Write a Letter to the Editor
You, yes you, should write an “LTE”
Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is an incredibly impactful way to advance Ranked Choice Voting. Do not be worried if you have never written one, or if you feel you have nothing new to say. Political power depends on many people speaking up together to demand change.
Steps to a great letter
- Read the “Example Letters” section of this page, so you can be a part of the current conversation.
- Select the newspaper you would like to submit to and learn their submission guidelines (e.g. word count, submission process, etc…).
- Aim to convey one or two messages in the “LTE Key Messages” section of this page.
- Write a letter that follows the three-part formula.
- The Hook. A personal, attention grabbing first sentence that conveys the gist of the letter.
- The Argument. One to three paragraphs that flesh out your argument and convey your perspective. Short, simple, and personal is best.
- The Call to Action. End with a clear call-to-action for one or two target audiences.
- If you would like feedback on what you have written, feel free to reach out to info@fairvotemn.org.
- Submit your letter via your newspaper’s submission process.
- Let us know what happens, whether or not your letter is published. We would love to echo your work through our channels.
Five Key Messages
The Spoiler Effect
Because of the third-party Spoiler Effect, our elections too often are won by unpopular candidates without majority support. Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to express support for third-party candidates while still assuring that the winner is authentically the most representative candidate.
Divisive Polarization
Divisiveness, deceitfulness and polarization are tearing our communities apart and it needs to stop. We need Ranked Choice Voting because it elevates unifying, truthful, issue-focused leaders.
More Choice + More Voice
Ranked Choice Voting gives voters more choice and more voice: it allows more viable candidates on the ballot while still assuring the winner is the best representative of the community.
Unrepresentative Primaries
The candidates on our local election ballots are chosen at costly, low-turnout, low-diversity, primaries. Let’s use Ranked Choice Voting in the general elections so that we choose our leaders through one efficient, high-turnout, representative election.
It's Non-Partisan Reform
Ranked Choice Voting is non-partisan. RCV elections are won by the candidate that is most unifying, and most representative candidate of their district, whether that person is conservative or liberal.
Example letters
Letter: Ranked-choice voting having an influence
Original Publication To the editor: This summer, we volunteered to provide voter education on ranked-choice voting at Bloomington events and door knock in preparation for the Bloomington City Council election this November. While we are involved in a lot of...
Letter: Voters need not wait until Nov. 2
Original Publication To the editor: Early voting for local elections in Bloomington starts this Friday, Sept. 17. Voters can request a mail-in ballot or vote early in-person at city hall 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, with additional hours the Saturday and...
FairVote Minnesota and FairVote Minnesota Union (TNG-CWA 37002) Jointly Announce Organization’s Commitment to Union Workers
FairVote Minnesota and organizing employees in FairVote Minnesota Union (TNG-CWA 37002) jointly announce the recall of bargaining unit employees to organizing positions at FairVote Minnesota. FairVote Minnesota and FairVote Minnesota Union are proud that the...
Axel Daood: Ranked choice voting will lead to better leaders
Originally Published in Winona Daily News Eight months ago, Republican politicians tacitly and explicitly endorsed voter fraud conspiracies, fomenting anger that erupted in violence at the January 6 insurrection. Then, the same politicians – including our...
Arnold Ventures — Ranked-Choice Voting Passes Its Biggest Test Yet
Arnold Ventures — Ranked-Choice Voting Passes Its Biggest Test Yet By Alan Greenblatt The number of cities using a voting method known as ranked-choice voting is set to double this year, to more than 50. Next year, Alaska will join Maine in using the method statewide....
Results are in: NYC Ranked Choice Voting Primary Election Success
By nearly every measure, the first Ranked Choice Voting election in our nation’s largest city was a resounding success, with the Washington Post editorial board calling on the expansion of RCV in more places. Many of the promises of RCV came to fruition: The election...
ABC Newspapers – LETTER: Time to consider ranked choice voting
ABC Newspapers — LETTER: Time to consider ranked choice voting To the editor: The elections have really had me thinking about American politics. With our current two-party system, there has been so much mudslinging between Democrats and Republicans that it...
FairVote MN Response to the Union: We stand committed to the Union
Dear democracy and Union friends, We want to share our letter to Candace Lund representing the FairVote Minnesota Union in response to their letter of demands around the layoffs at the organization. We respond to their letter with an apology, a commitment to an...
SUN Sailor – LETTER: We applaud the efforts in educating the public on ranked-choice voting
Sun Current, November 22Laura Calbone and Marcia Wattson, Bloomington We are thrilled that ranked-choice voting passed and that Bloomington voters will begin using it in mayoral and city council elections starting next year. Thank you to everyone who...
Minnesota Reformer – Stop using the ignorant ‘We’re a republic not a democracy’ line
Minnesota Reformer — Stop using the ignorant 'We're a republic not a democracy' lineBy John Micek Who knew that America was filled with so many amateur social studies teachers? Whenever I write about Republican-led efforts in state capitols across the land to sharply...