Ranked choice voting is voice for progress, fairness and innovation

To the editor:

This election, Minneapolis continues to lead the way with Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) – a system that gives every voter more choice and ensures winners truly reflect the will of the community.
Because we use RCV, there was no primary this year – just one decisive election that saves time, money, and gives every voter a stronger voice.
HOW IT WORKS
On your ballot, you can rank up to three candidates for each office in order of preference.
1. First-choice votes are counted.
2. If no candidate earns a majority, the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated.
3. Votes for that candidate are reassigned to each voter’s next choice.
4. The process continues until one candidate earns a majority of continuing votes—or in the case of multi-seat races like the Park Board or Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), until all seats are filled.
WHY RANKED CHOICE VOTING WORKS 
Now used in 60+ jurisdictions nationwide, including the states of Maine and Alaska, RCV has been proven to:
• Ensure majority support, not just plurality wins.
• Save taxpayer money by eliminating costly, low-turnout primaries or runoffs.
• Incentivize more civil campaigns – since candidates seek to be voters’ second or third choices, they’re less likely to go negative.
• Increase representation and diversity on local councils and in city government.
• Reduce the “spoiler effect” and open the door to more independent and diverse candidates.
• Encourage greater voter engagement and participation.
MINNEAPOLIS LEADS WITH FAIRNESS AND INCLUSION
RCV means no vote is wasted, no voice is silenced, and every ranking helps shape the city we want to build together.
So when you vote, rank your choices – because every ranking is a voice for progress, fairness, and innovation.

Martin Abrams

Lynnhurst resident for 27 years