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Join us in support of Ranked Choice Voting or contact us for more information.
Email:
andre3339@duck.com
American Troubles: A Tale of Two Democracies
American Troubles is a gripping documentary that journeys from the streets of Belfast to the ballots of Portland, tracing the roots of political division and the promise of healing.
Watch the 2 minute film trailer below. Watch the 40 minute film for free on Youtube.
Listen to LWVRV’s Barbara Klein on the Jefferson Exchange radio program discussing RCV and the film.
How does Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) work?
Ranking is common across life and in voting in many jurisdictions across the U.S. Still, it would be new to Ashland. Here is a brief explanation:
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a system in which voters rank their preferences among all the candidates for a certain seat in a general election.
First-choice votes on a RCV ballot are counted first. If no one wins, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their voters’ next-ranked candidates are counted. This process continues until there is a clear winner. The big difference for the voter is that, instead of having to choose just one candidate, you would be able to express your preferences for many candidates, so that your vote will count even if your top choice is eliminated.
Why Ashland needs Proportional Ranked Choice Voting
73.8% of Ashland voters supported RCV in the 2024 election!
Ashland is a great city. Working together on shared problems is an ethos. However, Ashland’s elections don’t always work for everyone.
We have some viewpoints that are unrepresented, while others are overly represented. We have big issues to contend with: our hospital, university, city economics, tax structure, schools, homeless, outdoor spaces. Solutions are best when all voices are heard–and when all votes matter.
With proportional RCV, we’d get both majority will and minority voice. Let’s upgrade our elections to ensure all voices are heard. Voters who support a minority viewpoint might earn their fair share of representation, along with the majority. Voters throughout the city would see their views reflected on the Council.
A voice for all of Ashland!
