Letter: RCV Info Available in Bloomington

Submitted (unpublished) Letter to the Editor, Bloomington Sun Current

Nearly 40 years ago, I ran as a Citizens Party candidate for Congress in the 3rd District. While we were able to disseminate our ideas and be included in panel discussions with the two major parties, there was absolutely no chance to gain a plurality let alone a majority of the vote. Had ranked-choice voting (RCV) been implemented by then, this uncomplicated, non-partisan voting system properly understood would have been advantageous in so many different ways.

On Thursday, May 16, at the Bloomington Civic Plaza, the City Council and Charter Commission held a study session on RCV. Prior to that, Sun Current Community Editor, Mike Hanks, wrote an informative column on this subject (March 7) followed by Bloomington FairVote organizer Laura Calbone’s letter to the editor (May 16). In addition to the support from FairVote Minnesota, the Bloomington League of Women Voters chapter presided by Mary Rice is prepared to help educate voters with the system. Finally Minnesota House Representative, Steve Elkins (49B), deserves much appreciation for co-sponsoring legislation to further local options of RCV throughout the state.

Bloomington residents seeking additional information on this potential voting system for the city are invited for “Donuts and Democracy” at Creekside Community Center Saturday, June 29, from 10-11:30 am. You are encouraged to mark your calendars to sample and rank donuts with coffee hosted by FairVote Minnesota.

Richard Laybourn, Bloomington