Lonnies Wing in the Alexandria Echo Press
To the editor:
What if I told you there was a way to begin to undo the destruction created by the zero sum toxic partisanship that threatens the very existence of American democracy? What if I told you there was a way to reduce polarization and break through the gridlock? What if I told you there was a way for average citizens to begin to reclaim the political power that rightfully belongs to them?
If, like me, it has pained and frightened you to watch, over the past 30 years, as polarization has devastated our country, affecting not just our national politics but our communities and local elections, you might be ready for some good news. You might be ready to hear about a voting system that is commonly used across the world, along with two dozen cities in 17 states including five cities in Minnesota. It’s called “Ranked choice voting” or RCV.
Rather than attempt to explain how it works and why it works so well in the limited space here, I invite you to look into it yourself and make up your own mind. I will tell you that this voting system can be implemented on the local, state and federal levels without a constitutional amendment. All that’s required is enough concerned citizens putting enough pressure on enough elected officials.
To learn more I’d suggest reading “Breaking The Two-Party Doom Loop,” by Lee Drutman, or “A Declaration Of Independents,” by Greg Orman. I’d also strongly suggest exploring the “Fair Vote Minnesota” website.
The ranked choice voting movement is gaining momentum and it’s time to pay attention to this viable and tested solution for the sake of our democracy, and the generations to come. Let us leave them a more just, stable, prosperous, and safe America. United we stand, divided we fall.
Lonnie Wing
Alexandria, MN
