Senator: RCV Promotes Equity, Bipartisanship & Civility

Whether at the local or state level, we as a community face big challenges and decisions. In order to tackle these challenges successfully, a variety of voices and perspectives need to come together, be heard and problem solve with the common goal of making things better for everyone.

Our current, divisive politics often puts up barriers to accomplishing that. This is why I support ranked choice voting (RCV), which promotes equity and better representation, as well as bipartisanship and civility – exactly what we need so we can move forward together and solve problems.

Bloomington, and other places that have adopted RCV, have seen more diverse candidates both run for office and win. This is important because people with different backgrounds bring different perspectives to help solve problems, and our representative government at all levels should reflect the communities they serve.

In order to win under RCV, candidates must earn the support of more than half of voters. Successful candidates engage with more voters on important issues, and hear different perspectives than if they are only listening to a small supporter “base.” Once elected, they are accountable to a majority of voters rather than the small percent who participate in low-turnout primaries. This leads to better representation for everyone.

And let’s talk about civility, as we’re in the midst of a big election year filled with deceptive rancor. With RCV, candidates are less likely to demonize their opponents, since they are trying to earn second-choice votes from their opponents’ supporters. Instead, it is in their interest to consider ways in which they share policy positions and where they can find common ground – compromising skills that will serve them well once elected.

RCV has the potential to transform our politics in ways we can all support – representation that is more reflective of our communities, and more civility and working together to solve the challenges we face together as a community.

I urge you to vote No on the repeal, so Bloomington voters can continue to reap the benefits of RCV and lead our state toward a better political future.

State Senator Alice Mann, Senate District 50 (which includes West Bloomington)