The Problem
65% of voters report feeling exhausted just thinking about politics. They feel what we’ve known for a long time: our political system is dominated by special interests, SuperPACs, and partisan elites who enrich themselves at the public’s expense.
In our current system voters are punished any time a third candidate enters the race. In multiple recent elections, candidates have won with less than a majority — in one example with only 28%. That is not representative democracy.
This “spoiler effect” leads to fewer choices for voters while giving more power to the political insiders who manipulate the system. It’s time to give power back to us, the people.
The Solution: Ranked Choice Voting
How Ranked Choice Voting Works
- We as voters have the option to rank candidates in order of preference. First, second, third, and so on, as shown:
- If no candidate gets more than 50% support from first choices, the candidate with the lowest support is eliminated, and those votes automatically count for their next choice.
- The process repeats until a candidate wins with more than 50% of the vote.
Ranked Choice Voting Empowers Voters
- Voters are free to vote their preference. We’re not pressured to choose among only 2 candidates.
- Encourages a diverse slate of candidates. Candidates can freely run without worrying about splitting votes.
- Ensures winners have 50%+ voter support. Similar candidates splitting votes doesn’t lead to a <50% winner.
- Builds a more representative republic. Winners better represent our demographics and perspectives.
- Increases accountability to us, the voters. Candidates win by building coalitions and on policy, not division.
- Incentivizes positive campaigning. Finding common ground works better for candidates than negative ads.
Policy Overview
Enact Ranked Choice Voting For:
- Major Party Primaries (President, Governor, U.S. House and Senate).
- General Elections (Above, plus Attorney General and Secretary of State).
- Straight-ticket voting (Voters can rank parties, and they carry down the ballot).
- Allow expansion through local adoption and state legislature.
In Addition the Proposal Guarantees:
- We’re informed of any important updates to how or where we vote.
- Voters who are in line at the time of poll closure can cast their ballots.
- The right to use paper ballots in all elections.
- Primaries are moved from August to June or earlier.
See the full language of the petition here.