Ranked-Choice Voting Provides Alternative to Runoff Elections

This article argues that in Bay City, voters are actively requesting a stronger voice in their local elections by requiring a second “runoff” election when no candidate receives a clear majority of votes, and that ranked-choice voting will be a great alternative, citing data from Cynthia and RepresentWomen. Read an excerpt below:

A study by FairVote examining RCV elections in California found that candidates of color ran for office at a rate 8.4% higher than before.

According to an interview with Cynthia Richie of RepresentWomen, women are twice as likely to be elected to office in cities where RCV is in effect.

Proponents argue that RCV will increase participation because it improves chances for outside and third-party candidates.

Opponents believe that RCV is more confusing and that some voters will choose not to make the effort or make mistakes on their ballots.

Both sides believe their idea costs less. RCV supporters suggest that the cost of implementing the new system would be far less than the amount it currently costs to host runoff elections, while opponents believe that voter education and updating voting systems would be too expensive.

By giving third-party and outsider candidates a fair chance, supporters say, we can finally start to shake up the two-party system that is responsible for so much gridlock and nasty campaigning.

Proponents of RCV argue that candidates from all different backgrounds will have their voices heard under RCV, taking power away from large corporate donors and entrenched establishment candidates.

Read the full article here.

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