The Boston City Council voted 8-4 earlier this month to advance a home rule petition that would change the way Boston voters elect officials in our municipal elections.
As the name suggests, the proposed new system—Ranked Choice Voting — would allow voters in future elections (not this year) to rank candidates for mayor or council in order of preference. Under this proposal, if no candidate received more than 50 percent of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes would be eliminated, and their votes redistributed to the next-highest ranked active candidate on each ballot.
“This process continues in rounds until one candidate earns a majority and is declared the winner,” the proposal reads.
Proponents say the system — already in place in Cambridge— will better reflect the will of the electorate.
Opponents say it’s too complicated and unnecessary, since Boston elections already feature two-rounds and are non-partisan.
In this week’s Reporter, we present two opinions on the matter.
On the pro-side, Edwyn Shoemaker — executive director of Voter Choice Massachusetts— makes the case in favor of RCV.
Against the measure, representing the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, is Paul Craney.
