To the Editor:
The Minnesota Legislature is currently considering a ranked-choice voting bill that would give all cities, counties and school districts the same right Bloomington has: to be able to consider using ranked-choice voting for their local elections.
It only makes sense that all jurisdictions should have the same freedom to conduct their elections in the manner that works best for them.
While I support expanding the opportunity to all jurisdictions, the part of the bill I am particularly excited about – considering my city already uses ranked-choice voting – is that it allows the Secretary of State to certify tabulation software that would provide faster election results in ranked-choice voting elections. Several states and cities across the country are already using this software, and it’s free for our state to use.
I have worked on several campaigns under ranked-choice voting elections, and I can attest to the desire to have faster results on election night, particularly in close races.
As a longtime supporter of ranked-choice voting, my support has only grown since Bloomington adopted it. Ranked-choice voting has saved our city the cost of conducting low-turnout summer primaries, increased voter turnout, and given voters more choices on their November ballot. Ranked-choice voting brings a more inclusive, civil and less polarizing democracy to Bloomington, and that’s exactly what we need more of in our democracy.
Let’s expand these same opportunities to other jurisdictions and speed up election night results by passing the Local Voices, Local Choices Act.
Sharon Billings
Bloomington