Last November, my fellow Maine citizens voted in favor of Ranked-Choice Voting. We did it to put power back in the hands of voters and make politicians more accountable to us. We did it so that if our favorite candidate couldn’t win, our vote could be instantly counted for our second choice without the need for a separate runoff. And, we did it to discourage personal attacks by candidates and encourage them instead to appeal to us on the basis of policies and positions on issues of importance to us.
It is not a partisan measure. RCV received the second largest “yes” vote in the history of Maine referendums. More than 388,000 Mainers from all political persuasions across the state voted for it. Respecting the will of the people is essential and supports the tradition of Mainers taking the lead on important measures to improve and strengthen democracy.
The Legislature now needs to act to implement RCV in federal and primary elections, along with a question on the November ballot for a constitutional amendment allowing for the remaining three general elections for state offices. It is a matter of fair and honest representation.
P. Jaine Jacobs, Dallas Plantation
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