Are you concerned our elected leaders don’t seem to represent the majority of voters? Many multi-seat elections are won with less than 50% of votes because first-past-the-post often results in winners who only represent the margins of political ideologies rather than the largest group of voters. A ranked choice voting method mathematically ensures that winners have the broadest support of the electorate. RCV also reduces polarization and eliminates split voting.

A good place to start using RCV is in our local communities. We could decide for ourselves if we want to use RCV locally, if Concord gave us the authority. We could then put it to a ballot vote, via warrant article or other path, to find out if the residents want to opt in to use RCV. That is what House bill 600 is all about. If passed, this bill would not, in itself, establish RCV anywhere. It would just enable the option to use it to each community. I encourage your support of this bill, giving us a local choice. Our legislators are elected to listen to what we want, and it’s our job to let them know. Let’s get on it! To learn more about RCV go to www.fairvote.org or www.nhrankedchoice.org.

Cheri Bach

Portsmouth