Also, people registered with a party now can use only the primary election ballot of that party.

Supporters said the proposal would produce more candidates willing to work across party lines. Critics said it'd weaken political parties and the voices they provide.