Backers of two proposed constitutional amendments concede defeat despite a close race for CI-126 and ongoing ballot counts in major counties.

Counties where a majority voted in favor of the initiative include Silver Bow, Roosevelt, Park, Missoula, Lewis and Clark, Glacier, Gallatin, Deer Lodge and Big Horn.

Voters in Montana who could change the state’s constitution — and the way the Treasure State votes — decided not to as results inched closer to being tallied across the snow-dusted state. The two changes were proposed in tandem and would have altered how voters choose candidates.

This year Montanans voted on two election reform ballot measures CI-126 and CI-127. As of Wednesday morning, the votes tallied had both measures down.

Two ballot initiatives that would change how Montana voting works remained too close to call after the first results from Tuesday’s elections were released, although one appeared slightly more popular