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

  1. Read the “Example Letters” section of this page, so you can be a part of the current conversation. 
  2. Select the newspaper you would like to submit to and learn their submission guidelines (e.g. word count, submission process, etc…).
  3. Aim to convey one or two messages in the “LTE Key Messages” section of this page.
  4. Write a letter that follows the three-part formula.
    1. The Hook. A personal, attention grabbing first sentence that conveys the gist of the letter.
    2. The Argument. One to three paragraphs that flesh out your argument and convey your perspective. Short, simple, and personal is best.
    3. The Call to Action. End with a clear call-to-action for one or two target audiences.
  5. If you would like feedback on what you have written, feel free to reach out to info@fairvotemn.org.
  6. Submit your letter via your newspaper’s submission process.
  7. 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

 

Ranked Choice Voting is simple

I'm a little insulted by politicians who claim that I would be confused by ranked-choice voting. And if there is a position for which I think only one candidate deserves my vote, I'm no worse off if other voters make multiple choices. I have a little more sympathy for...

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A new bill could change the way you vote

(ABC 6 News) – Those who are for ranked choice voting say it’s going to give people a more accurate representation of the office and those who are against it say if passed things might get a little messy. “It’s more talking about issues and discussing issues,” said...

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St. Peter explores ranked choice voting ahead of state bill

From states like Alaska and Maine to municipalities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and New York City, an increasing number of Americans are casting their votes on ranked choice ballots.   With more jurisdictions adopting the alternative electoral system, discussions...

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March 17 was a big day for Ranked Choice Voting

Capitol Rally for Ranked Choice Voting with Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Representatives Mary Peltola and Dean Phillips, as the Protect & Advance Democracy Act Passes Two More Committees March 18, 2023 By Jeanne Massey and Erin Zamoff What an exciting day...

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Capitol Rally for Ranked Choice Voting with Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Representatives Mary Peltola and Dean Phillips, as the Protect & Advance Democracy Act Has Its First Hearing in the Minnesota House

St. Paul (March 15, 2023) –– On Friday, March 17, the House Elections Committee will hold its first hearing on the Protect and Advance Democracy Act (HF 2486) setting the course to bring Ranked Choice Voting statewide. The hearing will be held at 8:30am CT in Room 5,...

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