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
New Survey Shows Overwhelming Favorability for Ranked Choice Voting in Federal Elections
By Shawn Griffiths, Published by Independent Voter News April 20, 2022 https://ivn.us/posts/new-survey-shows-overwhelming-favorability-for-ranked-choice-voting-in-federal-elections Only hours after the riot of Jan. 6, 2021, with the calls to “stop the steal” still...
Jan. 6 votes show the link between primary system and more extreme views in Congress
By Alexander Vanderklipp. Published in the Fulcrum March 31, 2022 https://thefulcrum.us/Elections/Voting/republican-election-objectors Only hours after the riot of Jan. 6, 2021, with the calls to “stop the steal” still reverberating under the Capitol Rotunda, 139...
We’re Hiring for 2022!
FairVote Minnesota is a leading nonprofit organization in the movement for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), one of the most significant political reforms in generations. From giving voters more choice to ensuring candidates with majority support to reducing polarization in...
Caucus for Ranked Choice Voting, Feb. 1
The anniversary of the January 6th attack on our nation’s Capitol reminded us that our democracy is fragile and the rules of our elections matter more than ever. To build a more inclusive, diverse, responsive, and less polarizing democracy, we need to empower voters...
FairVote MN statement on the anniversary of January 6
Our worst fears about our democracy were realized a year ago today. The horrific events, and those responsible for them, are a stain on our history and our democracy. A year later, the former president and his allies continue to foment the Big Lie about a stolen 2020...
2021 Bloomington by the Numbers
RANKED CHOICE VOTING BY THE NUMBERS 2021 Key Bloomington Election FindingsBy every measure, Ranked Choice Voting was a success in the 2021 municipal election. The numbers tell the story and underscore voters’ support for RCV. SUMMARY 77% of voters found RCV simple to...
2021 Minneapolis by the Numbers
RANKED CHOICE VOTING BY THE NUMBERS2021 Key Minneapolis Election Findings By every measure, Ranked Choice Voting was a resounding success in the 2021 municipal election. The numbers tell the story and underscore voters’ consistent and overwhelming support for RCV....
2021 RCV Election Overview
Executive Summary for Bloomington, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park and St. Paul 2021 has been a historic year for Ranked Choice Voting in Minnesota. Bloomington, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul all used RCV for their municipal elections....
Bloomington candidates reflect on campaigns, successes
Source: https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/bloomington-candidates-reflect-on-campaigns-successes/article_bfb7c0a2-5875-11ec-b94e-734238960758.html Mike Hanks Community Editor (Published Dec 6, 2021) When the dust settled days after...
House Passes Two Phillips Bills Designed To Improve Elections and Prevent Corruption
From the Office of Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03): HOUSE PASSES TWO PHILLIPS BILLS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ELECTIONS AND PREVENT CORRUPTION The provisions were included in the Protecting Our Democracy Act, comprehensive legislation to strengthen America’s democracy...