If there were ever an election poster child for ranked-choice voting (RCV), the open election for Hennepin County attorney would be it. This is a nonpartisan race in which the top two candidates in the Aug. 9 primary will advance to the general election in November. In a highly competitive race with seven candidates, the top two who move on are likely to do so with a small share of voter support. This split-vote result will be compounded by low turnout in an early August primary.
Ranked Choice Voting is the answer for Minnesota (Owatonna People’s Press)
In Minnesota, in every election cycle for the past two decades or longer, we have seen major political races won by candidates securing less than majority (50%) of the vote. Think Governor Ventura and Senator Franken and Governor Pawlenty and others. Again, this year,...