Ask anyone the meaning of democracy and most will say “majority rule.” Yet, some in the Legislature want to stop ranked-choice voting, which Maine voters enacted in 2016 to make sure their elected representatives were supported by a majority of voters.

Voter participation is down because many people believe the system is rigged and controlled by those who donate the most money. Candidates can win now by appealing to a small group of voters. As long as they keep this group happy, they have no reason to listen to the views of other constituents.

With ranked-choice voting, candidates who want to be elected and re-elected would have to act in the interests of a broader group of voters. That should result in elected officials working together for the good of Maine, rather than narrow special-interest groups.

Maine must amend its constitution to allow for ranked-choice voting for all elections. Until then, Maine can use ranked-choice voting in all primary elections and general elections for federal office.

To have a government that represents the majority, legislators must support LD 1646 in the upcoming special session of the Legislature. That law will bring ranked-choice voting to Maine. Starting with all primary elections in 2018 will be a good way to introduce this new system to voters.

Christine Gianopoulos, Greene

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