Despite tally blunder, New York gets positive reviews for ranked-choice election

The article discusses the impact of a tallying error by the New York City Board of Elections during the first attempt at citywide ranked choice voting, citing Cynthia's name. Read an excerpt below:

Much of the focus in the New York City elections has been on the Democratic primary for mayor. With 13 candidates on the ballot, pro-RCV advocates say giving voters the opportunity to rank their top picks ensures no one's vote is wasted. Whichever Democrat wins will face Curtis Sliwa, who won the Republican primary, in the November general election.

Ranked-choice voting also played an important role in the city council races. All 51 seats were up for election, and 35 of the races lacked an incumbent. Having so many open races was a "boon for women and candidates of color," said Cynthia Richie Terrell, founder and executive director of RepresentWomen.

Throughout much of history, women and people of color who want to run for office have been told to "wait their turn," Terrell said, because they might "split the vote."

"In a ranked-choice voting election, you can have multiple women running and not split the vote," she said, offering one reason New York City has seen so many more women and people of color run in this year's elections.

The preliminary results show women leading in 29 of the council races, meaning for the first time in New York City's history the council could have majority female representation.

Read the full article here.

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